Page 497 of 651

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.
Page 504 of 651

DRIVING TIPS
483
Trailer lights
Socket for trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. Models with tow hitch receiver are fitted with
a socket for trailer lights under the rear bumper. Use either of
them to connect and operate the trailer lights. However, the
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. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement /
Scheduled Maintenance”.
Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Connecting a trailer (models with
electronically modulated air suspension)
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the electronically modulated air suspension in the “LO”
mode. Turn the ignition switch off or push the height control
switch to turn off the electronically modulated air suspension.
2. Connect a trailer.
3. Turn the ignition switch on or push the height control switch
to turn on the electronically modulated air suspension. Select
the “N” (normal) mode with the height select switch.
Page 507 of 651
![LEXUS RX330 2006 Owners Manual DRIVING TIPS
486
Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85 F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If LEXUS RX330 2006 Owners Manual DRIVING TIPS
486
Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85 F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If](/manual-img/36/58030/w960_58030-506.png)
DRIVING TIPS
486
Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85 F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 499 of this manual.
Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put
the transmission in “P”. Avoid parking on a slope with a
trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing
the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes
slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine. When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in “P” position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into the following position.
With automatic transmission (standard type) —
Shift into the “3”, “2”, “L” or “R” position.
With automatic transmission (multi
−mode type) —
Shift into the “3” (third range), “2” (second range), “\
1” (first
range) or “R” position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull
or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your
brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.
Page 508 of 651