2006 LEXUS RX330 tow

STARTING AND DRIVING
464
The tread wear is very different among the installed tires.
 Rapid acceleration/deceleration or sharp turns is continue.
 Towing a trailer.
 The loading is over the limit or imbalanced.
 Initialization was not performed correctly after replacing or
rotating tires or wheels.
 The outside temperature is below 0 C (32F) or above
40 C (104 F).
CAUTION
When the tire pressure warning light comes on, observe
the following instructions:
 Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level
as soon as possible.
 Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking when the tire pressure warning light comes
on. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose
control of the steering wheel or the brakes, causing
death or serious injury.
Tire pressure warning system reset switch
The tire pressure warning system need to be initialized in
the following conditions:
When the low tire pressure warning light blinks twice
every second
 After replacing or rotating tires or wheels
When initializing the system, the present tire condition is
stored as a standard.
To initialize the system, perform the following:
1. Park the vehicle at a safe place and apply the parking brake.
Stop the engine.
2. Adjust the pressure of all the installed tires to the specified
level. (See “Tires and wheels” on page 566.)
3. Turn the ignition key to “ON”.

SECTION 3 – 2
467
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Off−road vehicle precautions 468
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Break−in period 469
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Operation in foreign countries 470
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Tips for driving in various conditions 470
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Off −road driving precautions 472
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Winter driving tips 474
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Dinghy towing 475
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Trailer towing 476
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer 487
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Vehicle load limits 489
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Cargo and luggage 490
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DRIVING TIPS
469
When driving offroad 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 offroad vehicle) can tip
over sideways much more easily than forward or
backward.BREAKIN 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
475
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When
parking, put the transmission into “P” and block the rear
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
DINGHY TOWING
Your 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
476
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger−and−load
carrying vehicle. T owing a trailer will have an adverse ef fect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Y our 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
Vehicles with electronically modulated air suspension:
When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height in
the “LO” mode and push the height control switch to
turn off the electronically modulated air suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may be changed in the
automatic leveling function, resulting in unexpected
accident. For details see “Electronically modulated air
suspension” on page 437.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus
dealer for further information on additional
requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

DRIVING TIPS
477
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
CAUTION
The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
load) must not exceed the following. Exceeding this
weight is dangerous. Without towing package 907 kg (2000 lb.)
With towing package 1588 kg (3500 lb.)
 If towing a trailer and cargo weighing over 907 kg
(2000 lb.), Lexus recommends to use a sway control
device with sufficient capacity. The gross
combination weight (sum of your vehicle weight plus
its load and the total trailer weight) must not exceed
the following. Without towing package 3286 kg (7245 lb.)
With towing package 3966 kg (8745 lb.)
 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.

DRIVING TIPS
478
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 weight Tongue 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 the following.
Without towing package 90 kg (200 lb.)
With towing package 158 kg (350 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.
Tongue load
Total trailer weight 
100 = 9 to 11%

DRIVING TIPS
479
Tow hitch receiver
The tow hitch receiver is installed under the rear bumper.
CAUTION
A tow hitch receiver is rated for weight carrying towing
only up to the following. Only use this tow hitch receiver
on your vehicle. Do not use this tow hitch receiver on
any other vehicle. Without towing package 907 kg (2000 lb.)
With towing package 1588 kg (3500 lb.)
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer should
be consulted.
 Use only a hitch which is recommended by Lexus dealer
and conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
 Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
 Lexus 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.
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 axlemounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels
or tires.