driver lexus LS400 1994 Electrical Components / 1994 LS400: DRIVING TIPS

DRIVING TIPS
143
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.

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.
Total trailer weightTongue load
x 100 = 9 to 11 %Total trailer weightTongue 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.
Hitches

Use only a hitch which is recommended by the hitch
manufacturer and conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.

Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer,
and bolt the hitch securely to the rear bumper. Lubricate the
hitch ball with a light coat of grease.

DRIVING TIPS
145
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. Refer to the
maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions
(Schedule A) in Section 5 for specific information.
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 may
not shift.

Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state / provincial or local regulation. If not, install required
rear view mirrors for towing purposes.
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
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 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.