That is the tie down for transport by ship from Japan. It mounts in the same location as the tow hitch receiver an thus must be removed.

The OEM tow hitch also requires the removal of the kick sensor for the hatch. If the electric plug for that is left open, it can get water in it and cause all kinds of error messages.

 

That is the tie down for transport by ship from Japan. It mounts in the same location as the tow hitch receiver an thus must be removed.

The OEM tow hitch also requires the removal of the kick sensor for the hatch. If the electric plug for that is left open, it can get water in it and cause all kinds of error messages.

Don't the dealer techs simply relocate the kick sensor per installation directions? Even if not, it still works in the original location. I guess I've never heard of anyone taking it out and leaving the open plug.

 

Thanks for the information. I will no longer worry!

 

Sorry, didn't realize the directions were different for toyota and lexus. For lexus NX, it is simply move the kick sensor to a different bracket/mounting holes, altho probably half the people leave it in the original position and it works fine, if a little reduced field of view.

 

The new OEM hitch comes with an integrated tow hook so you don’t need the stock one.

Steve9

 

That is not a tow hook on the hitch. That is where you attach the safety chains required by most states when towing a trailer. It is not strong enough to tow, or even wrench a car out of a ditch.

If you need to pull a car from the back out of a ditch, it is better, and stronger, to put your ball mount in the hitch receiver and tie the tow strap to the ball.

 

1st photo is tow hook. 2nd photo is safety chains.

 

Very cool. We have a "tow hook". I just took a look at my, dealer installed, Toyota brand trailer hitch and lo and behold... there it was, right next to the right-side exhaust pipe. Exactly like your photo. I had not noticed it there since that day in December 2023 when we picked up our new 2024 RAV4 Hybrid XLE. While not exactly a "tow hook" at least it's a "TOW EYE". Thank you. Four months and 2,300 miles in... and still discovering features.

 

Did you loose the tailgate kick?

 

The tailgate kick is only on the highest trim levels. My XLE Premium with power lift gate does not have it.