Towing Capacity and Parts Needed for 2006 Lexus RX 400h
Question:
I know nothing about cars. Can you explain it to me like a toddler....in not kidding. Ive been googling for hours and half of my googling is just for mechanical terms. I have the Lexus rx400 2006 model. Im planning to tow a 2000lb trailer, will it work? Will I need to weld it. How can I weight distribute the weight and what does that do for the towing? Thank you
asked by: Jovan
Expert Reply:
No worries...all subjects were new to each of us at one point! Hitches and trailer towing included. You may want to start off with a review of the linked article on towing basics; these will help you with terminology and the essentials of towing.
Step 1 in your towing prep is confirming that your 2006 Lexus RX 400h is rated to tow the 2000-lb trailer. I reviewed an online edition and on page 601 the manual indicates towing capacities of 2000-lbs for the non-tow-package-equipped version and 3500-lbs for the tow-package-equipped version.
For a hitch I suggest Curt # 13530 that you referenced; this installs without welding and without any drilling. The hitch includes all required mounting hardware and you can see the process of mounting it in the linked video. A helpful article on hitch installation is included too.
For a 4-pole wiring harness to operate the trailer lights you can use # C59236. A video and article for this installation are included too. So long as the trailer does not have electric brakes this is all the wiring you'll need.
To complete the towing set-up you can use our handy Ball Mount Kit # 989900 which includes 2 popular sizes of hitch ball and two ball mounts.
You may also care to add some towing mirrors to give you a better view of the trailer and roadway behind you. We offer a universal 2-mirror kit # KS3990 that will attach to your OEM mirrors to give you a better rear view.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
K-Source Universal Dual Lens Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Pair
- Towing Mirrors
- Clip-On Mirror
- Manual
- Pair of Mirrors
- Universal Fit
- Non-Heated
- Fits Driver and Passenger Side
- K Source
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Yakima EXO Swing Away Storage System w/ 2 Enclosed Cargo Carriers - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Yakima Exo System Swing Away Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 44649
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: 68149
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: dust cap
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended Lithium Battery Compatible Power Converter For Parallax 7355
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Search Results: hitch
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Lippert Solera Slider Slide-Topper Installation - 2021 Grand Design Reflection Fifth Wheel LCV000165
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop