load capacity Lexus GX470 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60A45U)

Finish
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
81
LUGGAGE STOWAGEPRECAUTIONS
When stowing luggage or cargo in or on the vehicle,
observe the following:
Put luggage or cargo in the luggage compartment when at
all possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as
far forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
CAUTION
To prevent luggage or packages from sliding forward
during braking, do not stack anything in the luggage
compartment higher than the seatbacks. Keep
luggage or packages low, as close to the floor as
possible.
 Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage
compartment. It is not designed for passengers.
They should ride in their seats with their seat belts
properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more
likely to suffer serious bodily injury, in the event of
sudden braking or a collision.
Do not place anything on the luggage cover. Such
items may be thrown about and possibly injury
people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an
accident.
 Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument
panel. They may interfere with the driver’s field of
view. Or they may move during sharp vehicle
acceleration or turning, and impair the driver’s
control of the vehicle. In an accident they may injure
the vehicle occupants.
NOTICE
Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity
weight specified on the tire pressure label.

STARTING AND DRIVING
336
LIMITEDSLIP DIFFERENTIAL
Your Lexus is equipped with a limited−slip center differential
(transfer).
If one wheel − either front or rear − begins to spin, the transfer
(limited −slip center differential) is designed to aid traction by
automatically transmitting driving force to the wheels on the
other drive axle. It transmits driving force to the front wheels
if a rear wheel spins, and to the rear wheels if a front wheel
spins.
CAUTION
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by a jack. The vehicle could be driven off the
jack and could pose a danger or result in serious injury.
NOTICE
Use only a spare tire of the same size, construction and
load capacity as the original tires on your Lexus
because damage to the limitedslip differential could
possibly occur with another tire type.
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped
with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are high −speed capability tires best suited to
highway driving under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance
as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on
snow−covered or icy roads. For driving on snow −covered or
icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If installing snow
tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2. All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow
and to be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well
as for use all year round.
All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow.
Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling
performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.

DRIVING TIPS
348
CAUTION
The maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
cargo weight) must never exceed the following for
vehicle with equipped.
For weight carrying hitch 2268 kg (5000 lb.)
Also for weight distributing hitch 2948 kg (6500 lb.)
If towing a trailer and cargo weighting over 2268 kg
(5000 lb.), it is necessary to use a weight distributing
hitch.
If towing a trailer and cargo weighing over 907 kg
(2000 lb.), Lexus recommends to use a sway control
device with sufficient capacity. The combination of
the gross trailer weight added to the total weight of
the vehicle, occupants and vehicle cargo must never
exceed a total of the following.
According to the hitch receiver type, the maximum
gross trailer weight and hitch that can be used
differs. Refer to the illustrations to confirm the hitch
receiver type for your vehicle.
For weight carrying hitch 4764 kg (10500 lb.)
Also for weight distributing hitch 5443 kg (12000 lb.)
Exceeding the maximum weight of the trailer, the
vehicle, or the vehicle and trailer combination, can
cause an accident resulting in serious personal
injuries.
 Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight
capacities established by the hitch manufacturer.
Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine
the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch
assembly and never exceed the maximum weight
rating specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the
maximum weight rating set by the trailer hitch
manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in
serious personal injuries.
 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,
passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load.
It also includes the weight of any special equipment
installed on your vehicle.
 The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from
distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles
must not exceed the front and rear Gross Axle W eight
Ratings (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.

CHASSIS
436Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include
cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C − The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Warning: The temperature grades for this tire are established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately
or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use a tire of the same size and
construction, and the same or greater load capacity as the
originally installed tires. Also, all the tires must be the
same brand and have the same tread patterns.
Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect
handling, ride, speedometer/odometer calibration, ground
clearance, and clearance between the body and tires or snow
chains.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
 Do not mix radial, bias belted, or biasply tires on
your vehicle, as this may cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in loss of control.
 Do not use tires other than the manufacturer’s
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
 Do not use tires of different brands, sizes,
construction or tread patterns, as this may cause
dangerous handling characteristics result ing in loss
of control.

CHASSIS
437
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES ANDCHAINS
When to use snow tires or chains
Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on
snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide better
traction than snow or studded tires.
Snow tire selection
If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size,
construction and load capacity as the originally installed
tires. Also, all the tires must be the same brand and have
the same tread patterns.
Do not use tires other than stated above. Since your vehicle
has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for possible restrictions.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
Do not use snow tires other than the manufacturer’s
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
 Do not use snow tires of different brands, sizes,
construction or tread patterns, as this may cause
dangerous handling characteristics resulting in loss
of control.
Snow tire installation
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the rear wheels only can lead to an
excessive difference in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires which could cause loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION
 Do not drive with the snow tires incorrectly inflated.
 Never drive over 105 km/h (65 mph) with any type of
snow tires.

CHASSIS
439
Chain installation
Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain
manufacturer’s recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
 Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp
turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
 Avoid sharp turns or lockedwheel braking, as use of
chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
 When driving with chains installed, be sure to drive
carefully. Slow down before entering curves to avoid
losing control of the vehicle. Otherwise an accident
may occur.
NOTICE
When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to turn
off the rear height control air suspension with the
“HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch and stop the engine.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may change because of
the automatic leveling function resulting in accident.
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or
heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace a damaged wheel, the tire may slip off the
wheel or cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
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 offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus
dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect
handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow
chain clearance to the body and chassis.