fletch

I know this will sound insane, but I want to be able to tow a very small trailer with my SC430.

I'm a kayaker, and it would be much more fun driving to the water with the SC's top down, rather than listening to the deafening road noise in my SUV. A mini trailer with 2 kayaks would only weigh a few hundred pounds. Also, if I get rid of the SUV, I may occasionally need to haul something from Home Depot that doesn't fit in the SC; a mini trailer would work fine for that.

I'm thinking of finding someone who can build me a (removable) custom hitch. Now, I know full well what Lexus would tell me (don't do it!), but I'd like to get some input from members here.

Now, I know it will look damn silly towing a tiny trailer with a couple bags of lawn gravel. But on the other hand, I think it will look pretty cool with a couple of kayaks behind it and the top down.

Since the SC weighs almost as much as an LS430, I know it has the bulk and power to tow. Other than looking stupid, what risks do I run? Damage to the suspension? Or the run-flats? I'd appreciate any input.

LexusSC430

Commonly overlooked in towing a vehicle is the damage to the transmission. It simply cannot and is not geared to towing. Trucks and other towing vehicles have tranny coolers built in through the coolant system. The risk you run is destroying the transmissonm, as well as putting more weight on the rear of the car which will put a lot more load on the suspension. I would say do not do it. Even a couple of hundred pounds will significanlty throw off the Lexus intended purposes for the SC. While I dont know the gear ratios off the top of my head I would be willing to bet they are closer to performance oriented ones rather "truck like" ones.

Of course owning a waverunner myself, I have seen just about everything possible towing something.

Richie

Won't it look a bit silly?

fletch

Thanks, LexusSC430

I hadn't considered the transmission, but your warning makes a lot of sense. I guess looking silly isn't the worst thing that could happen.

I think I'll keep the SUV for those kayaks, after all...

Richie

LOL, if you are going to look silly, there isn't a better place to do it in than a Lexus SC430!!