2014 LEXUS LX570 Owners Manual

3852-5. Driving information
2
When driving
LX570_OM_OM60L21U_(U) Trailer Tongue Weight
● A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types of
trailers or towing as described below.
● To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must be
loaded by referring to the following instructions.
• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue
weight is 9% to 11%. (Tongue we ight/Gross trailer weight  100 =
9% to 11%)
Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight
If using a weight distri buting hitch when towing , return the front axle
to the same weight as before the trailer connection.
If front axle weight cannot be mea sured directly, measure the front
fender height above the front axle before connection. Adjust weight
distributing hitch torque until fr ont fender is returned to the same
height as before connection.
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight can be
measured with platform scales foun d at a highway weighing station,
building supply company, truck ing company, junk yard, etc.

3862-5. Driving information
LX570_OM_OM60L21U_(U) Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have differ ent weight capacities. Lexus recom-
mends the use of Lexus hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For details, con-
tact your Lexus dealer.
● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.
● Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross tr ailer weight requirement
of your vehicle.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After
removing the hitch, seal any mount ing hole in the vehicle body to pre-
vent entry of any substances into the vehicle.
Removing hitch cover
Remove the clip.
Grasp the lower edge of the hitch
cover and raise the cover. When reattaching the cover,
reverse the steps listed.STEP 1
STEP 2

3872-5. Driving information
2
When driving
LX570_OM_OM60L21U_(U) 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 by at least
2 threads.
Shank diameter Matches the ball mount hole diam-
eter size.Trailer class Typical trailer ball
size
IV 2 5/16 in.
II and III 2 in.
I 1 7/8 in.

3882-5. Driving information
LX570_OM_OM60L21U_(U) Positions for towing hitch receiver
Hitch receiver pin hole position:
45.3 in. (1151 mm)
Connecting trailer lights
Use the wire harness stored in the
rear end under the vehicle body.
Please consult your dealer when
installing trailer lig hts, 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.

3892-5. Driving information
2
When driving
LX570_OM_OM60L21U_(U) Connecting and disconnecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
● Connecting a trailer
Put the 4-Wheel AHC in the “LO” (low) mode.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the 4-Wheel
AHC.
Connect a trailer.
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the 4-Wheel
AHC.
Select the “N” (normal) mode with the height select switch. When a vehicle loaded with four occupants tows a trailer of about
4000 lb. (1800 kg) with more than about 400 lb. (180 kg) tongue
load, the normal mode may not be se lected. However, there is no prob-
lem to continue normal driving. Dr ive with sufficient care because of
large load. STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5

3902-5. Driving information
LX570_OM_OM60L21U_(U) ● Disconnecting a trailer
Put the 4-Wheel AHC in the “LO” (low) mode. (Make sure the
vehicle height is in the “LO” mode by pulling the switch to “  ” on
the height select switch.)
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the 4-Wheel
AHC.
Set the supporting leg of a trail er on the ground and raise the
hitch by 4 in. (100 mm).
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the 4-Wheel
AHC.
Wait for about 20 seconds until th e rear vehicle height is lowered
by the automatic leveling function.
Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If not, raise the hitch higher
and repeat steps 2 through 5.
Move the vehicle forward in the “LO” mode where the hitch does
not touch anything in the “N” (normal) mode.
Put the 4-Wheel AHC in the “N” mode. STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6
STEP 7
STEP 8

3912-5. Driving information
2
When driving
LX570_OM_OM60L21U_(U) Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid
an accident, death or serious injury, k eep the following in mind when tow-
ing:
● Speed limits for towing a trailer va ry by state or province. Do not
exceed the posted towing speed limit.
● Lexus recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104
km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the posted
towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your
trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Instability of the towing
vehicle-trailer combination (trailer sway) increases as speed increases.
Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of control.
● Before starting out, check the trail er lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reversing with th e trailer attached in an
area away from traffic until you be come accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination.
● Reversing 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 yo ur hand to the right to move the
trailer to the right. (This is gene rally opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to redu ce the risk of an accident.
● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increas ed. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid , resulting in the trailer jackknif-
ing and loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery
surfaces.

3922-5. Driving information
LX570_OM_OM60L21U_(U) ● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making a
turn.
● Note that when making a turn, the tr ailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Co mpensate by making a
wider than normal turning radius.
● Slow down before making a turn, in crosswinds, on wet or slippery sur-
faces, etc.
Increasing vehicle speed ca n destabilize the trailer.
● Take care when passing other vehi cles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your
trailer, and be sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes.
● To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in “D”.
If in the S mode, the transmission shift range position must be in 5 or
lower.
● Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long
downhill grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do not
make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long downhill
grades.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes
too frequently. This could cause th e brakes to overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up a
long or steep grade. If the eng ine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off th e air conditioning (if in use), pull
your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. (  P. 873)