Lexus RX350 (2022 year). Manual in english — page 9

153

4-1. Before driving

4

Driving

WARNING

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving

position while the vehicle is moving

backward.

Doing so can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

●

Shifting the shift lever to N while the

vehicle is moving will disengage the

engine. Engine braking is not available

when N is selected.

●

Be careful not to shift the shift lever

with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Shifting the shift lever to any position

other than P or N may lead to unex-

pected rapid acceleration of the vehi-

cle that may cause an accident and

result in death or serious injury.

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping

noise (brake pad wear limit indica-

tors)

Have the brake pads checked and

replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as

possible.

Rotor damage may result if the pads are

not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when

the wear limits of the brake pads and/or

those of the brake discs are exceeded.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not race the engine.

If the shift lever is in any position other

than P or N, the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly and unexpectedly, caus-

ing an accident.

●

In order to prevent accidents due to

the vehicle rolling away, always keep

depressing the brake pedal while the

engine is running, and apply the park-

ing brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline,

in order to prevent accidents caused

by the vehicle rolling forward or back-

ward, always depress the brake pedal

and securely apply the parking brake

as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed

while the vehicle is stopped may cause

the exhaust system to overheat, which

could result in a fire if combustible

material is nearby.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters,

spray cans, or soft drink cans in the

vehicle when it is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the following:

• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter

or spray can, and may lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle

may cause the plastic lenses and plas-

tic material of glasses to deform or

crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing

the contents to spray over the interior

of the vehicle, and may also cause a

short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical

components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the

vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a

place such as the glove box or on the

floor, it may be lit accidentally when

luggage is loaded or the seat is

adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the

windshield or windows. Do not place

containers such as air fresheners on

the instrument panel or dashboard.

Adhesive discs or containers may act

as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window open if

the curved glass is coated with a met-

allized film such as a silver-colored

one. Reflected sunlight may cause the

glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

154

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift

the shift lever to P, stop the engine and

lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended

while the engine is running.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift

lever in P but the parking brake is not

set, the vehicle may start to move, pos-

sibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while

the engine is running or immediately

after turning the engine off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if

you accidentally move the shift lever or

depress the accelerator pedal, this could

cause an accident or fire due to engine

overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is

parked in a poorly ventilated area,

exhaust gases may collect and enter the

vehicle, leading to death or a serious

health hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more

cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the

brakes are wet, and this may cause one

side of the vehicle to brake differently

than the other side. Also, the parking

brake may not securely hold the vehi-

cle.

●

If the brake booster device does not

operate, do not follow other vehicles

closely and avoid hills or sharp turns

that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but

the brake pedal should be depressed

more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have your

brakes fixed immediately.

●

Do not pump the brake pedal if the

engine stalls.

Each push on the brake pedal uses up

the reserve for the power-assisted

brakes.

●

The brake system consists of 2 individ-

ual hydraulic systems; if one of the sys-

tems fails, the other will still operate. In

this case, the brake pedal should be

depressed more firmly than usual and

the braking distance will increase.

Have your brakes fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck (AWD

models)

Do not spin the wheels excessively when

any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehi-

cle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may

damage the driveline components or

propel the vehicle forward or backward,

causing an accident.

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and

brake pedals at the same time during

driving, as this may restrain the engine

output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or

depress the accelerator and brake

pedals at the same time to hold the

vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake and shift

the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may

cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle

may accelerate suddenly if the accelera-

tor pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in

either direction and hold it there for an

extended period of time.

Doing so may damage the power

steering motor.

●

When driving over bumps on the road,

drive as slowly as possible to avoid

damaging the wheels, underside of the

vehicle, etc.

155

4-1. Before driving

4

Driving

Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit —
(1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400

−

750

(5



150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-

NOTICE

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-

lowing situations. Hold the steering

wheel firmly and gradually depress the

brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehi-

cle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal

sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat

tire (



P.406)

■

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded

after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause

the following serious damage to the vehi-

cle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water

immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded

road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure

to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-

lowing:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil

and fluid used for the engine, transaxle,

transfer (AWD models), rear differen-

tial (AWD models), etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the propeller

shaft (AWD models), bearings and

suspension joints (where possible),

and the function of all joints, bearings,

etc.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load.

Capacity and distribution

156

4-1. Before driving

gage load capacity calculated in Step
4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
(



P.158)

Vehicles without towing package: Lexus
does not recommend towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed
for trailer towing.

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (



P.430)

When 2 people with the combined
weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:

B

*2

lb. (kg) - A

*1

lb. (kg) = C

*3

lb. (kg)

*1

: A =Weight of people

*2

: B =Total load capacity

*3

: C =Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with
the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,
the available cargo and luggage load will
be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D

*4

lb. (kg) = E

*5

lb. (kg)

*4

: D =Additional weight of people

*5

: E =Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupants increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.

Calculation formula for your
vehicle

A
B

WARNING

■

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

■

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 lug-

gage compartment whenever possi-

ble.

157

4-1. Before driving

4

Driving

WARNING

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage in the

luggage compartment higher than the

seatbacks.

●

When you fold down the rear seats,

long items should not be placed

directly behind the front seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the lug-

gage compartment. It is not designed

for passengers. They should ride in

their seats with their seat belts prop-

erly fastened.

●

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 luggage cover

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle

weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s

weight and the cargo load is less than

the total load capacity, do not apply the

load unevenly. Improper loading may

cause deterioration of steering or

braking control which may cause

death or serious injury.

■

Roof luggage carrier precautions

Observe the following precautions:

●

Place the cargo so that its weight is dis-

tributed evenly between the front and

rear axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo, never

exceed the vehicle overall length or

width. (



P.430)

●

Before driving, make sure the cargo is

securely fastened on the roof luggage

carrier.

●

Loading cargo on the roof luggage

carrier will make the center of gravity

of the vehicle higher. Avoid high

speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,

sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers,

otherwise it may result in loss of con-

trol or vehicle rollover due to failure to

operate this vehicle correctly and

result in death or serious injury.

●

If driving for a long distance, on rough

roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehi-

cle now and then during the trip to

make sure the cargo remains in its

place.

●

Do not exceed 165 lb. (75 kg) cargo

weight on the roof luggage carrier.

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo (vehicles with a

moon roof or panoramic moon roof)

Be careful not to scratch the surface of

the moon roof or panoramic moon roof.

158

4-1. Before driving

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire

and loading information label. (



P.363)

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
trailer weight rating and cargo
capacity.



Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight):



P.430

Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.



Seating capacity
(RX350):



P.431

Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.



Seating capacity
(RX350L):



P.431

Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.



TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
(vehicles with towing package):



P.164, 430

TWR means the maximum gross
trailer weight (trailer weight plus its
cargo weight) that your vehicle is
able to tow.



TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
(vehicles without towing pack-
age)

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.

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.

159

4-1. Before driving

4

Driving

■

Matching trailer ball height to trailer

coupler height

No matter which class of tow hitch applies,

Trailer towing (vehicles with-
out 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 wheel-
chair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

Trailer towing (vehicles with
towing package)

Your vehicle is designed primarily
as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an
adverse impact on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and
fuel consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others, you must
not overload your vehicle or trailer.
You must also ensure that you are
using appropriate towing equip-
ment, that the towing equipment
has been installed correctly and
used properly, and that you employ
the requisite driving habits.

Vehicle-trailer stability and braking
performance are affected by trailer
stability, brake performance and
setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and
hitch systems (if equipped).

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme
care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with your trailer’s character-
istics and operating conditions.

Lexus warranties do not apply to
damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial pur-
poses.

Contact your Lexus dealer for fur-
ther information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit,
etc.

160

4-1. Before driving

for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer

ball setup must be the proper height for the

coupler on the trailer.

Coupler
Trailer ball

■

Before towing

Check that the following conditions are

met:

●

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-

erly inflated. (



P.436)

●

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 tongue weight, over-

loading, worn suspension, or other possi-

ble causes.

●

The trailer cargo is securely loaded.

●

The rear view mirrors conform to all

applicable federal, state/provincial or

local regulations. If they do not, install

rear view mirrors appropriate for towing

purposes.

■

Adaptive Variable Suspension System

(if equipped)

The suspension can be switched for

improvement in driveability. (



P.266)

■

Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped with any

new power train components (such as an

engine, transaxle, transfer [AWD models],

rear differential [AWD models] or wheel

bearing), Lexus recommends that you do

not tow a trailer until the vehicle has 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 additional load. (See “Warranty

Supplement” or “Scheduled Mainte-

nance”.)

●

Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing

ball and bracket after approximately 600

miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

■

If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing

vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely

affect handling of your vehicle and trailer,

causing instability.

●

If trailer swaying occurs:

• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer

straight ahead.

Do not try to control trailer swaying by

turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal

immediately but very gradually to reduce

speed.

Do not increase speed. Do not apply

vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction with the

steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer

should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway

A
B

161

4-1. Before driving

4

Driving

Control can also help to stabilize the vehicle

and trailer.)

●

After the trailer swaying 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 appropri-

ate, if possible.

• Check the load in the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded

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 pre-

vent instability. Remember that swaying of

the towing vehicle-trailer increases as

speed increases.

WARNING

■

Trailer towing precautions

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care

and drive the vehicle in accordance with

the trailer’s characteristics and operating

conditions. Failure to do so could cause

an accident resulting in death or serious

injury. Vehicle stability and braking per-

formance are affected by trailer stability,

brake setting and performance, and the

hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently

when towing a trailer.

■

To avoid accident or injury

●

Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked

TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.

●

If the gross trailer weight is over 2000

lb. (907 kg), a sway control device with

sufficient capacity is required.

●

Adjust the tongue weight within the

appropriate range. Place heavier loads

as close to the trailer axle as possible.

●

Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h),

the posted towing speed limit or the

speed limit for your trailer as set forth

in your trailer owner’s manual, which-

ever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently

before making a turn, in cross winds,

on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help

avoid an accident. If you experience a

vehicle-trailer instability from reduc-

ing a certain speed, slow down and

make sure you keep your vehicle

speed under the speed of which you

experience the instability.

●

Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp

turns.

●

Do not apply the brakes suddenly as

you may skid, resulting in jackknifing

and loss of vehicle control. This is

especially true on wet or slippery sur-

faces.

●

Do not exceed the trailer hitch assem-

bly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross

axle weight and trailer tongue weight

capacities.

●

Do not use the following systems when

trailer towing.

• Dynamic radar cruise control with

full-speed range

• LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)

• PCS (Pre-Collision System)

• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if

equipped)

●

Slow down and downshift before

descending steep or long downhill

grades. Do not make sudden down-

shifts while descending steep or long

downhill grades.

162

4-1. Before driving

■

GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross combi-
nation weight. The gross combination
weight is the sum of the total vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment 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 vehicle
weight. The gross vehicle weight is the
total weight of the vehicle. When tow-
ing 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.

WARNING

●

Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely

on steep long downhills. Before

descending steep or long downhill

grades, slow down and downshift. Do

not make sudden downshifts when

descending steep or long downhill

grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal

down too long or applying the brakes

too frequently. This could cause the

brakes to overheat and result in

reduced braking efficiency.

●

Do not tow a trailer when the compact

spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

■

When towing a trailer

Lexus recommends trailers with brakes

that conform to any applicable federal

and state/provincial regulations.

●

If the gross trailer weight exceeds

unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are

required. Lexus recommends trailers

with brakes that conform to all applica-

ble federal and state/provincial regula-

tions.

●

Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic

system, as this will lower the vehicle’s

braking effectiveness.

●

Never tow a trailer without using a

safety chain securely attached to both

the trailer and the vehicle. If damage

occurs to the coupling unit or hitch

ball, there is danger of the trailer wan-

dering into another lane.

NOTICE

■

When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recommended by

your Lexus dealer. Do not install the

trailer hitch on the bumper; this may

cause body damage.

■

Do not directly splice trailer lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights.

Directly splicing trailer lights may dam-

age your vehicle’s electrical system and

cause a malfunction.

Towing related terms

163

4-1. Before driving

4

Driving

■

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing)

The maximum allowable gross axle
weight. The gross axle weight is the
load placed on each axle (front and
rear).

Front GAWR
Rear GAWR

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. The gross trailer weight is the
sum of the trailer weight and the weight
of the cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming base vehi-
cle with one driver, one front passen-
ger, towing package (if available), hitch
and hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, passengers
and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the
trailer weight rating so as not to exceed
GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.
If the gross trailer weight exceeds 3000
lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended to use a
trailer with 2 or more axles.

With brakes

■

Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer
Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for towing a
trailer without a trailer service brake
system.

Without brakes

■

Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.
(



P.164)

A
B

A

A

164

4-1. Before driving



The gross trailer weight must never
exceed 3500 lb. (1585 kg).



The gross combination weight must
never exceed the following:



RX350

2WD models: 9165 lb. (4157 kg)
AWD models: 9360 lb. (4246 kg)



RX350L

2WD models: 9400 lb. (4263 kg)
AWD models: 9485 lb. (4302 kg)



The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the GVWR indicated on the
Certification Label. (



P.431)



The gross axle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated on the Certification Label.
(



P.431)



If the gross trailer weight is over the
unbraked TWR, trailer service
brakes are required.



If the gross trailer weight is over
2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control
device with sufficient capacity is
required.

Confirm that the gross trailer weight,
gross combination weight, gross vehi-
cle weight, gross axle weight and
tongue weight are all within the limits.

■

GCWR

*



RX350

2WD models: 9165 lb. (4157 kg)
AWD models: 9360 lb. (4246 kg)



RX350L

2WD models: 9400 lb. (4263 kg)
AWD models: 9485 lb. (4302 kg)

■

TWR

*

3500 lb. (1585 kg)

■

Unbraked TWR

*

1000 lb. (453 kg)

*

: This models meet the tow-vehicle traile-

ring requirement of SAE International
per SAE J2807.



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 distrib-
uted so that the tongue weight is 9% to
11%.

Weight limits

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked
TWR

Trailer Tongue Weight

165

4-1. Before driving

4

Driving

(Tongue weight/Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight
and tongue weight can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company,
trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight

Trailer hitch assemblies have different
weight capacities. Lexus recommends
the use of Lexus hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. For details, contact your Lexus
dealer.



If you wish to install a trailer hitch,
contact your Lexus dealer.



Use only a hitch that conforms to
the gross trailer 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 hitch ball whenever you
are not towing a trailer. Remove the
trailer hitch if you do not need it.
After removing the hitch, seal any

mounting hole in the vehicle body to
prevent entry of any substances into
the vehicle.

Use the correct trailer ball for your
application.

Trailer ball load rating

Matches or exceeds the gross trailer
weight rating of the trailer.

Hitch

A
B

WARNING

■

Hitches

Trailer hitch assemblies have different

weight capacities established by the hitch

manufacturer. Even though the vehicle

may be physically capable of towing a

higher weight, the operator must deter-

mine the maximum weight rating of the

particular hitch assembly and never

exceed the maximum weight rating

specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding

the maximum weight rating set by the

trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an

accident resulting in death or serious

personal injuries.

Selecting trailer ball

Trailer class

Typical trailer ball

size

IV

2 5/16 in.

II and III

2 in.

I

1 7/8 in.

A

166

4-1. Before driving

Ball diameter

Matches the size of the trailer coupler.
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 diameter size.

Weight carrying ball position

• RX350 : 44.96 in. (1142 mm)
• RX350L : 49.72 in. (1263 mm)

Hitch receiver pin hole position

• RX350 : 35.94 in. (913 mm)
• RX350L : 45.08 in. (1145 mm)

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 vehi-

cle’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 cut function is

activated

If a trailer light does not come on due to the

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

position 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

light switches again to see if the lights oper-

ate normally.
If the lights do not operate normally, have

Positions for towing hitch
receiver and hitch ball

Connecting trailer lights

B

C

D

A

B

167

4-1. Before driving

4

Driving

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an
accident, death or serious injury, keep
the following in mind when towing:



Speed limits for towing a trailer vary
by state or province. Do not exceed
the posted towing speed limit.



Lexus recommends that the vehi-
cle-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 trailer
lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving
a short distance.



Practice turning, stopping and
reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you
become 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
your hand to the right to move the
trailer to right. (This is generally

opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to reduce
the risk of an accident.



As stopping distance is increased
when towing a trailer, vehicle-to
vehicle distance should be
increased. 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 a loss of vehicle control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery
surfaces.



Avoid jerky starts or sudden accel-
eration.



Avoid jerky steering and sharp
turns, and slow down before making
turn.



Note that when making a turn, the
trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. Compensate by making a
wider than normal turning radius.



Slow down before making a turn, in
cross winds, on wet or slippery sur-
faces, etc. Increasing vehicle speed
can 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 effi-
ciency and charging system perfor-

Trailer towing tips

168

4-1. Before driving

mance when using engine braking,
do not put the transmission in D. If in
the M mode, the transmission shift
range position must be in 6 or lower.
(



P.174)



Instability happens more frequently
when descending steep or long
downhill grades. Before descend-
ing, 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 the
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 engine
coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating, immediately turn
off the air conditioning (if in use),
pull your vehicle off the road and
stop in a safe spot. (



P.426)



Always place wheel blocks under
both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s
wheels when parking. Put the trans-
mission in P and apply the parking
brake. Avoid parking on a slope, but
if unavoidable, do so only after per-
forming the following:

1

Apply the brakes and keep them
applied.

2

Have someone place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s
wheels.

3

When the wheel blocks are in
place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.

4

Shift into P and apply the parking
brake.

5

Turn off the engine.



When restarting after parking on a
slope:

1

With the transmission in P, start the
engine. Be sure to keep the brake
pedal depressed.

2

Shift into a forward gear. If revers-
ing, shift into R.

3

If the parking brake is in manual
mode, release the parking brake.
(



P.179)

4

Release the brake pedal, and slowly
pull or back away from the wheel
blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.

5

Have someone retrieve the blocks.