Atttach A Trailer To Ls400
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
Sure, you can install a hitch on your 98 LS. Here is where I bought one for my similar 2000 LS400: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-1998_Lexus_LS400.htm
Wiring the trailer lights will cost another $40 - $100 depending on whether you do it yourself or have someone do it for you.
Attached is a photo of the hitch on my garage floor before the install. On my 00 LS, I use the hitch primarily for a bike rack. On my first LS, a 1990, I towed a 4'x8' utility trailer regularly for about 10 years.
With its powerful engine and robust construction, the LS makes a great tow car -- I've found that those who tell you it doesn't do not have personal experience towing a trailer with an LS.
Wiring the trailer lights will cost another $40 - $100 depending on whether you do it yourself or have someone do it for you.
Attached is a photo of the hitch on my garage floor before the install. On my 00 LS, I use the hitch primarily for a bike rack. On my first LS, a 1990, I towed a 4'x8' utility trailer regularly for about 10 years.
With its powerful engine and robust construction, the LS makes a great tow car -- I've found that those who tell you it doesn't do not have personal experience towing a trailer with an LS.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
Last edited by Kansas; Aug 5, 2007 at 06:53 PM.
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PD, the trailer hitch and instructions in the tutorial are only for a 1990-94 LS400 and the hitch shown in the tutorial is a very light duty Class I hitch that doesn't even have a connection point for a safety chain. The 98-00 LS400 is completely different and the hitch for the 98-00 does not attached to the rear of the bumper beam like the class I and class II hitches did on the gen 1 LS.
i know nothing about towing stuff (friend has an F350 Diesel that we use to tow **** around
)
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 4
From: Lou-Evil KY
just don't tow too much weight with it! just because the engine can pull it doesn't mean the brakes can stop it, nor the transmission and rear end handle the extra load. change your fluids! don't tow in OD.
the only MOD id recco is if ur towing for extended periods/distances is maybe a trans cooler.
the rear end and susp. and etc. can take the stress. the LS Owner's Manual even states the max loads >.>
now, would i tow on a 1st gen with 1st gen brakes? no.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 4
From: Lou-Evil KY
ehh, the 2LS is MORE than capable of towing around 2000lbs
the only MOD id recco is if ur towing for extended periods/distances is maybe a trans cooler.
the rear end and susp. and etc. can take the stress. the LS Owner's Manual even states the max loads >.>
now, would i tow on a 1st gen with 1st gen brakes? no.
the only MOD id recco is if ur towing for extended periods/distances is maybe a trans cooler.
the rear end and susp. and etc. can take the stress. the LS Owner's Manual even states the max loads >.>
now, would i tow on a 1st gen with 1st gen brakes? no.
not trying to argue but i would never tow with any vehicle at it's max load. it's way too much for most vehicles even trucks. i have a grand cherokee with the 4.7 v8 HO with the factory tow package, 3.73 gears, trans cooler, etc. and it's supposed to tow 6500 lbs max. i had my galant vr4 on a trailer whic worked out to about 5500 and the jeep did not like it much. could not use OD on the freeway and the brakes were nowhere up to the task.
that being said, the small ring gear on an LS and small quantity of fluid in the diff can't dissipate the heat very well from extended periods of towing.
of course, this is all a moot point since i doubt anyone is going to be towing a car on a trailer behind their LS!
nonethelss, i would be hesitant to tow any more than 2000lbs MAX no matter what the manual says.
i also would not tow in OD on. way too much heat build up in the trans from the constant shifting in an out of OD.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
PD, the trailer hitch and instructions in the tutorial are only for a 1990-94 LS400 and the hitch shown in the tutorial is a very light duty Class I hitch that doesn't even have a connection point for a safety chain. The 98-00 LS400 is completely different and the hitch for the 98-00 does not attached to the rear of the bumper beam like the class I and class II hitches did on the gen 1 LS.