2004 Lexus GX470 Audio System / LEXUS 2004 GX470 FROM NOV. 2003 THROUGH DEC. 2003 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60A74U)

DRIVING TIPS
440
DINGHY TOWINGYour vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four
wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.

DRIVING TIPS
441
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load
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.
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 395.
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

DRIVING TIPS
442

Weight distributing hitch receiver
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.

Tongue load
Total trailer weightx 100 = 10%
DRIVING TIPS
443
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 Weight
Ratings (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.

Total trailer weight
Tongue load

DRIVING TIPS
444
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
445
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
446
NOTICE
Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires. 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

DRIVING TIPS
447 3. When mounted in the ball mount, the threaded ball shank
must protrude beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut
at least 2 threads. The trailer ball shank must be matched to
the ball mount hole diameter size.
NOTICE
Only use a ball mount attachment specified for the
Lexus GX470.