Towing Experience
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 769
Likes: 55
From: ma
Towing Experience
Just finished a 800 mile tow with a 2008 RX350. I used a Cary-on 4X8' trailer. It was loaded to around 1 ton, with 230 lbs on the ball.
I would say that the brakes and suspension did wonderfully well. I had no trouble at all driving up to 65 mph, and at times edged up over 70 but there was a little rumbling and a little sway, so I kept it around 66 the whole way.
No trouble accelerating or stopping.
The only trouble I did have was with the transmission. If I left it in overdrive, when I tried to go up a hill it would sometimes get stuck halfway between 4th and 5th gear (cruise control on)! By "stuck" I mean the following. At 66 the RPM was around 2000 in 5th, and around 2800 in 4th. Sometimes going up hill it would be running at 66 mph, but the RPM would hover around 2400! In other words, it was like it was in 4 1/2th gear. Since this seemed like it would be a bad thing, I pretty much shifted it manually to 4th every time I saw a hill coming.
I am not sure I saw a meaningful difference in the gas mileage between leaving it in 4th, or manually shifting from 4th to 5th depending on terrain, so next time I will probably just leave it in 4th unless I am drving thru very level terrain.
I would say that the brakes and suspension did wonderfully well. I had no trouble at all driving up to 65 mph, and at times edged up over 70 but there was a little rumbling and a little sway, so I kept it around 66 the whole way.
No trouble accelerating or stopping.
The only trouble I did have was with the transmission. If I left it in overdrive, when I tried to go up a hill it would sometimes get stuck halfway between 4th and 5th gear (cruise control on)! By "stuck" I mean the following. At 66 the RPM was around 2000 in 5th, and around 2800 in 4th. Sometimes going up hill it would be running at 66 mph, but the RPM would hover around 2400! In other words, it was like it was in 4 1/2th gear. Since this seemed like it would be a bad thing, I pretty much shifted it manually to 4th every time I saw a hill coming.
I am not sure I saw a meaningful difference in the gas mileage between leaving it in 4th, or manually shifting from 4th to 5th depending on terrain, so next time I will probably just leave it in 4th unless I am drving thru very level terrain.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 212
Likes: 1
From: Tx
thats common for gears to not be in the right power band if its on D. they are not that smart to know what your conditions are.
for trucks they have the haul mode so they can stay in a gear longer.
having the tranny shift automatically to a lower gear to be in the right powerband is the same thing as you shifting it down manually. it only hurts your vehicle if you shift down at high rpm and making it jerk back.
for trucks they have the haul mode so they can stay in a gear longer.
having the tranny shift automatically to a lower gear to be in the right powerband is the same thing as you shifting it down manually. it only hurts your vehicle if you shift down at high rpm and making it jerk back.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 769
Likes: 55
From: ma
It was in cruise control when it did this, so it was applying more gas automatically as it started up the hill.
I do not remember exactly what it did if I manually applied more gas.
What I do remember is that if I tapped the brakes to get it out of cruise control then it would shift into one gear or the other.
I do not remember exactly what it did if I manually applied more gas.
What I do remember is that if I tapped the brakes to get it out of cruise control then it would shift into one gear or the other.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 74
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From: Ohio
The difference is engine speed is likely the torque converter clutch (TCC) which drops the engine speed by about 200-250 RPM when engaged. Therefore 4th with and without TCC would make it feel like 4 and 1/2.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 506
Likes: 113
From: Arkansas
I'm asking the same question. Got the tow prep pkg but need to purchase the tow hitch and ball. Did 'yall buy your RX ready to tow or did you purchase the tow hitch later? Did you have Lexus install it or an independent ? I assume they synchronized your lights with your trailer too ?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Texas
The towing package is a transmition cooler and heavy duty radiator. The hitch package when purchased from the dealer includes the wiring harness. I got a quote of $350 for parts and $650 for parts and install. I bought my car pre-owned with the hitch already installed. I saw a post somewhere on install, seemed very easy. Good luck!
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 506
Likes: 113
From: Arkansas
The towing package is a transmition cooler and heavy duty radiator. The hitch package when purchased from the dealer includes the wiring harness. I got a quote of $350 for parts and $650 for parts and install. I bought my car pre-owned with the hitch already installed. I saw a post somewhere on install, seemed very easy. Good luck!
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 522
Likes: 2
From: San Diego/Murrieta
I just bought a hitch from Lexus which came with a harness.. I plugged it into the socket in the back in one of those storage compartments.. but nothing happens..
any ideas where it supposed to plug into? i have a 2004 RX330 non towing package
any ideas where it supposed to plug into? i have a 2004 RX330 non towing package
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