2010 Lexus GX460 Owner's Manual

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2-5. Driving information
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Towing related term
To w i n g r e l a t e d t e r mMeaning
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
The maximum allowable gross vehicle
weight. The gross vehicle weight is the total
weight of the vehicle. When towing a
trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle weight
(including the occupants, cargo and any
optional equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the tongue load.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)The maximum allowable gross axle weight.
The gross axle weight is the load placed on
each axle (front and rear).
GCWR (Gross Combination
We i g h t R a t i n g )
The maximum allowable gross combina-
tion weight. The gross combination weight
is the sum of the total vehicle weight
(including the occupants, cargo and any
optional equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the weight of the trailer being
towed (including the cargo in the trailer).
Gross trailer weightThe sum of the trailer weight and the
weight of the cargo in the trailer.
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When driving
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Towing a trailerContact your Lexus dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit etc.
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by
the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be rated for towing
a higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum weight
rating specified for the trailer hitch.
Towing related termMeaning
Towing capacity
The maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. Towing capacity is calculated con-
sidering the base vehicle with necessary
vehicle equipment and occupants. Addi-
tional optional equipm ent, passengers and
cargo in the vehicle will reduce the towing
capacity, gross trailer weight includes the
trailer, cargo and necessary equipment for
towing.
To n g u e l o a dThe load placed on the trailer hitch ball.
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Selecting a trailer ballUse 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.
Connecting trailer lights
Use the wire harness stored in the
rear end under body.
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When driving
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■When connecting and disconnecting a trailer
●ConnectingSet the rear height control air suspension to N mode.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the rear height control air
suspension.
Connect the trailer.
Turn on the switch that was turned off on .
●DisconnectingSet the rear height control air suspension to N mode.
Turn off the rear height control air suspension.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch.
Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise the hitch by 4
in. (100 mm)
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch.
Turn on the rear height control air suspension.
Wait until vehicle height is stabilized.
Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If the hitch does not disconnect, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 7.
STEP1STEP1
STEP2STEP2
STEP1STEP3STEP3
STEP1STEP4STEP4STEP2STEP2
STEP1STEP1
STEP2STEP2
STEP1STEP3STEP3
STEP1STEP4STEP4
STEP1STEP5STEP5STEP5
STEP1STEP5STEP6STEP6STEP6
STEP1STEP5STEP6STEP7STEP7
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■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●The vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (→P. 76 2 )
●Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommenda-
tion.
●All trailer lights work.
●All lights work each time you connect them.
●The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
●The 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.
●The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●The 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.
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When driving
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■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new
power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) to
tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
CAUTION
■Trailer towing precautions
●Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could cause
an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
●Exceeding the towing capacity, GVWR, GCWR and GAWR can cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious personal injuries.
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CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed
6500 lb. (2948 kg).
●If a trailer and cargo weigh over 2000 lbs. (900 kg), use a sway control device of
sufficient capacity.
●If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lbs. (2268 kg), it is necessary to use a
weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity.
●If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, keep your vehicle level with the
ground.
●The gross combined weight (sum of your vehicle weight plus its load and the total
trailer weight) must not exceed 13100 lb. (5492 kg).
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
●Never 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.
●The tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on another
vehicle.
●Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is
lower. A instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combination increases
as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause loss of control.
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When driving
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CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
●Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do
not make sudden downshifts.
●Avoid 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.
■Hitches
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Use only a hitch that 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.
●Remove 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.
■When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (453 kg), trailer brakes are required.
●Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle’s brak-
ing effectiveness.
●Never 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
a risk of the trailer wandering into another lane.
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