How to Pick Out (and Install) a Lexus Trailer Hitch
No current Lexus models include a trailer hitch as standard equipment, but you can install an aftermarket one yourself.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Which Lexus models come with a trailer hitch?
- How to pick a Lexus trailer hitch
- How to install a trailer hitch on a Lexus
- How to upgrade your Lexus insurance
- FAQs
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Despite being rated for towing between 1,500 and 8,000 pounds from the 2022 NX 250 to the LX 600, there are currently no Lexus models that include a trailer hitch as standard equipment. That being said, you can purchase an accessory hitch from Lexus, or install an aftermarket hitch to aid in realizing your Lexus’ towing potential.
Towing might not be the first thing you think of when you picture a Lexus, a brand more associated with style and luxury than rugged appearances and powerful towing capacities. That being said, many of Lexus’ SUVs are more than capable of towing plenty of weight courtesy of all-wheel-drive capabilities and powerful V6 and V8 engines.
It might be surprising, therefore, that none of the Lexus models rated for towing come with a standard trailer hitch—meaning that you’ll have to install your own hitch if you want to tow your camper, boat, or U-Haul behind your Lexus.
Here to show you how to find, select, and install a trailer hitch for your Lexus is
Jerry
—the top-rated car insurance
comparison shopping app!Which Lexus models come with a trailer hitch?
There are currently no Lexus models that come with a standard trailer hitch. And the Lexus towing package won’t be much help either, as it only adds a cooling system upgrade with a larger radiator and fan—no hitch. This means that, if you really want to tow a trailer behind your Lexus, you’re going to need to purchase a trailer hitch as an additional accessory.
Lexus sells each of its towing accessories separately and recommends the purchase of four accessories in total:
- A tow hitch (a.k.a trailer hitch)
- A tow hitch receiver
- A trailer ball
- A ball mount
Together, these four components will allow your Lexus to tow anything you want, as long as the payload is within your model’s towing capacity limit.
Each of these components comes with its own individual price and has the ability to affect the overall towing capacity of your Lexus model. For example, the hitch available for the RX 350 is rated to meet the model’s maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the trailer hitch available for the GX 460 is rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds.
Take a look at the table below to see the towing capacity and hitch options available for your model.
Model | Maximum towing capacity | Trailer hitch price | Ball mount price | Hitch cap price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 NX (250, 350, 350 F Sport, 350H, 450H+, 450H+ F Sport) | 2,000 lbs | $640 | $70 | N/A |
2022 RX (350, 350L, 350 F Sport, 450H, 450H F Sport, 450HL F) | 3,500 lbs | $640 | $70 | N/A |
2022 GX (460, 460 Premium, 460 Luxury) | 6,500 lbs | $640 | $70 | N/A |
2022 LX (600) | 8,000 lbs | $640 | $70 | N/A |
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You might have noticed that the Lexus UX SUV has been left out of the list of models that are eligible to receive an accessory trailer hitch—that’s because the UX is not rated for towing, so you won’t be able to add a trailer hitch as an accessory.
Technically, the UX probably can tow a little bit of weight, but Lexus strongly recommends against using the model for towing purposes. Going against this advice could lead to your warranty and insurance coverage being voided should you incur any damages while towing.
How to pick a Lexus trailer hitch
If you’ve already got a Lexus parked in your garage and are looking to install a trailer hitch, it’s important that you purchase the right kind of trailer hitch for your model. There are a few different types of trailer hitches to choose from:
- Receiver hitch: This is the most common type of trailer hitch. Meeting rigorous safety standards, a receiver hitch attaches to the frame of your Lexus—this is the hitch you’ll receive if you purchase it as an accessory from Lexus directly.
- Front-mounted hitch: If you’re interested in carrying additional cargo in front of your Lexus, you can always purchase a front-mounted hitch, which connects to the front of your vehicle’s frame as opposed to the rear.
- Bumper hitch: Bumper hitches typically can’t tow as much weight as receiver hitches due to a lack of security. On the other hand, these hitches are more freely adjustable.
Genuine Lexus trailer hitches vs. aftermarket hitches for Lexus
Next, you’ll need to decide if you want to invest in a
genuine Lexus trailer hitch
, or if you’re happy with an aftermarket hitch. One of the most glaring benefits of purchasing an aftermarket hitch is that it’s going to be noticeably more affordable than the genuine article. Aftermarket hitches that are suitable for Lexus models will run you about $175 to $230 compared to the $640 you’ll be spending on an OEM Lexus hitch.
Intro to trailer classes
Regardless of where you purchase your trailer hitch, it’s vital that you’re buying a hitch for the appropriate trailer class. Trailers are organized into five classes by weight:
- Class I: up to 2,000 lbs
- Class II: 2,000 to 3,500 lbs
- Class III:3,500 to 8,000 lbs
- Class IV: 5,000 to 12,000 lbs
- Class V:10,000 to 25,000 lbs
The best Lexus NX trailer hitch
The smallest SUV on Lexus’ current line-up of vehicles, the NX is going to need to be equipped with the smallest type of trailer hitch on the market. NX owners should be looking for a Class I Lexus trailer hitch, allowing them to tow up to 2,000 pounds, the equivalent of a small tent camper or cargo tray.
The best Lexus RX trailer hitch
For owners of any Lexus RX trim, you'll want to seek out a Class II or Class III trailer hitch kit, which will allow your SUV to tow up to its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, or the equivalent of a small camper or boat.
The best Lexus GX trailer hitch
For the larger Lexus GX SUV, drivers will need to look for either a Class III or Class IV Lexus trailer hitch. This will allow drivers to avail of the GX’s additional towing capacity—up to 6,500 pounds to be exact.
The best Lexus LX trailer hitch
Finally, to unlock the Lexus LX’s maximum towing capacity of 8,000 pounds, owners of this SUV will need to keep their eyes peeled for a Class III or Class IV Lexus trailer hitch, which unlocks the ability to tow utility trailers (including U-Hauls), medium-sized campers, and more.
- The aftermarket option ($232.99):Reese Towpower 44710 Class IV Custom-Fit Hitch
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How to install a trailer hitch on a Lexus
There are two key methods you can use when installing a trailer hitch on your Lexus model. If you’ve got the automotive know-how—and a well-stocked toolbox—you can install your hitch at home. Otherwise, you can take the hitch to a professional to ensure that the installation is done correctly.
Your local Lexus dealership can perform the installation for you, as can your regular maintenance garage, or even your local U-Haul location. This service usually runs up a labor cost between $100 and $250. Altogether, with the cost of the hitch itself, your bill will come out to a total installation cost between $300 and $600, with variations based on the model, location, and parts.
If you want to install your Lexus trailer hitch yourself, start by checking your toolkit. You’ll need:
- A socket set
- A ratchet and ratchet extension
- A swivel socket
- A torque wrench
- Work gloves, safety glasses, and a work light
Ideally, your Lexus trailer hitch will come with detailed installation instructions. Follow those directions carefully, and keep the following tips in mind:
- Putting your Lexus on jack stands will help to make the installation process easier, quicker, and safer by granting you access to the rear of your vehicle, where the hitch will be attached.
- Be mindful that your towing equipment, including your hitch, can be quite heavy! Ask a friend to help out if possible!
- Be sure to torque all bolts to the specifications given in your instructions.
How to upgrade your Lexus insurance
And voila! You’ve just installed your Lexus trailer hitch and can now tow your camper, boat, or U-Haul wherever you need to go! Before you hit the road, however, you should take a minute to update your
Lexus car insurance
with Jerry
. Genuinely—it only takes a minute to update your car insurance coverage with the Jerry super app. As a licensed insurance broker, Jerry offers car owners custom competitive quotes on car insurance from 50+ of the nation’s top insurance providers in as little as 45 seconds! Even better, the average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on their updated car insurance policy.
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FAQs
How much does it cost to install a trailer hitch for a Lexus RX?
The approximate cost for installing a trailer hitch on a Lexus RX is going to be between $100 and $250 for labor costs, as well as the price of the hitch itself, which will cost you between
$300 and $600.
Can a Lexus RX tow a U-Haul trailer?
It depends on the weight of the U-Haul. The Lexus RX is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is more than most U-Haul trailers, even when fully loaded.
Do Lexus RX’s come with a hitch?
No. No Lexus models come with a standard trailer hitch, although you can choose to purchase one as an additional accessory.
