tow LEXUS SC300 1999 Owner's Manual

DRIVING TIPS
262
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.
CAUTION

DRIVING TIPS
263

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo load)
must not exceed 726 kg (1600 lb.). Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.

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 V ehicle
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 Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on
the Certification Label.

DRIVING TIPS
265
Hitches

If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer
should be consulted.

Use only a hitch which is recommended by Lexus dealer
and 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.

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.

Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a
trailer so that the rear license plate can be seen clearly.
NOTICE

Install the trailer hitch using only the position
recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body
damage.

Do not use axle±mounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires.
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 procedur es, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION

If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 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.

DRIVING TIPS
266
Tires

Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated.
Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire
pressure indicated below:
SC400, SC 300 ± Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32
psi)

The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
Trailer lights

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.
Break±in 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 ºOwner's Manual Supplement/
Maintenance Scheduleº.

Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket
after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Pre±towing 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 regulation. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.

DRIVING TIPS
267
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differ ently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicle±trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:

Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and
all vehicle±trailer connections. After driving a short
distance, stop and recheck the lights and connections.
Practice turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an
area away from traffic until you learn the feel.

Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand
to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand
to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure
is generally opposite to that when backing without a
trailer.) Also, just turn the steering wheel a little at a time,
avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide
you when backing to reduce the risk of an accident.

Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle±to±vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed,
allow at least one vehicle and trailer length between you
and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may
skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is
especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a
turn to avoid the need of sudden braking.

Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely aff ect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly
grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.

Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not
forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty
of room before changing lanes.

In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive.
Transmission must be in the º4º position (SC400) or in the
º3º position (SC300).

DRIVING TIPS
269
CAUTION

Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing speed
limit, whichever is lower. Because instability (swaying) of
a towing vehicle±trailer combination usually increases as
the speed increases, exceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may cause
loss of control.

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 too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.

SECTION 4
273
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
274
If your vehicle will not start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
275
If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
280
If you have a flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
283
If your vehicle needs to be towed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
297
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever . . .
306
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
307

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
2969. After
changing the wheel, check the air pr essure of the
replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the
nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture
could get into the valve core and possible cause air leakage.
If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are
securely in place in their storage location to reduce the
possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden
braking.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
297
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TOBE TOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using
either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle car efully in accordance with the instructions given
in º(d) Emergency towingº on page 303.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly.
Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is
possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle,
make sure the following few precautions are observed. If
necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use
a towing dolly.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
298
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck

From front
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission from
the front with rear wheels on the ground, as this may
cause serious damage to the transmission.

From rear