tob1y2k7

Hi,

I have 2010 RX350 with 4wd, looking at a boat to purchase with the trailer is 4000 lbs

I know the rx350 is max @3500 but have anyone gone over?

I'm towing 3 miles to the dock and 30 miles maybe for fishing once a month.

any info is appreciated

Thanks

InRBigness

I have and it was fine. You need to make sure your load is balanced and that you have enough tongue weight. I wouldnt go across the country but I have taken stuff out to the lake.

hypervish

3 miles shouldn't be a big deal. But I wouldn't go very far.

Getting up to speed should be no big deal. But you have to think about stopping. Also, if something happens then you will be held liable even if it's not your fault because you are towing more than you should be. Just some things to think about.

ejm3

Does your car have the towing package?

markrivers

with that distance, i don't see any problem.
BUT, have you ever considered "renting"?
Call me crazy but that's how i roll..
everytime i need to tow something.. i go to my favorite "enterprise rent a car" and for $40/day ( with discounts) i drive out with a Truck.

And... you can "fish" for the whole neighborhood.. dump it in the back and no one's going to complain about a fishy odor.

tob1y2k7

I do have towing pkg and the trailer have breaks too.
I'm looking at two boat one is just over 3000 and other one is about 4000.
That the hack whoever gives me a better deal that will be it, if not I'll pick up a cheap ford f-150 just to get around.

Thanks guys, but if anyone towed more than 3500 I would like to hear it.

tob1y2k7

Thats one of the main thing that worried about.....

Sandi_k

Don't forget - it's not just the boat and trailer. It's gear. And fuel at 6 lbs/gallon, which adds up fast.

Personally, the brake issue would really be the problem for me - I like a 2-1 ration of capable-to-actual weight. I wouldn't tow something that large...

Sandi

KA8

iTrader: (1)

Why take chances? Your RX is rated at 3500 lbs for towing and probably for a good reason. Just to think about...

vchan2177

I am a Mechanical Engineer and there are a few things you should keep in mind when exceeding the towing capacity. (1) Potential overheating your engine and transmission. (2) Since you are exceeding the towing capacity, you will experience a longer stopping distance due to the extra weight. (3) Overstressing your frame and drivetrain. Here are some options: Get a transmission cooler with a temperature gauge to monitor your transmission fluid temperature. Monitor your engine coolant gauge and transmission coolant gauge constantly and avoid towing on a hot summer afternoon. You should also avoid climbing and going down long steep hills or mountains. Since you have a longer stopping distance, you must drive as slow as reasonably possible. If necessary, stop halfway and let your brakes, transmission and engine cool down. Finally, I would not do this very often since this reduces the life of your vehicle drivetrain. How much of a life reduction will depend how much you overstress or overheat your Lexus. If you really want to take care of your Lexus, I would buy a "beater" truck or rent a truck to supplement the Lexus.

SteveCraig

Better off buying the beater F150 to haul it with. 4000 lbs. turns into 4500 pretty fast with fuel, water, food, & all the other things you bring with you. Consider too the rating on the RX has to include passengers & gear for an overall gross weight. Do the math with the manuals in hand & you'll see the "rated" tow capacity reduced.
Ex. My F150 4X4 with a 5.4 litre & max. tow package drops a fair bit of capacity due only to rear ratios & tire sizes.
I see the trans. dropping out first, just prior to the brake discs getting a little run-out. Nothing worse than trying to slow down with a big load behind you that wants to keep going.

disneydoc

On the same lines, I am researching towing a Travel Trailer 3200 lbs loaded across the country with my 2010 RX 350 AWD with Towing package(3500lbs) .

My trailer with electric brakes will have a weight distributing & anti sway equipped hitch, and my Rx350 will have a Tekonsha Brake Controller installed.

Has anybody towed with a RX350 ?, any opinions about the above set up ??

Thanks in advance for any feed back

Clutchless

If the Toyota Highlander (mechanical twin) has similar towing limits to the RX I would check the toyotanation forum to see if this issue has been discussed.

Kostyan

+1 against it, too nice of a vehicle to ruin the tranny and bunch of other stuff by towing a boat.

tampaFspor