james150

Hi,
I have a new-to-me 2007 GX470 (119,000 mi, $15,000, 1/2015) that I need to transport about 2500 miles on a trailer. I have the trailer part covered, new 84" X 18' car hauler towed by a Ford F350 Diesel. What I don't have covered is how to tie the GX down on the trailer. In the past on other vehicles (Pathfinder, Land Cruiser) without air suspension, I have used chains, tire nets and 3 inch straps. I am a bit worried abut the proper way to tie down a vehicle with air suspension. I would appreciate ideas and guidance. Thanks much.

IanB2

The front will be the same as you're used to with regular suspension, the rear...I'm not sure what to tell you there. Maybe tie down the axle to the trailer? The air bags do "air out" when the truck is parked, but that happens in the 1st 10 seconds after shutting it down. I'd tie down the body as well, and just check on it a few times till you trust it's settled all the way and the straps are staying tight.

chiph9

I'd look at using wheel straps, if the trailer tie-down locations support them. No worries about compressing the air bags.

https://www.google.com/search?site=&...70.Iycrx7HVKX4

Chip H.

james150

I'm considering a hybrid system. Conventional on the front (as suggested above) and wheel straps on the rear with an axle tie down (snug) just in case. I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy and in the past I have had wheel straps come loose. Of course I will be **** about checking the tie downs during the 3 day trip.

Thank you

chiph9

Yeah, you still need to pull over and check tightness every so often. After the first 50 miles maybe, then every 150 miles thereafter. Temperature/altitude changes can change the tire diameter.

Chip H.

james150

Further research: Lexus Owner's Manual page 342, " If your lexus is transported by flat bed truck, it should be tied down at the locations shown in the illustrations (refrenced). If you use chains or cables to tie down your vehicle the angles shaded in black must be 45* (illustration refrenced) Do not overly tighten the tie downs of the vehicle may be damaged."

No mention of what "overly tightened" means. The illustration shows the vehicle tied down by the tow eyes, front and rear corners.

Hummmmm . . . .

james150

So I got the car moved from AZ to WI on my new 18' X 82" car hauler trailer. Turns out I needed every inch of the real estate on the trailer. The GX was bigger than I anticipated.

I tied down the front with the front frame tie-downs to positive hook ratchet straps. I tied down the rear (after turning the air suspension off and moving the switch to the lowest setting) with axle straps over the trailer hitch. I could have used the rear frame tie-downs but my straps turned out to be too long to properly ratchet tight from the frame tie-downs.

I used axle straps on my stake pockets also to prevent the strap hooks from falling off if the straps got loose.

I towed the Lexus 2200 miles in 3 days against a killer 40-50 MPH headwind. No problems. I tightened the straps once when they got a bit loose. The car behaved fine on the trailer.

Thanks to those who offered suggestions.

Jim