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Does Tie Down Get Removed to Install Hitch on 2026 Lexus RX350  

Updated 01/15/2026 | Published 01/13/2026

Question:

I have a 2026 Lexus RX350. On the right rear underside is a tiedown that interferes with installation. I have to remove the tiedown, held on with just two bolts, to get the hitch in place. But after the hitch installation there doesnt appear to be any way to get the tiedown back in place. Am I missing something? Is the tiedown essential or can I leave it off?

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Tie Down Loop
Tie Down Loop
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Rick, this is a great question but you would need to leave the tie down off of your 2026 Lexus RX350 when installing the etrailer hitch part # e29ZV. Its not needed but if you were to somehow need to recover the vehicle you could use the hitch's tie down loops as a recovery point instead. Will you be doing any towing?

expert reply by:
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Jameson C
Rick M. profile picture

Rick M.

1/14/2026

I installed the hitch for a bike rack; don’t plan to tow at all. Thanks for your response.

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

1/14/2026

@RickM Glad to help! Do you have a bike rack already?
Terry B. profile picture

Terry B.

1/15/2026

These are transportation tie downs used when the vehicle was shipped. Not necessary to reinstall.

Ja profile picture

Ja

1/15/2026

@TerryB just seen your reply and that's what I was thinking. I didn't see them on my 2023 or 2024 model RX
Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

1/15/2026

@TerryB Thanks for passing that along! That actually makes perfect sense.
Ja profile picture

Ja

1/15/2026

Jameson- u asked Rick if he would be doing any towing, why would that matter? Also that tie down probably something added on 2026 models, is it a tie down for when vehicle is on a flat bed ? Was the tie down bolted to the trailer hitch location for the bolts on just one side?

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

1/15/2026

@Ja If he was going to be doing any towing I was going to ask if he needs trailer wiring too. Some people use hitches for carrying bike racks or cargo carriers etc. Seems like the tie down is for when they transported the vehicle to the dealer.
Anthony profile picture

Anthony

1/15/2026

Hey Rick I bought the toe hitch for my 2023 rx 350, sorry but my year was different install. I took out the 4 grommets and installed the four bolts to the under carriage and was done. Sorry I couldn’t help you. But it was simple and easy to install I recommend at all

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