weight Lexus ES300 1999 Owner's Manuals (in English)

SWITCHES
49
NOTICE
Do not put unevenly weighted objects on theseat and do not stick sharp objects (needles,nails, etc.) into the seat.
When cleaning the seats, do not use organicsubstances (paint thinner, benzine, alcohol,gasoline, etc.). They may damage the heaterand seat surface.
To prevent the battery from being discharging,turn the switches on when the engine isrunning.

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
92
LUGGAGE STOWAGEPRECAUTIONS
When stowing luggage or cargo in the vehicle,
observe the following:
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk 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
Do not place anything on the filler panel behind the
rear seatback. Such items may be thrown about and
possibly injure 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.

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
93
NOTICE
Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehiclecapacity weight specified on the tire pressurelabel.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
153
16E126
Do not lean against the front door when the
vehicle is in use. The side airbag inflates with
considerable speed and force; you may be
killed or seriously injured.
 Do not apply excessive weight to the outer side
of the front seats on vehicles with side airbags.
 The child head should not be leaned against
the vicinity of the part where the side airbag
activates.

DRIVING TIPS
299
Depending on where you are driving, we
recommend
you carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire
chains, window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small
shovel, jumper cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a
passenger±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.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus dealer for further information on additional
requirements such as a towing kit, etc.
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.

DRIVING TIPS
300
32E001±1

Certification label
CAUTION
The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
load) must not exceed 907 kg (2000 lb.). Exceeding
this weight is dangerous.

DRIVING TIPS
301
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 Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.

Tongue load
Total trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%
DRIVING TIPS
302
32L002

Total trailer weight
Tongue load

The trailer cargo load should be distributed so
that the tongue load is 9 to 11 % of the total
trailer weight, not exceeding the maximum of
90 kg (200 lb.).
 Never load the trailer with more weight in the
back than in the front. About 60 % of the trailer
load should be in the front half of the trailer and
the remaining 40 % in the rear.

DRIVING TIPS
303
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.
NOTICE
Install the trailer hitch using only the position
recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do notinstall 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, wheelbearings, wheels or tires.

DRIVING TIPS
304
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, 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.