Lexus RX (RX 350L, RX450h) 2016-2024 Owners Manual: Trailer towing (vehicles with towing package)

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying vehicle.

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

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

Towing related terms

■ GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) The maximum allowable gross combination 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 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).

■ 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 vehicle with one driver, one front passenger, 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.

■ Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating) The trailer weight rating for towing a trailer without a trailer service brake system.

■ Tongue Weight The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.

Weight limits

• The gross trailer weight must never exceed 3500 lb. (1585 kg).
• The gross combination weight must never exceed 9500 lb. (4309 kg).
• The gross vehicle weight must never exceed the GVWR indicated on the Certification Label.
• The gross axle weight on each axle must never exceed the GAWR indicated on the Certification Label.

• 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.

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR

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

■ GCWR* 9500 lb. (4309 kg)

■ TWR* 3500 lb. (1585 kg)

■ Unbraked TWR* 1000 lb. (453 kg)

*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per SAE J2807.

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 weight/Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)

1. Gross trailer weight
2. Tongue weight

The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Hitch

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 trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.

Selecting trailer ball

Use the correct trailer ball for your application.

1. Trailer ball load rating
   Matches or exceeds the gross trailer weight rating of the trailer.
2. Ball diameter
   Matches the size of the trailer coupler.

   Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.

3. Shank length
   Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2 threads.
4. Shank diameter
   Matches the ball mount hole diameter size.

Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball

1. Weight carrying ball position: 44.96 in. (1142 mm)
2. Hitch receiver pin hole position: 35.94 in. (913 mm)

Connecting trailer lights

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 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 operate normally.

If the lights do not operate normally, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Trailer towing tips

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 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 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 jackknifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
• 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 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 surfaces, etc.

  Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.

• Take care when passing other vehicles. 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 performance when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in D.
• 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 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 85ºF [30ºC]) when driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
• Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle's and the trailer's wheels when parking. Put the transmission in P and apply the parking brake. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing 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 hybrid system.

• When restarting after parking on a slope:

1. With the transmission in P, start the hybrid system. Be sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.

2. Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.

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

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.

■ Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height 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.

1. Coupler
2. Trailer ball

■ Before towing Check that the following conditions are met:

• Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated.
• 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, overloading, 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 regulations.

  If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

■ AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped) The suspension can be switched for improvement in driveability.

■ Break-in schedule If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an engine, hybrid transmission, rear differential 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 and Services Guide", "Owner's Manual Supplement" or "Scheduled Maintenance".)
• 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 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 appropriate, 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 prevent 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 performance 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, whichever 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 reducing 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 surfaces.
• Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly 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
  • LKA (Lane-Keeping 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 downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades.
• 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.

WARNING

■ Hitch Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manufacturer.

■ 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 applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
• 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 wandering 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 damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a malfunction.