Page 223 of 792

2234-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
◆Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): P. 710
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage.
◆Seating capacity
RX450h
5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
RX450hL
6 occupants (Front 2, Rear 4)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose estimated
average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
◆TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (Vehicles with towing package):
P. 227, 710
TWR means the maximum gross trailer we ight (trailer weight plus its cargo
weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
◆TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (V ehicles without towing package)
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
◆Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and the
number of occupants.
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. (P. 620)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, trailer weight
rating and cargo capacity.
WARNING
■Overloading 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.
Page 225 of 792
2254-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
■GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross com-
bination weight. The gross combina-
tion weight is the sum of the total
vehicle weight (including the occu-
pants, cargo and any optional equip-
ment installed on the vehicle) and
the weight of the trailer being towed
(including the cargo in the trailer).
■GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross vehi-
cle 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 weight.
■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).
Towing related terms
Front GAWR
Rear GAWR
Page 230 of 792

2304-1. Before driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
Use the wire harness stored in the rear
end under body.
■Auto current cut-off function
In case of over current, the auto cut-off function stops the power flowing to the trailer
lights to prevent damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.
This function is activated when the rated current of any of the following trailer light circuit
components is exceeded:
●Tail lights: maximum 7.8 A
●Stop/turn signal light (right): maximum 4.5 A
●Stop/turn signal light (left): maximum 4.5 A
■When the auto current cu t function is activated
If a trailer light does not come on due to th e activation of the auto current cut function,
the light system will need to be reset.
Follow the reset procedure shown below.
●If a tail light does not come on, turn off the headlight switch.
●If the right-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the off
position or remove foot from the brake pedal.
●If the left-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the off posi-
tion or remove foot from the brake pedal.
If the emergency flashers do not operate, press the emergency flasher switch to turn
them off.
After the light system is reset, operate the lig ht switches again to see if the lights operate
normally.
If the lights do not operate normally, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Connecting trailer lights
Page 233 of 792

2334-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
■Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 717)
●Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.
●All trailer lights work as required by law.
●All lights work each time you connect them.
●The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
●The trailer is level when it is hitched.
Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper to ngue weight, overload-
ing, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local regula-
tions. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
■AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched fo r improvement in driveability. (P. 383)
No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,
the trailer ball setup
must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.
Coupler
Trailer ball
1
2
Page 234 of 792

2344-1. Before driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an
engine, hybrid transmission, rear differenti al or wheel bearing), Lexus recommends that
you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle ha s been driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.
However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed of less than
50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle acceleration.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the addi-
tional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
“Scheduled Maintenance”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ba ll and bracket after approximately 600 miles
(1000 km) of trailer towing.
■If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing ve hicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely
affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.
●If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway ing by turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal im mediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the st eering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also he lp to stabilize the vehicle and
trailer.)
●After the trailer sw aying has stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer. Make sure the load has not shifted.
Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.
• Check the load in the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle is not ov erloaded after occupants get in.
If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond
the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination.
Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer increases as speed increases.
Page 252 of 792
2524-2. Driving procedures
RX450h_RX450hL_U
Right turn
Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
Left turn
■Turn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out.
■If the turn signals stop flashing befo re a lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( P. 736)
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions
1
2
3
4
Page 272 of 792
2724-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RX450h_RX450hL_U
Operating the switch operates the rear wiper as follows:
(U.S.A.) or (Canada)
Off
(U.S.A.) or (Canada)
Intermittent operation
(U.S.A.) or (Canada)
Normal operation
Washer/wiper dual opera-
tion
Pushing the lever operates the wiper
and washer.
The wiper will automatically operate a
couple of times afte r the washer squirts.
Rear window wiper and washer
Operating the wiper lever
1
2
3
4
Page 273 of 792
2734-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
■The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■If no washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzle is not blocked if there is washer fluid in the washer fluid
tank.
NOTICE
■When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wiper, as it may damage the rear window.
■When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may overheat.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.