tow LEXUS LX470 2006 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND DRIVING
284
CAUTION
If you drive through deep water over about 500 mm (20
in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the “HI” (High)
mode with the height select switch and then turn off the
active height control suspension by pushing the height
control switch. Drive your vehicle at 30 km/h (19 mph)
or lower speed.
NOTICE
 When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to
turn off the active height control suspension and
stop the engine. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function,
resulting in an accident.
 If your vehicle must be towed, put the vehicle height
in the normal mode and turn off the active height
control suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height
may change because of the automatic leveling
function, resulting in an accident.
 If your vehicle gets ditched, turn off the active height
control suspension with the height control switch.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may change because of
the automatic leveling function, resulting in an
accident.
Even after the active height control suspension is turned
off with the height control switch, if the vehicle speed
exceeds 30 km (19 mph), the active height control
automatically selects the normal mode.
(f) Height control indicator lights
31X050d
 1 Height control indicator lights
2Height control “OFF” indicator light
When the ignition switch is turned on, all the indicator
lights come on. The indicator light showing the present
mode only remains on and all other lights go off after a few
seconds. This means the system operates correctly.
If you change the vehicle height mode, the indicator lights
change as follows:

SECTION 3 – 2
309
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Off−road vehicle precautions 310
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Break−in period 311
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Operation in foreign countries 311
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Tips for driving in various conditions 312
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Off −road driving precautions 313
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Winter driving tips 315
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Dinghy towing 317
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Trailer towing 317
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle
last longer 327
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Vehicle load limits 328
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Cargo and luggage 329
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DRIVING TIPS
311
When driving offroad or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s
suspension and chassis.
 Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes.
Driving straight up or straight down is preferred.
Your vehicle (or any similar offroad vehicle) can tip
over sideways much more easily than forward or
backward.BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break −in schedule with your new Lexus.
But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles)
can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
 Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).

DRIVING TIPS
317
DINGHY TOWING
32x602
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four
wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger−and−load
carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect
on handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction
depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you
must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do
not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer
for commercial purposes. Ask your local Lexus dealer for
further details before towing.
CAUTION
When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height in
the “LO” (Low) mode and push the height control
switch to turn off the active height control suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may be changed because
of the automatic leveling function, resulting in an
accident. For details, see “Active height control
suspension (AHC)” on page 279.

DRIVING TIPS
318
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
32X600b
Certification label
CAUTION
 The maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
cargo weight) must never exceed 2948 kg (6500 lb.)
for vehicles with equipped. For details, contact your
Lexus dealer. If towing a trailer and cargo weighing
over 907 kg (2000 lb.), it is necessary 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 5625 kg (12400 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.

DRIVING TIPS
320
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, you should consult with
your Lexus dealer.
 Use only a hitch recommended by the hitch manufacturer
and the one which conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
 The hitch must be bolted securely to the vehicle frame and
installed according to the hitch manufacturer’s instructions.
 The hitch ball and king pin should have a light coat of
grease.
 Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever
you are not towing a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind. After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of
pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc.
NOTICE
Do not use axlemounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires. Also, never install a hitch which may interfere with
the normal function of an Energy Absorbing Bumper, if
so equipped.
Trailer ball
Follow these easy steps to properly determine the correct
trailer ball for your application:
1. Determine the correct trailer ball size for the trailer coupler.
Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.
The sizes you’ll most likely find stamped on the coupler are:
Trailer Class
Typical Trailer Ball Size
III 2 in.
II 2 in.
I 1 7/8 in.
2. Select the appropriate trailer ball to match or exceed the
gross trailer weight rating of the trailer. The trailer ball load
rating should be printed on the top of the ball.

DRIVING TIPS
321
32X004a
 1Trailer ball load rating 2Ball diameter
3Shank length 4Shank diameter
3. When mounted in the ball mount, the threaded ball shank
must protrude beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut
at least 2 threads. The trailer ball shank must be matched to
the ball mount hole diameter size.
Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler
height
No matter which class of tow hitch applies, for a safe trailer
hookup, the trailer ball setup on must be the proper height for
the coupler on the trailer.
32x003d
 1 Coupler 2Trailer ball

DRIVING TIPS
322
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
 A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, consult your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
 Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking 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 possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire inflation pressure to the recommended cold tire
inflation pressure indicated below:
Tire inflation pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 240 (2.4, 35)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.

DRIVING TIPS
323
Trailer lights
32x601b
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the
rear end underbody. Some models are fitted with a socket
for trailer lights under the rear bumper. Use either of them
to connect and operate the trailer lights. However, the trailer
lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and local
regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or
rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for
your trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals
and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Breakin schedule
 Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for
the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
 If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement /
Scheduled Maintenance”.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Connecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the active height control suspension in the “LO” (low)
mode. Turn the ignition switch off or push the height control
switch to turn off the active height control suspension.
2. Connect a trailer.
3. Turn the ignition switch on or push the height control switch
to turn on the active height control suspension. Select the “N”
(normal) mode with the height select switch.
When a vehicle loaded with 4 occupants tows a trailer of about
1800 kg (4000 lb.) with more than about 180 kg (400 lb.) tongue
load, the normal mode may not be selected with the height
control indicator “LO”. However, there is no problem to
continue normal driving. Drive with sufficient care because of
large load.

DRIVING TIPS
324
Disconnecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the active height control suspension in the “LO” mode.
(Make sure the vehicle height is in the “LO” mode by pushing
the height select switch on the “
”side.)
2. Turn the ignition switch off or push the height control switch
to turn off the active height control suspension.
3. Set the supporting leg of a trailer on the ground and raise the
hitch by 100 mm (4 in.).
4. Turn the ignition switch on or push the height control switch
to turn on the active height control suspension.
5. Wait for about 20 seconds until the rear vehicle height is
lowered by the automatic leveling function.
6. Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If not, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 5.
7. Move the vehicle forward in the “LO” mode where the hitch
does not touch anything in the “N” mode.
8. Put the active height control suspension in the “N” mode.
Pretowing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has
an abnormal nose −up or nose− down condition, and check
for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or
other possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.