puffpuff10

Hello,

I am interested in purchasing an RX350 and one main purpose will be for sleeping in during camping. I saw a post on this board about the RX300 having a camper mode where the front seats could be moved flat to essentially make a bed (see link below). I also saw a posting on Youtube that said this is available in the 350, but it was specifically mentioned that this was for the 2009 model. I was wondering if anyone knows if the 2010+ model also has a similar capability.

Also, if anyone has ever done car camping in a 350 I would love to hear your experiences!

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...eir-rx300.html

Clutchless

Most folks that own an RX camp at the Hilton....

Raoul

Nothing screams 'I spent too much on a car' like sleeping in it.
If it ever did get repossessed, you'd lose your car and home on the same day.
Just too many eggs in one basket if you ask me.

Stoodo

iTrader: (4)

The concept of camping seems to escape you.

Raoul

Wait, the concept of camping escapes... me?

Stoodo

iTrader: (4)

If you are suggesting sleeping in your RX implies a repo situation.

Raoul

It's not a repo situation if you keep moving.

Every self-respecting RX camper knows you fold the back seat down and utilize a sleeping bag.
Folding the front seat back means you have to sleep on your back with your head at angle like a dental chair, unless you can curl into a fetal position.
Though I'm not saying the technique doesn't have some advantages, there would be room to keep the port-pottie inside the vehicle.

Seriously, this 'feature' isn't in the owners manual because:
The front seat bottom and the rear set bottom are bracketed to the floor however,
the front seat back will be 'floating' i.e. supported only by the reclining hinges designed to only be leaned on.
In this sleeping position the reclining hinges will have the bulk of the campers weight from the (how can I put this delicately) derriere, ****?

puffpuff10

I'm just a girl who likes to drive long distances out in the middle of nowhere and wanted to fold her seat back. No Hiltons out there and thank god, no Repo man either!

Raoul

My wife is out of town with our Lexus (I hope she's not sleeping in it).
If no one else will help you I'll try to lay the seat down on a '15 model Thursday and post results.

Thanks for having a sense of humor.

Kansas

Maybe a van would work better for your purposes. I don't know about the AWD versions but I do know that the FWD Toyota Sienna and Lexus RX have the same engine and transmission in all model years, share many other mechanical parts and have the same EPA fuel economy ratings. The Sienna drives and "feels" much like a larger RX -- I've quite a lot of experience with both. When the 3rd row seats of our Sienna are stowed and the 2nd row ottoman chairs are moved all the way forward, the cargo area is 72 inches long and 48 inches wide - not that much smaller than a standard 74"x54" double bed. And all 2011+ Sienna except the base "L" have standard window blinds for the 2nd and 3rd rows. With a modest 35% aftermarket tint on the driver and front passenger side windows and my windshield sunshade in place it is virtually impossible to see into the vehicle from the outside - lots of privacy for sleeping. The upper trim levels like mine even have two 120 volt household type electrical outlets although I doubt if they would run appliances much bigger than a toaster ... you won't be cooking up your breakfast on a George Foreman grill!

Here's a photo I took today of our Sienna with the 2nd row seats pushed forward and the larger part of the 60/40 3rd row seat stowed. The floor has a bit of hardware showing but a thin closed cell foam sleeping pad like I use for backpacking trips would make the floor comfy enough to sleep on. I've never slept in it but one of the reasons I bought the Sienna is for "family history" trips to remote areas in north central Canada where I wanted a vehicle I could sleep in if I couldn't find a hotel room.

Htony

I go camping with fifth wheel 30' trailer towed by Ford F250HD towing special Supercab.
Wherever RX could go is not really a place for camping....

Raoul

That's a big NO for the '15 model (and probably 10 thru 14 too)
Doesn't even come close to laying down like the last generation.

lexusrus

May I also suggest the following RV to travel in style:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/162422443278

tqh

I've slept in my RX many times. I get in the back seat, kneel on one seat and fold the other one down, lay the sleeping bag out. I then crawl into the "trunk" and put my head inside (under the tarp). The tarp keeps my eyes in the dark so it's good for sleeping. Only my feet are visible so it's harder for people to notice.

Raoul

Holy cow!
Hang in there tqh, better times are ahead.