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Lexus RX Towing

24 messages,  Last post on Nov 06, 2011 at 9:39 AM

You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 350

    

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 24 Low Payload for 2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD by vic47

Jun 13, 2010 (8:57 am)

For information. I just purchased a 2010 RX 350 AWD Lexus. The sticker on the door, the manual, and as validated by Lexus,say that the payload is 825 lbs. Four guys slightly over 200lbs without luggage would break the weight budget. More applicable, me, my wife, daughter and son-in-law (both thin), 5 year old grandson as well as the dog also blow the weight budget. Can't even think about luggage when transporting the family. I checked the Lexus web site as well as the vehicle brochure and nowhere could I find a payload figure. Also, It seems that most other web sites have a much higher number for the payload. This is somewhat disappointing and may be a factor in considering the purchase of this vehicle.
 
I am reposting this message under its own discussion title. Orginally I had inadvertently posted it under another discussion. My apologies.

#2 of 24 Re: Low Payload for 2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD [vic47] by tidester

Jun 13, 2010 (9:16 am)

Replying to: vic47 (Jun 13, 2010 8:57 am)
That's kind of surprising. I'd think the payload would be closer to 1300 pounds or so. The lowly Geo Metro is supposed to be capable of carrying a 600 pound payload. Anyone know what the deal is here?
 
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SUVs and Smart Shopper

#3 of 24 Re: Low Payload for 2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD [vic47] by marqevans

Jun 13, 2010 (4:00 pm)

Replying to: vic47 (Jun 13, 2010 8:57 am)
Then how is it capable of towing?

#4 of 24 Re: Low Payload for 2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD [marqevans] by vic47

Jun 14, 2010 (7:03 am)

Replying to: marqevans (Jun 13, 2010 4:00 pm)
My understanding is that vehicle payload is only one factor in determining towing capability and is part of the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight capability of the vehicle . Per the manual, "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 load".

#5 of 24 Lexus RX 300/330/350 Towing by jbl85

Oct 30, 2011 (6:45 am)

    

#6 of 24 Towing Anybody? by jbl85

Oct 08, 2006 (12:57 pm)

I am considering towing a load of 3400 pounds behind my '05 RX330. I do have the towing package installed but I wanted to get other's input on their towing experiences with the 330 and if it is advised or not?
 
Also, is the towing hitch that Lexus installs sufficient for the job or are there better alternatives.
 
Thanks,
JBL

#7 of 24 Re: Towing Anybody? [jbl85] by tidester

Oct 08, 2006 (1:03 pm)

Replying to: jbl85 (Oct 08, 2006 12:57 pm)
Be sure to check out Towing tips for SUVs as well.
 
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#8 of 24 Re: Towing Anybody? [tidester] by jbl85

Oct 08, 2006 (4:37 pm)

Replying to: tidester (Oct 08, 2006 1:03 pm)
Thanks much. I searched that forum for an RX330 and no go...I guess people just don't do a lot of towing with the RX's...

#9 of 24 Re: Towing Anybody? [jbl85] by tidester

Oct 08, 2006 (5:33 pm)

Replying to: jbl85 (Oct 08, 2006 4:37 pm)
While waiting for a reply here you may want to toss out your question in the main Lexus RX 330 discussion.
 
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#10 of 24 Re: Towing Anybody? [jbl85] by la4mead

Oct 09, 2006 (11:21 am)

Replying to: jbl85 (Oct 08, 2006 12:57 pm)
I have an early '99 RX300 with the towing package, which includes one additional auxilery factory transmission cooler and heavy-duty radiator, etc. A main weak point of towing a fairly light load (under the 3500 lbs mine is rated at, and I assume yours is, too) according to the transmission mechanic and a trusted Lexus dealer I sought out is the transmission heat, and I'm guessing that hasn't changed on your 330 with your 5 speed trans. These units were not built with heavy duty bearings or towing or extended idling in mind, and the exhaust passes right under the tranny, so in extended low-speed pulling, idling, maneuvering, etc. they can't get rid of the heat build up, even with the radiator fan on.
  
The factory trans cooler is not fan-forced; it is in the fender well so the heat does not flow back to the radiator and engine (cooled only by the airflow from the brake cooling duct-fine when the airflow is moving).
  
I have one of the first RX's out. Although I originally did not tow anything with it, it developed well-known valve body issues that were resolved by Lexus by replacing the whole transmission under warrantee with a brand-new upgraded unit. Now it works as it should, but I also take extra care since I want to keep this car in good shape for a long time. Even though I have another vehicle for heavy towing, I also want to be able to tow with the RX, on occasion.
  
I service it very often. New fluid at 6 months, full service with filter at 18 months, just to be safe. You might not go so often, but I would service it before towing.
  
I asked the Lexus dealer's Service Manager who was in charge of the transmission replacement if it would void the warrantee if I added an additional transmission cooler, or it would hurt anything. He said no, it would be a good idea, but not in front of the radiator. I didn't say it was specifically for towing, but I said someday I would like to... So I added an additional redundant trans cooler in back of the factory cooler in the fender, and cut the vent holes larger in the black plastic inside fender skirt (you can't see it from outside the car) to let the heat vent out easier. It wasn't really hard to install if you are a do-it-yourselfer, but if not, a transmission shop could do it, too. Just be sure to specify you want them to use only Toyota fluid!
 
Since then, I've seen coolers that are thermostatically fan-forced (I don't recall where, you would need to search for them) but finding one that would fit between your windshield washer bottle and the stock trans cooler in the fender well might prove to be a trick, unless there is room in the driver's side fender brake cooling duct on the 330! That may be overly complicated.
  
Tips... Make sure when you are towing you take the transmission out of overdrive, so the transmission does not have to make that shift automatically. It will also be easier on your brakes, too.
  
Does your 3400 lb trailer have brakes? Usually they do.
  
I think it will be fine. Don't overload the car or trailer with weight. Distribute the weight evenly, and not too much near the tounge or back of the car, and certainly not on the roof.
  
The factory hitch is rated at 3500, I believe. If you don't have the factory hitch already, you can find heavier-duty hitches which will be stronger, rated for more weight even though you won't tow with more, and distribute the weight to the frame better (try the internet, like hitchweb.com or others), but don't go over the weight rating for the car anyway, but they are stronger. Uhaul's are barely adequate, only very light duty, but usually in stock.
 
Let me know what you find out, and keep it cool!

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