2011 LEXUS RX350 Owners Manual

257
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
NOTICE
nRepairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
nFitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when
tire chains are fitted.

258
2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance,
braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your safety and the safety of
others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with the trailer's characteristics and operating conditions.
The vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stabil-
ity, brake setting and performance, and the hitch.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing
a trailer for commercial purposes.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit etc.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Weight limits
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
lThe gross trailer weight must never exceed the following:
Without towing package: 2000 lb. (907 kg)
With towing package: 3500 lb. (1588 kg)
lThe gross combined weight must never exceed the following:
Without towing package
2WD: 7560 lb. (3429 kg)
AWD: 7650 lb. (3470 kg)
With towing package
2WD: 9060 lb. (4109 kg)
AWD: 9150 lb. (4150 kg)
lThe gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the GVWR indi-
cated the Certification Label.
lThe gross axle weight on each
axle must never exceed the
GAWR indicated the Certifica-
tion Label.

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2-5. Driving information
Towing related term
Towing related termMeaning
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 vehicle) 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 Combina-
tion Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross combination
weight. The gross combination weight is the
sum of the total vehicle weight (including
the occupants, cargo and any optional
equipment installed on the vehicle) 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
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 equipment, passengers and
cargo in the vehicle will reduce the towing
capacity, gross trailer weight include the
trailer, cargo and necessary equipment for
towing.
Tongue loadThe load placed on the trailer hitch ball

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Trailer tongue load
lA recommended tongue load varies in accordance with the types of
trailers or towing as described below.
lIn order to ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer
must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue load is 9
to 11% of the gross trailer weight, not exceeding the following:
Without towing package: 200 lb. (90 kg)
With towing package: 350 lb. (158 kg)
(Tongue load / Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%)
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (900 kg), it is necessary to
use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
The gross trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with platform
scales found at highway weighing station, building supply company,
trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load
Hitch and tow hitch receiver
nHitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by
the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be rated for tow-
ing a higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum
weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.

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2-5. Driving information
nTow hitch receiver (if equipped)
A tow hitch receiver installed
under the rear bumper is rated for
weight that does not exceed the
vehicle's total towing weight.
Selecting trailer ball
Use 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.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Connecting trailer lights
Without towing package: Please consult your dealer when installing
trailer lights, as incorrect installation may cause damage to the vehicle's
lights. Please take care to comply with your state's laws when installing
trailer lights.
With towing package: Use the 4 pin connector located under the rear
bumper.
nAuto current cut-off function (vehicles with towing package)
In case of over current, the auto cut-off function stops the power flowing to the
trailer lights to prevent damage to the vehicle's electrical system.
This function is activated when the rated current of any of the following trailer light
circuit components is exceeded:
lTail lights: maximum 7.8 A
lStop/turn signal light (right): maximum 4.5 A
lStop/turn signal light (left): maximum 4.5 A
nWhen the auto current cut function is activated
If a trailer light does not come on due to the activation of the auto current cut func-
tion, the light system will need to be reset.
Follow the reset procedure shown below.
lIf a tail light does not come on, turn off the headlight switch.
lIf the right-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the
off position or remove foot from the brake pedal.
lIf the left-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the
off position or remove foot from the brake pedal.
If the emergency flashers do not operate, press the emergency flasher switch to
turn them off.
After the light system is reset, operate the light switches again to see if the lights
operate normally.
If the lights do not operate normally, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.

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2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid
accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
lBefore starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer con-
nections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
lPractice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in an
area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle.
lReversing with a trailer attached 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 right. (This is generally opposite to reversing without a trailer
attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide
you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.
lAs stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
lAvoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss
of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
lAvoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
lAvoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making
turns.
lNote that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a
larger than normal turning radius.