2016 Lexus IS300h tow

2034-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
Trailer towing (vehicles without a 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, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

2044-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
◆We i g h t l i m i t s
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), MPAC
(Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible draw bar load before
towing. (→P. 5 7 8 )
◆To w i n g h i t c h / b r a c k e t
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, exces-
sive speed, and overloading.
Trailer towing (vehicles with a towing package)
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the running perfor-
mance, 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 qualified
and equipped profession al for further details before towing, as there are addi-
tional legal requirements in some countries.

2054-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar loadTotal trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the max-
imum towing capacity. Exceeding
this weight is dangerous. ( →P. 5 7 8 )
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight, we
recommend the use of a friction sta-
bilizer (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. 5 7 8 )
■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, 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 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 conducted at sea level.
Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be reduced at high altitudes.
Important points rega rding trailer loads
1
2
XTy p e AXTy p e B
1
2

2064-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
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 the lower.

2074-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
436 mm (17.2 in.)
475 mm (18.7 in.)
476 mm (18.7 in.)
502 mm (19.8 in.) 520 mm (20.5 in.)
560 mm (22.0 in.)
622 mm (24.5 in.)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
307 mm (12.1 in.)
318 mm (12.5 in.)
342 mm (13.5 in.)
394 mm (15.5 in.)
704 mm (27.7 in.)
1138 mm (44.8 in.)
58 mm (2.3 in.)53 mm (2.1 in.)
42 mm (1.7 in.)
34 mm (1.3 in.)
6 mm (0.2 in.)
11 mm (0.4 in.)
390 mm (15.4 in.)8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

2084-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■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. 5 8 6 )
●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.
■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 shou ld be added to the vehicle if the traffic
behind cannot be clearly seen with standa rd 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 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).
NOTICE
■When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to corrosion,
which will weaken the section concerned and may result in damage. Apply a rust inhib-
itor to parts that will come in co ntact when attaching a steel bracket.

2094-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid acci-
dent, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between the
trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before starting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
●Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer coupled by
practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
●When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the steering
wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the trailer left or counter-
clockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little at a time to prevent steering
error. Have someone guide you when reversing to lessen the risk of an
accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running ahead of
you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined length of your vehi-
cle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking th at may cause skidding. Otherwise, the
vehicle may spin out of control. This is especially true when driving on wet or
slippery road surfaces.
■Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding with your
vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching turns and take them
slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve than the
wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the turns wider than you
would normally do.
Guidance

2104-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong cross-
winds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by passing buses or
large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving alongside such vehicles.
As soon as such vehicle movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate
smoothly by slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight
ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and ensure that
the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before executing lane changes.
■Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine braking when driv-
ing on a long steep downward grade, do not use the transmission in D. The
vehicle must be driven in gear shift position “4” in S mode. ( →P. 222)
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures exceeding
30 °C (85 °F) may result in the engine overheating. If the engine coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is overheating, turn the air condition-
ing off immediately, leave the road and stop the vehicle in a safe place.
( → P. 5 7 1 )
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the whee ls of both the vehicle and trailer.
Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.