towing LEXUS RX350 2011 User Guide

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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.

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2-5. Driving information
nTow hitch receiver (if equipped)
A tow hitch receiver installed
under the rear bumper is rated for
weight that does not exceed the
vehicle's total towing weight.
Selecting trailer ball
Use the correct trailer ball for your application.
Trailer ball load rating
Matches or exceeds the gross
trailer weight rating of the trailer.
Ball diameter
Matches the size of the trailer cou-
pler. Most couplers are stamped
with the required trailer ball size.
Shank length
Protrudes beyond the bottom of
the lock washer and nut at least 2
threads.
Shank diameter
Matches the ball mount hole diam-
eter size.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Connecting trailer lights
Without towing package: Please consult your dealer when installing
trailer lights, as incorrect installation may cause damage to the vehicle's
lights. Please take care to comply with your state's laws when installing
trailer lights.
With towing package: Use the 4 pin connector located under the rear
bumper.
nAuto current cut-off function (vehicles with towing package)
In case of over current, the auto cut-off function stops the power flowing to the
trailer lights to prevent damage to the vehicle's electrical system.
This function is activated when the rated current of any of the following trailer light
circuit components is exceeded:
lTail lights: maximum 7.8 A
lStop/turn signal light (right): maximum 4.5 A
lStop/turn signal light (left): maximum 4.5 A
nWhen the auto current cut function is activated
If a trailer light does not come on due to the activation of the auto current cut func-
tion, the light system will need to be reset.
Follow the reset procedure shown below.
lIf a tail light does not come on, turn off the headlight switch.
lIf the right-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the
off position or remove foot from the brake pedal.
lIf the left-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the
off position or remove foot from the brake pedal.
If the emergency flashers do not operate, press the emergency flasher switch to
turn them off.
After the light system is reset, operate the light switches again to see if the lights
operate normally.
If the lights do not operate normally, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.

264
2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid
accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
lBefore starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer con-
nections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
lPractice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in an
area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle.
lReversing with a trailer attached 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 right. (This is generally opposite to reversing without a trailer
attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide
you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.
lAs stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
lAvoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss
of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
lAvoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
lAvoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making
turns.
lNote that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a
larger than normal turning radius.

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2-5. Driving information
lWhen restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the P position, start the engine. Be sure
to keep the brake pedal depressed.
Shift into 3, 2, 1, or the R position (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
nBefore towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
lThe vehicle's tires are properly inflated. (→P. 4 8 7 )
lTrailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recommendation.
lAll trailer lights work.
lAll lights work each time you connect them.
lThe trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
lThe vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not
drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue load, overloading,
worn suspension, or other possible causes.
lThe trailer cargo is securely loaded.
lThe rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local
regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing pur-
poses.
nBreak-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as
an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Lexus recommends that
you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
However, avoid full throttle acceleration.
nMaintenance
lIf you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner's Manual Sup-
plement” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.)
lRetighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 600
miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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2-5. Driving information
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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.

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2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
nHitches
lIf you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.
lUse only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement.
lFollow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
lLubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
lRemove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After removing
the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any sub-
stances into the vehicle.
nWhen towing a trailer
lIf the gross trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (450 kg), trailer brakes are required.
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations.
lNever tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle's
braking effectiveness.
lNever 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
danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
NOTICE
nWhen installing a trailer hitch
lUse only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
lDo not use axle-mounted hitches, as they can cause damage to the axle housing,
wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
nSafety chain
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 the case that it
becomes damaged or separated. For the correct safety chain installation proce-
dure, ask your Lexus dealer.
nDo not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle's electrical system and
cause a malfunction.

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2-5. Driving information
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
nTo avoid serious damage to your vehicle
nTo prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and Active Torque Con-
trol 4WD system (AWD models)
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on
the ground.
2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from
the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the trans-
mission.
AW D m o d e l s : N e v e r t ow this vehicle with
any of the wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the transmission
and Active Torque Control 4WD system.

402
3-6. Using the storage features
Cup holders
Front (type A)
Press down and release the right
side of the cup holder lid.
Front (type B)
Press in and release the cup
holder.
NOTICE
nWhen stowing a bottle
Put the cap on before stowing the bottle. Do not place open bottles in the bottle
holders. The contents may spill.
Bottle holders/door pockets and cup holders