Trailer hitch deal
I just got a trailer hitch for my '02 ES300 from www.reese-hitches.com, $175 shipped. It included easy to follow, bolt on instructions and all hardware. Took 1/2 hour to install, no modifications needed, SIMPLE. The tail light converter, which most non american cars require, was available from my local boaters supply for under $20. That took almost an hour but was still easy to do.
My local hitch installer wanted $400 and would have kept my car 4-8 hours. Fortunately SW Fla is flat, the ES300 is not a towing powerhouse but will do the job :cool: |
cool deal, the only thing that I would like to see my Lex tow is my jetski. My celeb tows it well.
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swfla
what are your going to tow? Since you are in a very southern state where warm temperatures are more consistent throughout the year, you may want to look into an aftermarket transmission fluid cooler. steviej |
Excellent suggestion Steviej. I have an 18' boat that is near the recommended weight capacity in the owners manual. I will keep a close eye on the temp gauge the first time I tow it later this spring. A jet ski would be a piece of cake!!
My previous vehicle, a '98 Volvo V70 GLT had less HP but more low end torque. Volvos are set up with heavy duty everything so the temp gauge was fine. I also monitored my xmission fluid and changed it more frequently than recommended as well as engine oil. Volvos are real work horses. I used to be a fishing guide and towed everytime I had a charter. I've changed careers and will be towing only occasionally. If I had remained in my old career, I would have gotten the RX300. The right tool for the job makes life easier.......David. |
If I was towing an 18' foot boat, why not just get a truck?
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Originally Posted by swfla
I have an 18' boat that is near the recommended weight capacity in the owners manual.
David. What's the total weight (trailer, outboard and boat fully loaded)? steviej |
Hey Steviel, it's an older Maverick Master Angler flats boat with a 115 Suzuki 4 stroke. Had it on the truck scales...3050 lbs. It's my understanding that the newer ones are lighter. Of course that's the mfgrs claim. Once loaded, it's probably closer to what I have.
I've had pickups, SUVs and the Volvo wagon....glad to have a more luxury ride that will occasionally tow the boat. Can't bear to part with it . |
You will need to have your transmission serviced frequently and document it.
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Originally Posted by swfla
Hey Steviel, it's an older Maverick Master Angler flats boat with a 115 Suzuki 4 stroke. Had it on the truck scales...3050 lbs.
steviej |
You're right Steviej, got it confused with the hitch capacity. You are also right about the stopping capacity being more of an issue than the pulling capacity. I guess I will know more once I actually take the boat for a spin this spring. My hope is to just "get by" for a dozen trips a year being extra careful and gentle when I do it. Thanks so much for your genuine care and concern....David.
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better hope you don't throw your transmission running up the ramps
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hey Papachino, I don't know enough about transmissions. If the ramp/load is too steep wouldn't the tranny just slip? Can you explain what you meant about this?? Thanks.
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I wish I new more about transmissions also, mine just went :cry:
Pulling a load up a hill espsecially a boat that gained a little more weight because of the water that it has yet to drain out is going to put a good load on to the transmission. If the transmission just slips it is because you are probably burning the torque converter, similar to burning the clutch in a manual I guess. I know some of the ramp designs in Florida suck and does take a lot to pull a boat out of the water. In the Lexus, you'd probably get some wheel spin. But I don't know :uh: , I haven't pulled anything in my Lex yet |
Guess we'll just have to wait and see unless someone else who understands transmissions joins the discussion. How/why did your tranny go?
Your suggestion of a truck is a possibility, a beater for towing and Home Depot runs :) |
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho....php?t=205567-
This is my post on my tranny problems. If I am lucky It will go into 1st or reverse, but that is for only a short amount of time. It isn't going into gear So if anyone can help please reply under this thread, if not I am screwed to take it to a mechanic that is going to charge over $2,500 for. |
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