lxWolf

Hi-

I've got a 2006 LX470. According to Lexus and the manual this particular vehicle can tow 6,500#. I'm planning on towing a trailer that has a dry weight of 3,700# across the southeast over the next few months. Assuming additional stuff in the trailer/cabin plus the weight of passengers that's another 1,000#-1,300# approximately so a total 4,700# - 5,000# trailer and stuff.

I'm trying to understand and seek out recommendations for the best drive settings when hauling this trailer thru the hillsides of the southeast. Is overdrive automatically on? Is it best to turn it off? How do you turn it off? The manual says when towing or hill climbing, 4th gear should be used. I took it out for a test drive with the trailer for a few hours on the highway yesterday. I was cruising at 60-70 mph in 4th gear. The RPM was generally between 3K and 4K depending on the grade. I don't know if this is fine or if it's bad. It seemed to be driving fine and the engine temperature gauge seemed to maintain as constant as if it were not towing anything. Any recommendations or concerns on towing with the above details are appreciated.

Thanks,

txnative00

I just towed a small Aliner pop up camper for around 600 miles total. I was surprised the gas mileage wasn't that different. I could the feel the transmission whining a little, but, over all, it was pretty pleasant. One thing I did prior was a fluid flush on the AHC. I also considered getting airbag helpers for the rear suspension and new OEM rear springs. The last thing you want is to be bottoming out on every bump.

I'm not sure you have to do anything special to tow. At some point you'll have to install a trailer brake system, but it really depends one weight and terrain. I would imagine they'd be useful (if not critical) when driving through the mountains. I used the hitch on my bumper and didn't have to install a trailer brake. I think total weight of the Aliner was 2200 lbs, so it was quite light.