trailer Lexus GX470 2004 Audio / LEXUS 2004 GX470 FROM JAN. 2004 THROUGH JUL. 2004 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60A87U)

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE

Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature w ill vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions,
such as:
 Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop-and-go traffic.
 Towing a trailer. It is not a malfunction even if the needle of the engine coolant
temperature gauge returns to Cº when the ignition switch is
turned to the STARTº.

STARTING AND DRIVING
385

When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or parking brake to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold the vehicle using the accelerator pedal, as this can causethe transmission to overheat.

SECTION 3 ± 2
430
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Off-road vehicle precautions431
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Break-in period 432
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Operation in foreign countries 433
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Tips for driving in various conditionss 433
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Off-road driving precautions 436
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Winter driving tips 439
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Dinghy towing 441
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Trailer towing 442
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer 454
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Vehicle load limits 456
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Cargo and luggage 457
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DRIVING TIPS
432
When driving off-road 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 off-road vehicle) can tip
over sideways much more easily than forward or
backward.BREAK-IN 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).

DRIVING TIPS
442
TRAILER TOWING
(vehicles with kinetic dynamic suspension system)
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
It is not designed for a towing hitch receiver.
TRAILER TOWING
(vehicles without kinetic dynamic suspension system)
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load
carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse ef fect 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 LOº (low) mode and push the HEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº switch to turn off the rear height control air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may be
changed in the automatic leveling function, resulting in
accident. For details see Rear height control air
suspensionº on page 397.

DRIVING TIPS
443
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.

Certification label

Weight distributing hitch receiver

DRIVING TIPS
444
CAUTION
The maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
cargo weight) must never exceed the following for
vehicle with equipped.
For weight carrying hitch 2268 kg (5000 lb.)
Also for weight distributing hitch 2948 kg (6500 lb.)
If towing a trailer and cargo weighting over 2268 kg
(5000 lb.), it is necessary to use a weight distributing
hitch.
If towing a trailer and cargo weighing over 907 kg
(2000 lb.), Lexus recommends 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 the following.
According to the hitch receiver type, the maximum
gross trailer weight and hitch that can be used
differs. Refer to the illustrations to confirm the hitch
receiver type for your vehicle.
For weight carrying hitch 4764 kg (10500 lb.)
Also for weight distributing hitch 5443 kg (12000 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.
 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 front and rear Gross Axle W eight
Ratings (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.

Tongue load
Total trailer weight x 100 = 10%
DRIVING TIPS
445

Total trailer weight
Tongue load

The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that
the tongue load is 10% of the total trailer weight, not
exceeding the maximum of the following.
For weight carrying hitch 227 kg (500 lb.)
Also for weight distributing hitch 294 kg (650 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
446
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, you should consult with
your Lexus dealer.
 Use only a hitch recommended by the hitch manufacture
and the one which conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
 According to the hitch receiver type, the maximum gross
trailer weight and hitch that can be used differs. Refer to the
illustrations to confirm the hitch receiver type for your
vehicle.
 If you wish to install an aftermarket hitch, the hitch must be
bolted securely to the vehicle frame and installed according
to the hitch manufactures' instructions.
 The hitch ball and king pin should have a light coat of grease.
 Lexus recommends the ball mount assembly be removed
when not towing to prevent injury and to prevent damage in
the event of a rear end collision. After removing the ball
mount assembly, install the grommet to the hitch to prevent
entry of dirt and mud.

DRIVING TIPS
447
NOTICE
Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can causedamage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels ortires. Also, never install a hitch which may interfere with
the normal function of an Energy Absorbing Bumper.
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.

1Trailer ball load rating
2Ball diameter3Shank length
4Shank diameter