Boat, Travel or Other Trailer Towing Experiences
#138
Super Moderator
It should tow it with ease. Looks good.
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joha (07-22-17)
#140
Driver School Candidate
Recap after trip to the lake. I normally tow the boat with my old 5.4L F-150, bought it new in 2000, still only has 85K miles on it.
To compare the two, the F-150 definitely does better from a handling standpoint, I never really know its back there. The GX did
fine, just not as stable as the F-150. One big surprise was the how well the engine handled the load. The F-150 usually needs to
strain a little pulling the boat up the ramp and out of the water. The GX pulled it out with no effort, really smooth.
The air suspension did as advertised. I'm a little reluctant to use it each time I take the boat out just from a wear standpoint. I know
the towing load stresses the air suspension more than regular driving and I do have another vehicle for towing. I did like the ability
to lower the rear suspension and back under the trailer tongue then raise it up to pick up the trailer. The backup camera also made
it easier.
I'll probably use it some when I go fishing during really cold weather, the seat heaters will be nice when coming off the lake with temps
in the 30's.
To compare the two, the F-150 definitely does better from a handling standpoint, I never really know its back there. The GX did
fine, just not as stable as the F-150. One big surprise was the how well the engine handled the load. The F-150 usually needs to
strain a little pulling the boat up the ramp and out of the water. The GX pulled it out with no effort, really smooth.
The air suspension did as advertised. I'm a little reluctant to use it each time I take the boat out just from a wear standpoint. I know
the towing load stresses the air suspension more than regular driving and I do have another vehicle for towing. I did like the ability
to lower the rear suspension and back under the trailer tongue then raise it up to pick up the trailer. The backup camera also made
it easier.
I'll probably use it some when I go fishing during really cold weather, the seat heaters will be nice when coming off the lake with temps
in the 30's.
#142
Driver School Candidate
#143
Anyone Towing a Travel Trailer?
Is anyone towing a travel trailer with the GX460?
How big and any issues?
I have the 2012 GX460 premium, I don't think weight will be an issue, but what about extended mirror options or brakes?
Any suggestions are appreciated, I will be towing in the west Texas area, elevations around 5000-6000.
Thank-you!
How big and any issues?
I have the 2012 GX460 premium, I don't think weight will be an issue, but what about extended mirror options or brakes?
Any suggestions are appreciated, I will be towing in the west Texas area, elevations around 5000-6000.
Thank-you!
#144
Super Moderator
Not towing any travel trailers at this point. Probably around 3K lbs with some cut firewood.
Here is thread on trailer brakes.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...e-control.html
Here is thread on trailer brakes.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...e-control.html
#146
#147
Driver School Candidate
My normal tow vehicle is an older F-150 with 5.4 Triton V8. The GX pulls better from a standing start, probably because of torque and gearing. The F-150 is a little more stable in the bends and braking. I guess we saw the exact opposite comparing the GX to our other tow vehicles. The Escalade probably has the 6.2L V8 which has torque to spare. I'm surprised the Caddy didn't handle better.
To the OP, with a travel trailer the towing mirror's would definitely help out. Not really needed with my boat, but I could see it being a problem with a camper behind the GX. The GX definitely has the power, but I would make sure you have a good set of trailer brakes. My boat trailer has surge brakes and they seem to work well.
Last edited by joha; 08-10-17 at 11:28 AM.
#148
Pole Position
I have not towed with it yet, but towed a lot of other things. So good reading is available at DOT. Probably the MOST important thing is tongue weight. If its correct, it makes for pleasurable towing, if its wrong it's DEADLY! Then trailer brakes are a must on our over crowded highways. The GX has only a 1000 lb towing capacity without trailer brakes. Federal law requires trailer brakes for any trailer over 3000 lbs. Read up on the owners manual. Most states have a 55 mph speed limit while towing, very good reason for that, and a good idea to observe it. I usually like to take the mfg tow rating, and cut it in half. I find that to be a really nice area to be in for towing.
But my impression driving this car, it would be a pretty good tow vehicle for its size.
But my impression driving this car, it would be a pretty good tow vehicle for its size.
#149
Super Moderator
Owner's manual may say one thing for warranty but legally in my state as long as I don't exceed 3k lbs GVWR I don't need trailer brakes. I've towed seveal times a bunch of firewood that probably weighed close to 3k lbs including trailer weight. I could hardly feel it was back there. My little Mazda CX-5 can tow up to 2k lbs legally as well without trailer brakes. Not diminishing need for trailer brakes in any way but GX is far more capable than a 1k lb load towing without trailer brakes.
http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/
http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/
#150
Pole Position
Not saying it isn't capable of towing more than 1000 lbs without trailer brakes, just stating what I read in the manual. Lexus says, over 1000 lbs requires trailer brakes. Been a couple months since I read the manual, but that's what I remember.