Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring for 2018 Lexus RX 450h

Question

Question:

Greetings. I am looking to tow some with my 2018 Lexus RX450h. Please tell me what trailer hitch - i see a curt and a draw-tite? - and wiring you recommend that will work and work well. Thank you. Oh and no tow package from the factory.

asked by: Paul

0

Expert Reply:

Starting with the trailer hitch for your 2018 Lexus RX 450h I recommend the Curt Class III Receiver Hitch # C13282 because it allows for an easier installation than the Draw-Tite model that is also available and is made right here in the USA. Unlike with the Draw-Tite unit, the Curt hitch has an angled crosstube that allows you to leave the factory exhaust pipe in its original location (see attached image). The Draw-Tite hitch requires that the pipe be lowered by a couple inches which would change your vehicle's ground clearance.

This durable Class III hitch features a 2 inch receiver with a 4,000 pound towing weight capacity and a 600 pound tongue weight limit. It will use existing holes in your vehicle's frame to allow for a no-drill installation. I have attached an installation video that you can also use for reference.

Then for a trailer wiring harness the Tekonsha T-One # 118255 is your best option. This custom harness plugs right into factory ports behind the rear bumper of your Lexus for a completely plug-and-play installation. It will provide you with a 4-Way connector to power a trailer's basic signal lights.

I have included the written installation manual that you can check out as well.

Lastly in order to tow a trailer you will need a ball mount and hitch ball. I have attached a great article that explains how to choose the best one for your setup along with a link that will take you to our available selection.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Bill R.

6/11/2026

Do you know what mods if any would be needed to install it on a 2018 Lexus RX450h F-Sport?

Chris R.

6/12/2026

@BillR Hey Bill, good question. We haven't had a chance to work on the F-Sport model but I did some digging and it looks like it's possible to install a hitch if you remove that lateral performance damper (you should be able to reinstall it once the hitch is in place). It looks like there's a plastic cover at the bottom of the bumper that you'll take off, too. Proceed with caution and check out some online forums from people who have done the same and you should be okay.

Bill R.

6/12/2026

@ChrisR Thank you for that. I saw that something with the suspension had to be removed and my concern was if I could put it back on or not. I will continue doing research. One other question. Could a hitch be install on the longer hL version without any problems?

Claire H.

6/18/2026

@BillR

Answer 1

The trailer hitch I highly recommend for your 2019 Lexus RX 450h is the Curt #C13282 because it is easier to install than the other trailer hitch that fits your '19 RX 450h and it also has a concealed crosstube so your Lexus will keep its clean…

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Answer 2

For the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C56217 on your 2021 Lexus RX 350L the connectors will be located in a different spot. The 10 pin connector should be located on the passenger side just below the taillight. The 4 pin connector will be…

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Answer 3

Hi Kirshna, for your 2022 Lexus RX 450H F Sport you can use the Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver #DT58GR. This hitch has a max weight capacity of 3,500 lbs, a max tongue weight of 350 lbs, and has a bolt on install requiring no…

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Answer 4

According to the instructions for CURT Trailer Hitch, #C13143 installation, lowering the exhaust is optional if you have a hard time getting the hitch into position (see page 7 in the instructions I have linked). The CURT hitch is shaped in such away…

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Answer 5

Hey Aaron, since the 2015 and 2018 Lexus RX 450h are different enough to require a different hitch fit the install instructions are not the same regarding the exhaust. The Draw Tite hitch part #75676 that fits the 2015 does not require having the…

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Answer 6

Curt trailer hitch #C13143 most certainly fits the 2015 Lexus RX350 without the factory tow package. Regarding the hitch coming into contact with the exhaust that can actually happen on pretty much any vehicle. This is because of minute differences…

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Answer 7

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #75676 is a confirmed fit for your 2014 Lexus RX 450h. We do not have any videos of the RX450h with that particular hitch receiver, but I have added the video of the…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 11

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 12

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring for 2018 Lexus RX 450h

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