LEXUS RX270 2014 Owners Manual

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
Important points regarding trailer loads
■Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
(→P. 6 0 6 )
When towing a trailer, use a friction
coupler or friction stabilizer (sway
control device).
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight, we
recommended the use of a friction
stabilizer (sway control device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that the
drawbar load is greater than 25 kg
(55.1 lb.) or 4% of the towing
capacity. Do not let the drawbar
load exceed the indicated weight.
(→P. 6 0 6 )
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Type A
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity
Type B
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity
■Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the gross vehicle
mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight is dan-
gerous.
■Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at
sea level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be
reduced at high altitudes.
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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
RX350/270_EE
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
Vehicles without electronically modulated air suspension
528 mm (20.8 in.)
567.4 mm (22.3 in.)
1107 mm (43.6 in.)
352 mm (13.9 in.)
363 mm (14.3 in.)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
467 mm (18.4 in.)
596 mm (23.5 in.)
25.5 mm (1.0 in.)
59 mm (2.3 in.)
81 mm (3.2 in.)
235/60R18 tires
359 mm (14.1 in.)
235/55R19 tires
357 mm (14.1 in.)
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EEVehicles with electronically modulated air suspension
530 mm (20.9 in.)
567.4 mm (22.3 in.)
1107 mm (43.6 in.)
390 mm (15.4 in.)
400 mm (15.7 in.)
500 mm (19.7 in.)
505 mm (19.9 in.)
635 mm (25.0 in.)
5 mm (0.20 in.)
59 mm (2.3 in.)
81 mm (3.2 in.)
235/60R18 tires
“LO” mode:
416 mm (16.4 in.)
“N” mode:
415 mm (16.3 in.)
“HI” mode:
445 mm (17.5 in.)
235/55R19 tires
“LO” mode:
418 mm (16.5 in.)
“N” mode:
418 mm (16.5 in.)
“HI” mode:
448 mm (17.6 in.)
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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
RX350/270_EE
■When connecting and disconnecting a trailer (vehicles with electrically modu-
lated air suspension)
●Connecting
Set the electronically modulated air suspension to LO mode.
Press the height control off switch to turn off the electronically modulated
air suspension.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
Connect the trailer.
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
Press the height control off switch again to turn on the electronically mod-
ulated air suspension.
Set the electronically modulated air suspension to N mode.
●Disconnecting
Set the electronically modulated air suspension to LO mode.
Press the height control off switch to turn off the electronically modulated
air suspension.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise the hitch by
100 mm (4 in.)
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
Press the height control off switch again to turn on the electronically mod-
ulated air suspension.
Wait until vehicle height is stabilized.
Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If the hitch does not disconnect, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 7.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
STEP7
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
STEP7
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
■Tire info rmat ion
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended pressure. (→P. 6 1 7 )
●Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total trailer
weight and according to the values recommended by the manufacturer of your
trailer.
■Trailer lights
●Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage the
electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
●Please consult at any authorized dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installation
may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take care to comply with your
state’s laws when installing trailer lights.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components should
not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■Safety checks before towing
●Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket hitch ball is not
exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add to the
load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that you will not be towing a load
that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capacity.
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if the
traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the extend-
ing arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they always provide
maximum visibility of the road behind.
■Maintenance
●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to
normal driving.
●Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
RX350/270_EE
Guidance
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid
accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between
the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before
starting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
●Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer cou-
pled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
●When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the steer-
ing wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the trailer left
or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little at a time to
prevent steering error. Have someone guide you when reversing to
lessen the risk of an accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may cause
skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This is espe-
cially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.
■Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching turns
and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve than
the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the turns
wider than you would normally do.
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving
alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement occurs,
immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying the
brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before execut-
ing lane changes.
■Transmission information
Refrain from driving in 6 range in S mode to maintain the effectiveness
of the engine brake and the charge performance of electrical compo-
nents.
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30°C (85°F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (→P. 5 9 8 )
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle and
trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.
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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
RX350/270_EE
CAUTION
■When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle capacity is
exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up areas or
100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is the lower.
■Vehicle speed while towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
■Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while descend-
ing steep or long downhill grades.
■Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
■To avoid accident or injury
●For vehicles with electronically modulated air suspension, set the vehicle height
to LO mode and turn off the electronically modulated air suspension to prevent
the vehicle height from automatically changing.
●Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
●Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
NOTICE
■When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to corro-
sion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in damage. Apply a
rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a steel bracket.
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