Trailer Hitch Fits for 2012 Lexus RX 350 for Use of Cargo Carrier

Question:

Ive read your Q/As but need a little additional help....I have a 2012 Lexus RX350 that was fitted after purchase with a class II hitch - you responded to another Lexus owner saying the Carpod 2005 would fit a class III hitch - does it not fit the class II? Im told the hitch is good for up to 3500 lbs.....

asked by: Cynthia

Expert Reply:

The only size/class of trailer hitch offered for your 2012 Lexus RX 350 is the 2-inch Class III type like those shown on the linked page, such as Curt # C13143. I checked directly with both Draw-Tite and Curt and neither offers a 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch for your RX 350. You might refer to the linked article for help confirming your hitch size. There should also be a sticker on your hitch that indicates its class rating. Unless you had a custom-made hitch installed on your Lexus yours is almost certainly a 2-inch Class III.

The Carpod Folding Cargo Carrier # M2205-01-02 does require a 2-inch Class III hitch for installation. Although there are hitch adapters that allow use of an accessory of one size in a hitch of another size, use of these adapters comes at a price. ANY hitch adapter, such as Curt # C45785 which converts a 1-1/4-inch Class II receiver opening to a 2-inch size, will cause you to lose half of your hitch's rated capacity. This loss of weight capacity results from the changed geometry of the whole system - because the actual load is further away from the hitch.

expert reply by: Adam R