Towing an rx400h on a dolly
#1
Towing an rx400h on a dolly
Folks, trying to find the correct way to tow a 2008 rx400h on a tow dolly from ACME that is fixed axle & no moving tire plates like other dollies. Owners manual is no help. I have found if you leave the key in the ignition after turning it to accessory & back the wheel stays unlocked. This is what I need to to do for this type of dolly. I just want to make sure it stays in the unlocked position, but not drain the battery.
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FPLexus (05-08-20)
#2
AWD I presume? If so, the only option for towing is to have all 4 wheels off the ground, period. If what you are describing has only the fronts in the air and the rears dragging behind, you will need to find another solution.
#3
There is another option, but you'll have to play it smart and careful. I'm not sure if the prop shafts are balanced on these, so some of this might not apply.
Use a paint pen to mark the prop shaft and where it connects on both ends (to align the marks for reinstall). Unbolt and remove the prop shaft going to the rear differential. Unlike the front wheels, the rears don't require the engine/transmission running to circulate fluid.
This is assuming it's a physical AWD system for the rear, and not electric motors. I'm not sure about the 400h.
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FPLexus (05-08-20)
#4
And RedGemini is correct for non hybrids-unhook drive shaft, but hybrid RXs have electric motors and traction batteries hooked up to rear axles on awd's so if you have awd, probably need to tow with all wheels off ground.
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FPLexus (05-08-20)
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FPLexus (05-08-20)
#6
Should be fine to tow then with front wheels off ground. Key in acc position so column stays unlocked. For good measure, I'd look under rear end just to be totally sure there's nothing but axles, no hybrid stuff attached. I've seen towed vehicles where their turn signals and brake light also work in tandem with lead vehicle which sounds like the safest way to go so probably look into that.
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FPLexus (05-08-20)
#8
Folks, trying to find the correct way to tow a 2008 rx400h on a tow dolly from ACME that is fixed axle & no moving tire plates like other dollies. Owners manual is no help. I have found if you leave the key in the ignition after turning it to accessory & back the wheel stays unlocked. This is what I need to to do for this type of dolly. I just want to make sure it stays in the unlocked position, but not drain the battery.
The following users liked this post:
FPLexus (05-08-20)
#9
Properly towing Lexus Rx400h on ACME tow Dolly
Folks, trying to find the correct way to tow a 2008 rx400h on a tow dolly from ACME that is fixed axle & no moving tire plates like other dollies. Owners manual is no help. I have found if you leave the key in the ignition after turning it to accessory & back the wheel stays unlocked. This is what I need to to do for this type of dolly. I just want to make sure it stays in the unlocked position, but not drain the battery.
Ok folks, did a test run with it in ACC mode & with the key still in but turned off. Steering did not lock up & everything appeared ok except. Bothe times after restarting & taking it off the dolly the VSC light came on. After I drive it down the block it cleared both times.
Will this hurt anything?
Ok folks, did a test run with it in ACC mode & with the key still in but turned off. Steering did not lock up & everything appeared ok except. Bothe times after restarting & taking it off the dolly the VSC light came on. After I drive it down the block it cleared both times.
Will this hurt anything?
The following users liked this post:
FPLexus (05-08-20)
#10
Ok folks, did a test run with it in ACC mode & with the key still in but turned off. Steering did not lock up & everything appeared ok except. Bothe times after restarting & taking it off the dolly the VSC light came on. After I drive it down the block it cleared both times.
The following users liked this post:
FPLexus (05-08-20)
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japanbran
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06-21-21 08:10 AM