bmgs400

What do you guys think...can a GS400 handle towing a mid-sized U-Haul trailer? Not sure about U-Haul sizing, but I need to haul around 250 cu.ft. of stuff. Not sure about the total weight. Mostly odds-n-ends/ clothes/ small furniture/ kids toys/ school books/ home-stereo. Looking at options and thought I could use my car instead of renting a moving truck. It's a long move...1500 miles...N.H. to Florida. I figured the hardest part is getting through the hilly parts of NewEngland. Once I hit NJ turnpike it's mostly flat the rest of the trip south.

IAGS400

Do you have a after market transmission cooler?

They are rated at 0 LBS towing.

I would think you could get away with ~1500 LBS trailer as long as it isn't a large profile trailer and you keep the speeds down.

But that's just my opinion. I'd bite the bullet and rent a vehicle, I'd hate to see what a transmission would cost.

salimshah

Not reccomended. Lack of power is not an issue, the problems happen when the trailor pushes the car.

Double check the user manual or call delaership.

Best is to look for alternative.

Salim

400 Degrez

St Pete FL just left DA Burg man.....Naw don't do it I can get you a good deal on a moving company to take you let me know

LXotic

No it is STRONGLY NOT recommended. But pulling a trailor thats 1500lbs with my LX is like carrying a pack of gum try to see if you can borrow a SUV from another family member or friends

russian

bad idea, i wouldnt

gsrthomas

iTrader: (1)

Everything is going to be fine. I would do it without thinking twice. People on here over react to things.

THE GS400 will do a GREAT job towing.

All you guys need a lesson on towing.

This s2000 Pulled this boat for 3 years with no problems what so ever.

S2000 has a 0 lbs tow rating from Honda, but it did fine.

Towing is hard on clutches, brakes, and dampers, but doesn't put as much strain on the drivetrain as a day at the track. The forces acting on the tranny, differential, etc. is equal the amount of torque applied by the engine, not the load it is pulling.

russian

did anybody else chuckle when they saw those pics?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

no. didn't chuckle. I've seen cars towing before. FOr light weight towing (less than 1500lbs), the GS will be fine. gsrthomas is right. The drivetrain will have to endure the output of the engine, not the load of what it's towing.

Get a transmission cooler and you'll have no problem with light towing.

ReLexin

If you do decide to do this please take a pic of it, i'd love to see it. HAHA

macd7919

iTrader: (10)

Your Gs will be fine towing. I wouldn't tow a huge trailer but if your just towing a small uhaul trailer you wil be fine. Go on Uhauls web site and they will list the trailer that you are allowed to tow. If I remember you can only tow up to a class 1 which is one of uhauls smaller sized enclosed trailers. It would be HIGHLY recommended to get a tranny cooler however. They are easy to install and not super expensive. They will also prolong your tranny life even when not towing as they will keep the tranny fluid temps down in harsh conditions.

salimshah

The quesstion is (or are)

Can you? yes
Should you? Check the manual ... if Lazy call dealer
Would you? Its your car, Do what you want.


Salim

macd7919

iTrader: (10)

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-1998_Lexus_GS400.htm This is where I order my trailer equipment from. They will take care of you and give you a great deal. I've always experienced great customer service and fast shipping. Btw- I towed a small trailer with my motorcycle and a few boxes across the country. Absolutely no problems, I can tell you from experience (2000+ mi. roadtrip) that there were no issues at all. Again, MAKE SURE you get a tranny cooler and you will be good to go.

gapxguy

That would be funny if the boat dragged your S2000 into the water with it.

bmgs400

Thanks for the reply guys.
I've definitely though about the tranny cooler. I'll do some searching around CL for more info about it.
I'll definitely talk to U-Haul first. See what they say and how much it cost to weld on the hitch and hook up the lights. Hopefully no rear fender mods will be needed.

I'm concerned about my suspension drop...dragging my tips too. I thought I'd just load the trailer will the heavy stuff over the trailer axle, not toward the front (close to hitch) . Then it will be minimum bounce over bumps.