DRIVING TIPS
126Lexus 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 procedure, 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 safery 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.
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kg / cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
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.
Backing your trailer
Left turnRight turn
DRIVING TIPS
128Backing 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 necessity 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 affect 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. 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.
