towing capacity LEXUS RX350 2011 Owners Manual

250
2-5. Driving information
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
(→P. 5 9 4 )
Example based on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are riding
in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 885 lb. (400 kg), the
available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be as follows:
885 lb. — 366 lb. = 519 lb. (400 kg —166 kg = 234 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of 388 lb.
(176 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced as fol-
lows:
519 lb. — 388 lb. = 131 lb. (234 kg — 176 kg = 58 kg)
As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases,
the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.

253
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
Vehicle load limits
nTotal load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.
(→P. 4 8 7 )
CAUTION
nOverloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
nTotal load capacity: 885 lb. (400 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.
nSeating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
nTowing capacity
Without a towing package: 2000 lb. (907 kg)
With a towing package: 3500 lb. (1588 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight
plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
nCargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and
the number of occupants.

260
2-5. Driving information
Towing related term
Towing related termMeaning
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 vehicle) 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 Combina-
tion Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross combination
weight. The gross combination weight is the
sum of the total vehicle weight (including
the occupants, cargo and any optional
equipment installed on the vehicle) 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
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 equipment, passengers and
cargo in the vehicle will reduce the towing
capacity, gross trailer weight include the
trailer, cargo and necessary equipment for
towing.
Tongue loadThe load placed on the trailer hitch ball

261
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
Trailer tongue load
lA recommended tongue load varies in accordance with the types of
trailers or towing as described below.
lIn 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 gross trailer weight, not exceeding the following:
Without towing package: 200 lb. (90 kg)
With towing package: 350 lb. (158 kg)
(Tongue load / Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%)
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (900 kg), it is necessary to
use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
The gross trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with platform
scales found at highway weighing station, building supply company,
trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load
Hitch and tow hitch receiver
nHitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by
the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be rated for tow-
ing a higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum
weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.

267
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
CAUTION
nTrailer towing precautions
lFollow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could cause
an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
lExceeding the towing capacity, GVWR or GAWR can cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious personal injuries.
nTo avoid accident or injury
lDo not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
lNever 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.
lDo not use cruise control when you are towing.
lThe tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on another
vehicle.
lDo not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is
lower. As instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combination increases
as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause loss of control.
lSlow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do
not make sudden downshifts.
lAvoid 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.
lDo not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.

594
6-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.)
Dimensions and weights
*1:Unladen vehicles
*2: Vehicles without roof antenna and roof rails
*3: Vehicles with roof antenna but without roof rails
*4: Vehicles with roof rails
Overall length187.8 in. (4770 mm)
Overall width74.2 in. (1885 mm)
Overall height*166.3 in. (1685 mm)*2
66.7 in. (1695 mm)*3
67.9 in. (1725 mm)*4
Wheelbase107.9 in. (2740 mm)
Tr e a dFront64.1 in. (1630 mm)
Rear63.8 in. (1620 mm)
Vehicle capacity weight
(Occupants + luggage)885 lb. (400 kg)
To w i n g
capacity
(Trailer
weight +
cargo)
Without towing pack-
age2000 lb. (907 kg)
With towing package3500 lb. (1588 kg)

599
6-1. Specifications
6

Vehicle specifications
Cooling system
Ignition system
Capacity
Without towing pack-
age9.1 qt. (8.6 L, 7.6 Imp. qt.)
With towing package10.0 qt. (9.5 L, 8.3 Imp. qt.)
Coolant type
Use either of the following.

662
Alphabetical index
Tachometer .............................................. 166
Tail lights
Replacing light bulbs..........................512
Switch ....................................................... 184
Wattage................................................. 605
Theft deterrent system
Alarm ........................................................ 103
Engine immobilizer system ............. 101
Tire inflation pressure ......................... 487
Tire information
Glossary.................................................. 615
Size ............................................................. 612
Tire identification number ................ 611
Uniform tire quality grading ...........613
Tires
Chains ..................................................... 254
Checking ............................................... 478
If you have a flat tire ..........................564
Inflation pressure................................ 487
Inflation pressure sensor................ 479
Information........................................... 609
Replacing ...............................................564
Rotating tires ........................................ 478
Size ...........................................................602
Snow tires .............................................. 254
Spare tire................................................565
Tire pressure warning
system ...................................... 479, 537
Tools ...........................................................564
Total load capacity ...............................253
Towing
Emergency towing ........................... 526
Trailer towing ...................................... 258
TRAC ..........................................................231
Traction control.......................................231
Trip information display ....................... 173
Trip meter ..................................................166
Turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ...........................511
Switch ........................................................ 163
Wattage ................................................. 605
USB port .................................................. 325
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