GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2003 -2009 GX470 models

Towing with the GX

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Old 01-17-04, 08:29 AM
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steevr
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Default Towing with the GX

Anyone tow anything close to the max tow limit?? I'm looking at replacing our '97 Expedition with a GX and our '22 Bow Rider with double axle trailer has got to be right around the 5,000 lb limit. I would have thought the max towing limit would have been more in the 6,000 range. Any idea why it's so low? Thanks.
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Old 01-17-04, 12:12 PM
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dmizock
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We have a 25' long Coleman Caravan travel trailer which we tow with our GX. Loaded, the trailer weighs in at between 5000 and 5500#. Tongue weight is close to 600#. Fully loaded, we are within the 6000# gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of our '03 GX. We have a 6500# frame mounted receiver and use a weight distributing hitch and sway control. We have over 18,000 miles on our GX and have towed the trailer to Canada (from San Diego) and on numerous camping trips over the, past 9 months. We have been towing with a variety of vehicles for many years, including our 2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition. The GX is, by far, the most enjoyable tow vehicle we have owned. The adjustable rear air suspension, the nav system, the rear seat entertainment system (RSES) with DVD, and the Mark Levinson audio have made this the perfect vehicle for towing for us. We just returned from a winter camping trip in Yosemite where with 3 to 4 feet of fresh snow, our 4X4 GX was much appreciated. The GX has plenty of torque to tow our trailer easily up mountain grades and at higher elevations. The truck/trailer combo has been very stable for us with no sway, even with a relatively short (110") wheelbase. The GX is smooth, quiet and extremely stable while towing. I would hesitate to tow anything larger than what we are towing, and for sure, I would not tow a 5000# trailer without a frame mounted receiver and a weight distributing hitch. If I'm not mistaken, the '04 GX with tow package, comes standard with a 6500# receiver. I don't think that the 5000# bumper mounted hitches are even available any more. As long as your new GX has the 6500# tow package, you should be fine.

Last edited by dmizock; 01-17-04 at 12:22 PM.
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Old 01-17-04, 10:12 PM
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pdonnell
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Interesting subject. On my '04 4Runner LTD. which comes standard with the Class III hitch it has a sticker attached stating a weight carrying limit of 7300 lbs. and tongue weight of 730 lbs. And a weight distributing hitch limit of 7300 lbs. and tongue weight of 1095 lbs. And refers to the manaul which indicate a weight carrying capacity of 5000 lbs. and weight distributing hitch limit of 7000 lbs. (with 4 wheel drive & 7300 lbs. with two-wheel drive models.
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Of course I guess going with the manual is the safest thing to do. Good article on towing below.
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http://www.iboats.com/sites/trailerb...ges/tow503.pdf
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Old 01-20-04, 09:33 PM
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As we speak about tow limits, what about anyone one of you anybody out there who tows with there GX I had put on a transmission cooler.

I heard from the dealer, that it is not necessary since the GX is built for towing.
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Old 01-21-04, 08:17 AM
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dmizock
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Default Towing with GX

I don't know for sure if there is a transmission cooler , but I do know that there is a transmission oil temperature warning light. We have towed our 5500# trailer in the summer up mountain grades with outside temperatures over 100 and the light never came on.
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