firebird

Hey dudes,

Does anyone know if there is an aftermarket towbar available for the RX330 that lets you tow more than 3500Lbs.

Cheers Firebird

Lil4X

A Class II hitch is normally rated up to 3500 lbs towing weight - a Class III will handle up to 7500 lbs (and is available for the 330 from U-Haul here in the States). That only means the hitch is rated for the load. Your 330 is not rated to tow over 3500 lbs, and I'm very suspicious of that. As an experienced trailer-dragger, I wouldn't pull over 1500 lbs with the RX. The short wheelbase and soft suspension will very probably make the RX a very poor tow vehicle - especially with a poorly-designed trailer (as are most).

If you insist upon heavy towing with this vehicle, be sure to have a quality set of electric brakes fitted, and consider using spring bars and an equalizing hitch to better distribute the load. Do not, repeat DO NOT even consider surge brakes if you are towing anything but a small to medium-sized boat trailer. An oversized radiator and separate transmission cooler (with temp gauge) should be considered as well.

It's not a question of simply being able to pull or stop the load, but you'll find very quickly that a lightweight tow vehicle hitched to a maximum load can result in the trailer driving YOU! Driving a mild downhill grade while trying to stay ahead of your trailer is not a good feeling. I once narrowly avoided a rollover with my old Travelall pulling a brand new tandem-axle boat trailer. The trailer broke a weld, shifted the 5500# boat and had me all over two traffic lanes before I could bring it to a halt. With electric brakes I could have pulled the trailer brakes and straightened up almost instantly, with the fitted surge brakes, I could only brake hard for a split second each time the trailer swung directly behind me, briefly locking the trailer brakes, and nearly causing the trailer to flip.

If you will be towing frequently, invest in a Suburban, Expedition, or similar full-sized truck-based SUV. These make excellent tow vehicles, if a little rough over the road. Opt for a 3/4 ton rating and 4WD for best results. If you are only going to need to tow infrequently, say to move, talk to the folks at your local truck rental store. It's cheaper and it may save both you and your RX.

HarrierAWD

Also towing more than 3,500 lbs may result in structural damage in the chassis that'd be hard to fix. RX330 is a uni-body SUV. It's not designed for heavy duty use. Also the tow bar for RX330 requires a bend around the exhaust. Not structurally sound IMHO.

Like Lil4X said, get an SUV designed to tow heavy loads - Chevy Suburban is generally the best choice in the market. It has a strong engine, heavy weight, long wheel base, and it's a frame-based SUV.