2014 Lexus GS250 Owner's Manual

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4-1. Before driving
Driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may block
the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers, possibly
causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in
or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
• In front of the Remote Touch screen
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
■Load and distribution
●Do not overload your vehicle.
●Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
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2264-1. Before driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
Trailer towing (vehicles without towing package)
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus
also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a
tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, sc ooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is
not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted car-
riers.
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227
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4-1. Before driving
Driving
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Trailer towing (vehicles with towing package)
◆Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible draw
bar load before towing. (
→P. 6 3 2 )
◆Towing hitch/bracket
Lexus recommends the use of the Lexus hitch/bracket for your vehicle.
Other products of a suitable nature and comparable quality may also
be used.
Your vehicle is designed primaril y as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adve rse effect on handling, performance,
braking, durability, and fuel consum ption. Your safety and satisfaction
depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving
habits. 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 character istics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional for further details before towing,
as there are additional legal re quirements in some countries.
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2284-1. Before driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
■Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar loadTotal trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. ( →P. 6 3 2 )
When towing a trailer, use a friction
coupler or friction stabilizer (sway
control device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that the
drawbar load is greater than 25 kg
(55.1 lb.) or 4% of the towing
capacity. Do not let the drawbar
load exceed the indicated weight.
( → P. 6 3 2 )
Important points regarding trailer loads
1
2
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2294-1. Before driving
4
Driving
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■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver,
passengers, towing hitch, luggage,
total curb mass and drawbar load
should not exceed the gross vehi-
cle mass by more than 100 kg
(220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight
is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle
should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity by 15%
or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity
were derived from testing con-
ducted at sea level. Take note that
engine output and towing capacity
will be reduced at high altitudes.
1
2
CAUTION
■When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle capacity is
exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up areas or
100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower.
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or serious
injury.
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2304-1. Before driving
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Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
436 mm (17.2 in.)
455 mm (17.9 in.)
454 mm (17.9 in.)
475 mm (18.7 in.)
476 mm (18.7 in.)500 mm (19.7 in.)
520 mm (20.5 in.)
543 mm (21.4 in.)
560 mm (22.0 in.)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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2314-1. Before driving
4
Driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
289 mm (11.4 in.)
322 mm (12.7 in.)
374 mm (14.7 in.)
592 mm (23.3 in.)
1201 mm (47.3 in.)
61 mm (2.4 in.)
56 mm (2.2 in.)
37 mm (1.5 in.)
27 mm (1.1 in.)
18 mm (0.7 in.)
12 mm (0.5 in.)
8 mm (0.3 in.)401 mm (15.8 in.)*1, 3
408 mm (16.1 in.)*1, 4
410 mm (16.1 in.)*1, 5
406 mm (16.0 in.)*2, 3
412 mm (16.2 in.)*2 4
414 mm (16.3 in.)*2, 5
*1:2WD models
*2:4WD models
*3: 225/50R17 tires
*4:235/45R18 tires
*5:235/40R19 tires
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
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2324-1. Before driving
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■Tire information
●Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) greater
than the recommended value when towing. ( →P. 6 4 5 )
●Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total trailer
weight and according to the values recommended by the manufacturer of your
trailer.
■Trailer lights
●Please consult at any authorized dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional 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.
●Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every time
you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage the electrical
system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components should not
be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■Safety checks before towing
●Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball is not
exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add to the load
exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load exerted on the vehicle is
within the range of the weight limits. ( →P. 2 2 8 )
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if the traf-
fic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the extending arms
of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they always provide maximum
visibility of the road behind.
■Maintenance
●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for tow-
ing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to normal
driving.
●Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for approxi-
mately 1000 km (600 miles).
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