2014 LEXUS RX270 tow

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
CAUTION
■The electronically modulated air suspension must be turned off when
The electronically modulated air suspension must be turned off in the following situ-
ations as vehicle height may change due to the automatic leveling function, and, you
may catch part of your body in the vehicle and cause an accident, resulting in death
or serious injury.
●Any of the wheels is stuck in a ditch.
●It is necessary to jack up the vehicle.
●It is necessary to tow the vehicle with part of it lifted.
●When connecting/disconnecting a trailer
For safety, stop the engine if necessary.
■“HI” mode
●“HI” mode should only be used when driving on rough roads, for example when
driving off-road. Because the vehicle's center of gravity will become higher when
in the mode, the vehicle may become unstable when turning abruptly and cause
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
●Do not select “HI” mode when loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier.
Because the vehicle's center of gravity will become higher when in the mode, the
vehicle may become unstable when turning abruptly, and cause an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
Cargo and luggage
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load:
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
●Be sure all items are secured in place.
●Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
●For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
CAUTION
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle in the
event of sudden braking or in an accident.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the items may
get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the pedals from being
depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or passengers,
causing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed for
passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened.
Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or serious bodily injury, in
the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■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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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
Trailer towing (RX350)
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the running per-
formance, handling, fuel consumption and endurance of your vehicle. Use
the vehicle features in the correct manner and operate the vehicle with
care for safer driving and optimal comfort. Damage and/or malfunctions
that occur as a result of towing performed for commercial purposes are
not covered by the Lexus warranty.
Ask your local authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional for further details before towing, as there
are additional legal requirements in some countries.
■Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible
drawbar load before towing. (→P. 606)
■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.
■To prevent an accident
The handling of the vehicle will feel different when towing a trailer.
Beware of the 3 most common causes of towing-related accidents:
driver error, excessive speed, and overloading.
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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
RX350/270_EE
Important points regarding trailer loads
■Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total 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 0 6 )
When towing a trailer, use a friction
coupler or friction stabilizer (sway
control device).
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight, we
recommended the use of a 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 0 6 )
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Type A
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity
Type B
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity
■Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the gross vehicle
mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight is dan-
gerous.
■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 conducted at
sea level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be
reduced at high altitudes.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
Vehicles without electronically modulated air suspension
528 mm (20.8 in.)
567.4 mm (22.3 in.)
1107 mm (43.6 in.)
352 mm (13.9 in.)
363 mm (14.3 in.)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
467 mm (18.4 in.)
596 mm (23.5 in.)
25.5 mm (1.0 in.)
59 mm (2.3 in.)
81 mm (3.2 in.)
235/60R18 tires
359 mm (14.1 in.)
235/55R19 tires
357 mm (14.1 in.)
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
■Tire info rmat ion
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended pressure. (→P. 6 1 7 )
●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
●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.
●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.
■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 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 you will not be towing a load
that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capacity.
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if the
traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the extend-
ing 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
towing 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
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
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