chuckl18

I've never towed before but I'm getting my 18ft Travel Trailer delivered in the next few days. It's empty weight is about 2700 lb, with a sway stabilizer included in the hitch. I'm going to use my 2006 GX470 for the job. I've read that I shouldn't drive with the overdrive on, keep the suspension to firm and not to drive with cruise control. I'm looking for other suggestions from anyone with towing experience and any GX470 specific hints. It has the Lexus 6500lb Hitch installed.

Thanks

Lexus 4 ME

I towed 3650 lbs Jayco Feather Lite 22 Feet, in drive when it was flat. I had no problem once I hit the minor elevation I switched to 4 as elevation icreased I switched to 3rd gear. Defianetly do not use cruise control. Also do you have brake controler?

chuckl18

I installed the Prodigy P3 Brake Control, haven't had a chance to try it, hopefully soon. thanks for the suggestions

cssnms

What you've read is correct, don't tow in "D" keep it in 4th, this will also engage the engine braking when descending a hill. Suspension settings are personal preferance. I tow a 5000lb boat in the 2nd softest setting, any firmer and you can really feel the trailer. Other than that should be a piece of cake, just take it slow and easy, OH, don't forget to take your turns wide.

chuckl18

Does anyone use a Weight Distribution Hitch with their towing, wasn't sure If I needed it with the Lexus active suspension?? And does anyone change their differential and transmission oil regularly due to towing??

Thanks

cssnms

You don't need it esp for such a small load. In addition the GX leveling suspension will keep your truck level keeping weight on the front axle. Assuming the trailer is set up properly for your hitch the trailer should ride level too. If the trailer is not level then your hitch is to low and you may need one with a rise.

My hitch originally had a a 3" drop and that was to low, so the trailer would not sit level or in other words it would slant towards the front despite that my truck was level. Turned the hitch over (now have a 1.5" rise) and put the ball on the other side and that did the trick, trailer sits level now.

Tip: Lower your suspension to hitch up and disconnect. That way you don't have to crank/raise the trailer jack nearly has high.

Lexus 4 ME

Becareful to not jack-knife when you back up. It happened to me once.

zippymbr

Yes, don't do what I did last week. Second time backing a small trailer caused $500 worth of bumper damage.

Lexus 4 ME

I put a big dent in my quater panel so it cost me arm and a leg.