weight Lexus GX460 2010 User Guide

366
2-5. Driving information
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
■Gross vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The gross
vehicle weight is the sum weight of the unloaded vehicle, driver, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. Also included is the
weight of any special equipment installed on your vehicle.
■ Gross axle weight
The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribution of
the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.
Certification Label
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
■Trailer tongue load
● A recommended tongue load varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● In order to ensure the recommended values shown below, the
trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue
load is 9 to 11 % of the total trailer weight, not exceeding 650 lb.
(294 kg). (Tongue load/Total trailer weight × 100 = 9 to 11 %)
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (900 kg), it is neces-
sary to use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lbs. (2268 kg), it is neces-
sary to use a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity.
If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, keep your vehicle
level with the ground.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing stations, building
supply companies, trucking companies, junk yards, etc.
Total trailer weight
Tongue load
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2-5. Driving information
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
Towing related term
To w i n g r e l a t e d t e r mMeaning
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
The maximum allowable gross vehicle
weight. The gross vehicle weight is the total
weight of the vehicle. When towing a
trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle weight
(including the occupants, cargo and any
optional equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the tongue load.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)The maximum allowable gross axle weight.
The gross axle weight is the load placed on
each axle (front and rear).
GCWR (Gross Combination
We i g h t R a t i n g )
The maximum allowable gross combina-
tion weight. The gross combination weight
is the sum of the total vehicle weight
(including the occupants, cargo and any
optional equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the weight of the trailer being
towed (including the cargo in the trailer).
Gross trailer weightThe sum of the trailer weight and the
weight of the cargo in the trailer.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
Towing a trailerContact your Lexus dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit etc.
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by
the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be rated for towing
a higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum weight
rating specified for the trailer hitch.
Towing related termMeaning
Towing capacity
The maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. Towing capacity is calculated con-
sidering the base vehicle with necessary
vehicle equipment and occupants. Addi-
tional optional equipm ent, passengers and
cargo in the vehicle will reduce the towing
capacity, gross trailer weight includes the
trailer, cargo and necessary equipment for
towing.
To n g u e l o a dThe load placed on the trailer hitch ball.
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2-5. Driving information
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
Selecting a trailer ballUse the correct trailer ball for your application. Trailer ball load rating
Matches or exceeds the gross
trailer weight rating of the trailer.
Ball diameter
Matches the size of the trailer cou-
pler. Most couplers are stamped
with the required trailer ball size.
Shank length
Protrudes beyond the bottom of
the lock washer and nut at least 2
threads.
Shank diameter
Matches the ball mount hole diam-
eter size.
Connecting trailer lights
Use the wire harness stored in the
rear end under body.
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374
2-5. Driving information
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed
6500 lb. (2948 kg).
●If a trailer and cargo weigh over 2000 lbs. (900 kg), use a sway control device of
sufficient capacity.
●If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lbs. (2268 kg), it is necessary to use a
weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity.
●If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, keep your vehicle level with the
ground.
●The gross combined weight (sum of your vehicle weight plus its load and the total
trailer weight) must not exceed 13100 lb. (5492 kg).
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
●Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About 60 % of
the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40 % in the
rear.
●The tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on another
vehicle.
●Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is
lower. A instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combination increases
as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause loss of control.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
●Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do
not make sudden downshifts.
●Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too fre-
quently.
This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.
■Hitches
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
●Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
●Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
●Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After removing
the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any sub-
stances into the vehicle.
■When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (453 kg), trailer brakes are required.
●Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle’s brak-
ing effectiveness.
●Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the
trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is
a risk of the trailer wandering into another lane.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the
fabric or bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or
location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered,
the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20
minutes, the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute to indi-
cate a system malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if they
have seldom or never been us ed or damage is not obvious.
■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of the tire as snow tires is lost.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the number given by dividing the maximum load by 1.10 of the replace-
ment tire is greater than 1 /2 of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either
the front axle or the rear axle, whichever is greater.
For the GAWR, see the Certification Label.
For the maximum load of the tire, see the load
limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure
mentioned on the sidewall of the tire.
(→ P. 76 7 )
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636
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
.
■Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure every 2 weeks, or at least once a month.
Do not forget to check the spare.
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
●Reduced fuel efficiency
●Reduced driving comfort and tire life
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
●Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for
more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pressure
reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be misleading. In addition, tire inflation pressures
that are even just a few pounds off can degrade ride and handling.
●Do not bleed or reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal for the
tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving.
●Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is bal-
anced.
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638
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
GX460_CANADA (OM60F29U)
Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause loss of handling
control.
■ Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they
are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim
width, and inset
*.
Replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Lexus does not recommend using:
● Wheels of different sizes or types
● Used wheels
● Bent wheels that have been straightened
● Lexus wheels with after market chrome plating
■ Aluminum wheel precautions
●Use only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with
your aluminum wheels.
● When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
● Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire
chains.
● When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus genuine balance
weights or the equivalent. If clip-on balance weights are being
used, use a plastic or rubber hammer to install the weight.
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