Lexus 2008 ES350, Owner'S Manual

Page: 177 / 460

177
2-5. Driving information
2
When drivin
g
ES350_U_(L/O_0802)
n
Before towing
l
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (
→
P. 326)
l
Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recom-
mendation.
l
All trailer lights work to be legal.
l
Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
l
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
l
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
l
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
n
Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new
power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) to
tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
n
Maintenance
l
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 Sup-
plement/ Scheduled Maintenance”.)
l
Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
CAUTION
n
To avoid accident or injury
l
The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed
1000 lb. (450 kg).
l
Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
l
Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About 60% of
the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% in the
rear.
ES350_U_33809U.book Page 177 Wednesday, January 30, 2008 10:58 AM