2011 LEXUS RX350 load capacity

236
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
nWhen the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
nWhen the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
nReplacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are installed
on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
nHandling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause a system malfunction.

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2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit ⎯
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750 (5 × 150) = 650
lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load:
lStow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
lBe sure all items are secured in place.
lBe careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
lFor better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

250
2-5. Driving information
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
(→P. 5 9 4 )
Example based on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are riding
in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 885 lb. (400 kg), the
available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be as follows:
885 lb. — 366 lb. = 519 lb. (400 kg —166 kg = 234 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of 388 lb.
(176 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced as fol-
lows:
519 lb. — 388 lb. = 131 lb. (234 kg — 176 kg = 58 kg)
As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases,
the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.

253
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
Vehicle load limits
nTotal load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.
(→P. 4 8 7 )
CAUTION
nOverloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
nTotal load capacity: 885 lb. (400 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.
nSeating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
nTowing capacity
Without a towing package: 2000 lb. (907 kg)
With a towing package: 3500 lb. (1588 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight
plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
nCargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and
the number of occupants.

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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
2

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.

267
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
CAUTION
nTrailer towing precautions
lFollow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could cause
an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
lExceeding the towing capacity, GVWR or GAWR can cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious personal injuries.
nTo avoid accident or injury
lDo not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
lNever 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.
lDo not use cruise control when you are towing.
lThe tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on another
vehicle.
lDo not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is
lower. As instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combination increases
as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause loss of control.
lSlow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do
not make sudden downshifts.
lAvoid 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.
lDo not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.

491
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
Wheels
nWhen replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advanced warn-
ing in the event of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever wheels are replaced,
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters must be installed. (→P. 4 7 9 )
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause a loss of han-
dling control.
nWheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they
are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim
width, and inset*.
Replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Lexus does not recommend using the following:
lWheels of different sizes or types
lUsed wheels
lBent wheels that have been straightened
nAluminum wheel precautions
lUse only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with
your aluminum wheels.
lWhen rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
lBe careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire
chains.
lUse only Lexus genuine balance weights or equivalent and a
plastic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.