RX 450h towing ?
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
I have a hybrid 450h. I have several lightweight wooden rowboats (I build boats) and I use a couple different trailers to take them to various local lakes. I use these boats for a workout and once in a while to keep the local bass population healthy by never catching any of them. A few years ago I tried to get some info on a trailer hitch and got numerous Thou Shalt Not responses form dealers nearby. Has that changed? They don't understand or care that I don't put the car in the damn water. So it's not a question of whether I should, it's a question of how? Anyone have any luck getting a hitch on one of these? Has anything changed? My wife can get hitch for a Prius, why not one of these?
If you have AWD you need tow package.
Once these statements are made by the manufacturer and some on decides to ignore them, then the onus is on the one who ignores them.
As an owner, you can do what you want, as long as you do not go back to the manufacturer.
As far as physics is concerned for FWD, be aware that the Reverse is only from electric [gasoline based ICE does not provide power for reverse .. so you may get stranded relying on high-voltage battery holding charge long enough for you]. The other is how torque is distributed from the ICE and electric to the front (traction) wheels.
There are many other considerations for trailer and power is not the only one. Example I have GS400 [300+ hp rear wheel drive] and again Lexus says no trailer,
Salim
PS: You can start by adding a hitch and use it as bike carrier. If you are adventurous and do not hold any one else liable, you can then try light weigh pulls.
2nd gear
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 2
From: California
Second tow of my Jayco 174bh. Towed from Orange County CA to Death Valley CA. No issues and is a beast!
Proof that a 2013 RX450H with tow package can a haul a travel trailer at 3,200+ lbs
Last edited by OCSC450H; Mar 5, 2024 at 05:59 AM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 215
From: Texas
My understanding is the FWD 450 should not tow vehicle per Lexus.
If you have AWD you need tow package.
Once these statements are made by the manufacturer and some on decides to ignore them, then the onus is on the one who ignores them.
As an owner, you can do what you want, as long as you do not go back to the manufacturer.
As far as physics is concerned for FWD, be aware that the Reverse is only from electric [gasoline based ICE does not provide power for reverse .. so you may get stranded relying on high-voltage battery holding charge long enough for you]. The other is how torque is distributed from the ICE and electric to the front (traction) wheels.
There are many other considerations for trailer and power is not the only one. Example I have GS400 [300+ hp rear wheel drive] and again Lexus says no trailer,
Salim
PS: You can start by adding a hitch and use it as bike carrier. If you are adventurous and do not hold any one else liable, you can then try light weigh pulls.
If you have AWD you need tow package.
Once these statements are made by the manufacturer and some on decides to ignore them, then the onus is on the one who ignores them.
As an owner, you can do what you want, as long as you do not go back to the manufacturer.
As far as physics is concerned for FWD, be aware that the Reverse is only from electric [gasoline based ICE does not provide power for reverse .. so you may get stranded relying on high-voltage battery holding charge long enough for you]. The other is how torque is distributed from the ICE and electric to the front (traction) wheels.
There are many other considerations for trailer and power is not the only one. Example I have GS400 [300+ hp rear wheel drive] and again Lexus says no trailer,
Salim
PS: You can start by adding a hitch and use it as bike carrier. If you are adventurous and do not hold any one else liable, you can then try light weigh pulls.
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 109
Likes: 9
From: NC
But you have the AWD version correct? I have FWD and want to be able to put a smaller (21') pontoon boat in and out of a lake....that's ALL the towing I would do with it. 300 yards driving to put it in, a short ramp, and 300 yards to put it back. I calculate that the boat, trailer and motor + 200 lbs. of gear comes to ~3300 lbs.
Last edited by Finalist0946; Oct 9, 2023 at 10:05 AM. Reason: more info.
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 109
Likes: 9
From: NC
Follow up
My understanding is the FWD 450 should not tow vehicle per Lexus.
If you have AWD you need tow package.
Once these statements are made by the manufacturer and some on decides to ignore them, then the onus is on the one who ignores them.
As an owner, you can do what you want, as long as you do not go back to the manufacturer.
As far as physics is concerned for FWD, be aware that the Reverse is only from electric [gasoline based ICE does not provide power for reverse .. so you may get stranded relying on high-voltage battery holding charge long enough for you]. The other is how torque is distributed from the ICE and electric to the front (traction) wheels.
There are many other considerations for trailer and power is not the only one. Example I have GS400 [300+ hp rear wheel drive] and again Lexus says no trailer,
Salim
PS: You can start by adding a hitch and use it as bike carrier. If you are adventurous and do not hold any one else liable, you can then try light weigh pulls.
If you have AWD you need tow package.
Once these statements are made by the manufacturer and some on decides to ignore them, then the onus is on the one who ignores them.
As an owner, you can do what you want, as long as you do not go back to the manufacturer.
As far as physics is concerned for FWD, be aware that the Reverse is only from electric [gasoline based ICE does not provide power for reverse .. so you may get stranded relying on high-voltage battery holding charge long enough for you]. The other is how torque is distributed from the ICE and electric to the front (traction) wheels.
There are many other considerations for trailer and power is not the only one. Example I have GS400 [300+ hp rear wheel drive] and again Lexus says no trailer,
Salim
PS: You can start by adding a hitch and use it as bike carrier. If you are adventurous and do not hold any one else liable, you can then try light weigh pulls.
I have FWD and want to be able to put a smaller (21') pontoon boat in and out of a lake....that's ALL the towing I would do with it. 300 yards driving to put it in, a short ramp, and 300 yards to put it back. I calculate that the boat, trailer and motor + 200 lbs. of gear comes to ~3300 lbs.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 299
Likes: 73
From: Oregon
I have FWD and want to be able to put a smaller (21') pontoon boat in and out of a lake....that's ALL the towing I would do with it. 300 yards driving to put it in, a short ramp, and 300 yards to put it back. I calculate that the boat, trailer and motor + 200 lbs. of gear comes to ~3300 lbs.
I would definitely not try it with a FWD.
Last edited by RadiantX45; Oct 9, 2023 at 09:23 PM.
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2nd gear
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 2
From: California
Towing a Jayco 174bh
Towing a 3,200 lb Jayco travel trailer to Lake Arrowhead and latest trip to Death Valley from Orange County CA. It has been a great experience thus far. I recently changed the CVT transmission fluid a year ago and change my engine oil every 6 months or 5000 miles with Amsoil.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
I have a 2013 RX 450H. Went to the Lexus dealer and was told I can tow with this, up to 3500lbs. In doing more research people are all over the map. Tow, don't tow, etc. Confusing. You are making me rethink my Lexus purchase.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
I just put a hitch on mine. Talked with the local dealer about it. They said it was fine. The mechanic who put the hitch on said it was 'very easy'. I don't know what all the conflict is about in that there doesn't seem to be any agreement across the various opinions.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
I just put a hitch on mine. Talked with the local dealer about it. They said it was fine. The mechanic who put the hitch on said it was 'very easy'. I don't know what all the conflict is about in that there doesn't seem to be any agreement across the various opinions.
Salim
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