Recently my wife and I just purchased a 2010 Jayco Jay Feather X17Z 18 ft travel trailer. I am a little worried about using my 2006 Lexus RX400h to pull this unit. I know that my hybrid is the AWD model , it has the tow prep package on it and it has a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. This travel trailer has a weight of 3000 pounds and I also purchased the sway control system as well. Basically want I want to know is there anybody else out there that is pulling this type of travel trailer with their hybrid model SUV and is this a good idea or not? Sorry for being a little worried but this is my first time pulling anything of this size and I am worried about hurting my tranny. The Lexus dealer I purchased this SUV from told me to be careful while pulling anything since the tranny in the RX400h is $12,000 to replace. That sure doesnt ease my thoughts. If anybody can share there story that would be awesome. Thanks.

 

I would say no way. From some of the discussions here it's frowned upon. That trailer is no joke. Serious stuff. I might consider trailing a small motorcycle trailer for transport but nothing else. Just what I heard.

I hope some one else can shed some more specific info here though. Would be great if I am wrong.

 

Depends on how far you will be towing it? Speed? Weather? Terrain?

Personally, I wouldn't risk it. With it being an hybrid and all, I'm not sure if it would be a good idea. < but, I could be wrong.
If it were not a hybrid, I'd be all for it.

I suppose if it were a short distance, with level ground it should be fine. But, I don't think anyone on here has pulled a trailer with a hybrid.

 

Welcome to Club Lexus.

Like many questions, this one has been asked before. However, you are in the wrong section for those -- you need to be in the Hybrid Technology section:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hybrid-technology-187/

Also, get to know the search features for the forum -- they are your friend. If you search for 400h towing you will find some of the existing threads on this topic in the appropriate section. Some have reported success in towing with their 400h. However, there are concerns and expenses to consider.

 

Alrighty. I am new to looking at stuff on Forums. Sorry for posting in the wrong section. I will definitely use the search function and do better about posting in the right areas. Thanks to everyone on the replies. I am still on the fence about towing with my 400h but it seems as if others have had good luck but others still say be careful. I have yet to read about anybody actually having transmission trouble after towing though.

 

If you have a tow prep package, that means that your suspension/cooling systems have been beefed up somewhat...extra coolers etc.

a 3,000lb trailer with a 3,500lb capacity is...yikes. You throw any gear at all, or 2 more adults in the RX and you are over capacity.

I would think it would be fine for a once-in-a-while (like 3-4x a year) deal, but if you are gonna tow every weekend (like I do), you might consider a more robust towing vehicle.

 

Yup you are pushing it, the cooling increase with tow package is like nothing....I would definetly be changing the fluids on the transmission after every tow.....Just me...If you were towing a tent trailer that weighed 1500 lbs I would feel more comfortable...

 

I agree that a bigger towing vehicle is needed. Even a non hybird RX is a bit small for that trailer.

 

Had the tranny replaced in my 2006 RX400h (under the extended warranty at 155000km) and the part itself was $4500 CDN. I can't see $7500 in labour or a part more expensive in the US than in Canada (usually it's the other way around).

So your dealer is out to lunch, lying, or more likely, completely uninformed about the products they sell.

When it comes to towing, if you choose to do it, I would be changing the tranny and rear diff fluid under the 'severe' conditions (or sooner).