Complete Towing Setup for 2018 Lexus RX 350 Including Hitch, Wiring and Brake Controller

Question:

We have a 2018 RX 350 and we're getting a small camper. Can you please tell us all of the items we need to have. I know we need a hitch and a brake box since the camper has brakes. Wiring too I suppose. Please just tell us the right items so we can get all of that put in and be all ready to go when the camper is delivered.

asked by: Ron

Expert Reply:

I'm happy to help you get your RX 350 ready for pulling your new camping trailer and I wish you many good times in the future.

Starting with a hitch, I recommend the USA-made etrailer Class III hitch # e94AR for its simple no-drill installation (it includes all the hardware) and for its substantial 4000-lb towing capacity. It installs as shown in the written instructions, which is linked for reference. I also suggest ball mount kit # 989900 which provides multiple ball mounts and sizes of hitch balls for towing flexibility. If you are unsure of the size hitch ball the trailer requires, or of the height of the trailer, this kit lets you cover many bases with just the one item.

Installing a trailer brake controller and the wiring for its lights will take only a few items. You'll use 4-pole wiring kit # 118255 as a starting point, and then add brake controller wiring kit # ETBC7. These two wiring parts are all you need apart from the controller itself. The controller I recommend is the reliable and user-friendly Prodigy P3 # 90195 from Tekonsha.

The Prodigy P3 is easy to install, simple to use and has proven itself to be the one to beat. It has features that make using it much easier, such as storable brake settings and a large clear display that makes it easy to know what's going on with the trailer. No other items are needed for your wiring and brake controller installation. Helpful information on the wiring and controller installations are included for you too.

The other item I recommend is a set of towing mirrors to help increase your visibility. For a single-lens set use part # KS3891-2 or for a dual-lens mirror use # KS3990. Both of these K-Source products install without tools.

expert reply by: Adam R

Doug F.

1/28/2020

I just purchased a 2020 Lexus RX350 all wheel drive and would like to add a trailer hitch and wiring harness. I am just going to be pulling a jet ski so the harness should be sufficient...no brake controller needed. I am particular as it is an expensive new vehicle and want it to look good tight to trim and not hang down in sight.Which parts do I need to purchase? Thanks

Jacob H.

1/29/2020

There are two hitches available for the 2020 Lexus RX 350, as of right now. The first one is the Curt hitch # C13272. The only thing that is visible is the receiver tube. This is going to be a 2" receiver tube opening and in order to haul your trailer I would recommend wiring # 118252 and a ball mount. Now, if you are wanting to go full incognito with your hitch I would go with the Stealth Hitch # 391LXRX16T. The entire hitch will be hidden up and behind your bumper. You will never know that it's there and will not change the looks of your very sleek RX 350. The only time you will see something is when the ball mount is inserted, which at this point you've now got a trailer behind you so it's not a concern anymore. This kit is going to include everything such as the hitch, wiring, and a ball mount with a ball. I suggest you take a look at our product pages for more information on either.