ravengotu

Hi everyone..

Anyone done any towing I want to tow a 2500 pound trailer but hitch company said to get a tranny cooler..Has Lexus got one insyalled on a 2000 RX or do i need one......please let me know and how can i do this.. thanks

Lexmex

I am not exactly sure, but I think on every AWD RX300 model it came with the tranny cooler and the oversized radiator. Not sure what your model is, FWD or AWD.

However, a good way to check to see if you have the tranny cooler is to look at the hole on your front bumper just below the passenger side headlight and see if you see something that looks like a small radiator just behind that area. If you have it, you are all set and you would also have the oversized radiator.

bob2200

As I recall, on my 2002 RX300, the towing limit was stated as 1,000 pounds w/o the towing-prep package and 3,500 pounds with. I have the FWD version and ordered it with the towing-prep package (it cost something like $60). I seem to recall some past comments on this forum that AWD models all had the towing-prep package (oil cooler and oversized radiator), but I don't have any experience with this.

Lil4X

Check companies like Hayden for transmission and oil coolers. They have an excellent reputation for quality and reliability in towing applications - and can be DIY'ed too.

ravengotu

Looked on passenger side and wala...an oil cooler.....excellent......now about braking ..If im towing long distance do i nedd assisted braking or just what is installed on u haul trailer.....

Lexmex

I have towed that much with other vehicles and don't recall using assisted braking. Maybe with a car towing something.

zombie

iTrader: (1)

i towed my friends wrx , didnt feel or see any problems after that.

toy4two

If you got the Lexus towing package you have the tranny cooler.

robin640

I have located the small black box in the rear of the vehicle to attach the trailer wiring controller harness to. Two different parts dealer have given me the following infomation:

Converter Kit 08930-48010 at a price of $174.59

and 08921-48030 at a price of $45.

Does anybody have any idea what to do here?

salimshah

Answer depends upon your use and the terrain you expect to drive. With flat roads and early enough slowing (by the driver), you would be fine [barring any emergency situation].

With steep downhill grades, the trailer brakes would help.

Last of all, you did not mention is your RX has the electrical connection for the hitch.


Salim

Lil4X

As a rule of thumb, for any kind of extensive towing anywhere, when the trailer weight exceeds 1/2 of the weight of my vehicle, I'd want at least surge (hydraulic) brakes. Electric brakes are better and should be required for loads exceeding 2/3 -34/ths of your vehicle's gross weight.

Without trailer brakes, particularly on a downhill run, you can find the trailer driving YOU. If you are going to be towing check out your states DMV regulations on trailer brakes - in some states they are required on trailers with a gross rating of 1000 lbs.

See much more at: http://www.championtrailers.com/brkart.html

ravengotu

Hi, and thanks....for all the help....I will actually be towing from California to Georgia...and will take the 10...alot less hills..... and less braking is good..

kenne74

I use to tow my 2 honda aquatraxs with no problems at all with my RX330. I believe the weight was about 2100lbs, you could feel it back their but the truck had no problems stopping or moving. Then i bought my 400h and i use to forget the jetskis were back their.......

You should be fine if you have the tow package.


Ken

Lexmex

I don't think it was a factory option to have one and not the other. If you have the cooler, you have the radiator and vice-versa.

HarrierAWD

Look into the small front bumper opening on passenger side. You might see a miniature radiator. That's the tranny cooler. My 2002 RX300 came with the towing package. There's no upgraded radiator. Just an A/C and radiator standard combo.

While we are at the subject of the radiator, it's wise to spend $5 to buy some chicken wire mesh screen to protect your A/C radiator below the bumper. Someone reported a $1,400 repair when it hit a rock. My custom-made mesh screen has two deep dents on it. Without it, I would be out $2,800 now.