Boat, Travel or Other Trailer Towing Experiences
#16
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The best hitch for the GX is the OEM (class IV rated at 6500lbs w/650lbs tongue). You can get it for $360 and installation should bring you to about $450 to $500. The hitch should be available.
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2010/2448.html
As far as the GX's towing ability, the GX has a 3.90/1 rear and with KDSS, auto leveling rear suspension and AVS, the GX tows very nicely. The engine/gearing has plenty of power/torque to climb any incline in 4th gear and maintain the speed limit (within the tow rating) and get pretty good mileage. I just got back from a trip where I was able to stay in 6th gear 80% of the trip and averaged 16.8 mpg. This is towing 4200 lbs and maintaining 65 mph. As far as how well it tows, the GX didn't need ANY sway or WD and it rides super smooth and stable. I had made a trip through mountains where I had to use 4th gear the whole trip and I averaged 14.5 mpg and was able use cruise and the vehicle never down shifted and maintained 65 mph. The GX tows better then a V8 4Runner that is rated at 7000 lbs (my previous TV).
Koz
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2010/2448.html
As far as the GX's towing ability, the GX has a 3.90/1 rear and with KDSS, auto leveling rear suspension and AVS, the GX tows very nicely. The engine/gearing has plenty of power/torque to climb any incline in 4th gear and maintain the speed limit (within the tow rating) and get pretty good mileage. I just got back from a trip where I was able to stay in 6th gear 80% of the trip and averaged 16.8 mpg. This is towing 4200 lbs and maintaining 65 mph. As far as how well it tows, the GX didn't need ANY sway or WD and it rides super smooth and stable. I had made a trip through mountains where I had to use 4th gear the whole trip and I averaged 14.5 mpg and was able use cruise and the vehicle never down shifted and maintained 65 mph. The GX tows better then a V8 4Runner that is rated at 7000 lbs (my previous TV).
Koz
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chunkyesq (08-12-21)
#18
#20
#21
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Has anyone had experience using the GX460 for towing? I really like the way the GX460 drives and handles, but have not had the chance to test its towing abilities. I'm planning on towing a load of about 4500 pounds (well under the 6500 tow capacity), and wanted to get this board's collective thoughts on the GX's ability to tow such a load. Thanks in advance ...
#22
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What are you going to tow? How long is it?
I tow a low profile travel trailer (when closed) that weighs approx 4200 (loaded). Attached are some posts about how the GX tows it. I highly recommend getting the Premium model because of the auto leveling rear air-springs and the AVS system (if you haven't purchased yet).
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6299218-post10.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6409443-post12.html
Koz
I tow a low profile travel trailer (when closed) that weighs approx 4200 (loaded). Attached are some posts about how the GX tows it. I highly recommend getting the Premium model because of the auto leveling rear air-springs and the AVS system (if you haven't purchased yet).
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6299218-post10.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6409443-post12.html
Koz
Last edited by Koz; 10-25-11 at 04:27 PM.
#24
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Koz
#25
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I have the factory towing setup.
I have towed my two Jet skis a few times with the 2011 GX460. My setup weighs approximately 2050 pounds and is around 15 feet long. The GX pulls effortlessly, up and down quite a hilly commute.
My only concern is with viability while backing. My last vehicle, an Infiniti QX4 had a rear hatch that I opened up while backing down to the boat ramp. I guess I'll just have to get used to the Lexus.
I have towed my two Jet skis a few times with the 2011 GX460. My setup weighs approximately 2050 pounds and is around 15 feet long. The GX pulls effortlessly, up and down quite a hilly commute.
My only concern is with viability while backing. My last vehicle, an Infiniti QX4 had a rear hatch that I opened up while backing down to the boat ramp. I guess I'll just have to get used to the Lexus.
#26
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I have the factory towing setup.
I have towed my two Jet skis a few times with the 2011 GX460. My setup weighs approximately 2050 pounds and is around 15 feet long. The GX pulls effortlessly, up and down quite a hilly commute.
My only concern is with viability while backing. My last vehicle, an Infiniti QX4 had a rear hatch that I opened up while backing down to the boat ramp. I guess I'll just have to get used to the Lexus.
I have towed my two Jet skis a few times with the 2011 GX460. My setup weighs approximately 2050 pounds and is around 15 feet long. The GX pulls effortlessly, up and down quite a hilly commute.
My only concern is with viability while backing. My last vehicle, an Infiniti QX4 had a rear hatch that I opened up while backing down to the boat ramp. I guess I'll just have to get used to the Lexus.
http://www.amazon.com/Audiovox-ACA45...pr_product_top
Koz
#27
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I am getting ready to tow for the first time with my GX460. I am getting a 6x12 trailer from uhaul to load up a printing press, and it will be around a 400 mile round trip. The trailer loaded will be around 4500lbs. The Lexus manual says to not exceed 45mph. It also says do not use overdrive, the Transmission shift range position must be in 5, in S mode. This seems very slow to me. Is this just the Lexus people making statements for liability purposes? I am versed with driving trailers very long distances, just haven’t done it in my Lexus yet. Is 6 S considered overdive? it has a 6 speed transmission so I guess it would be considered OD?
#28
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4500 lbs. will be no problem with that size trailer. Depending on the terrain you can use whatever gear that does not downshift excessively. If there is flat terrain you can use 6th gear. Use the highest gear that does not have to downshift. 45 mph is silly unless the trailer is not stable. You will need a brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes.
4200lbs. loaded
Koz
4200lbs. loaded
Koz
Last edited by Koz; 07-20-13 at 05:31 PM.