A new toy for the RX350 to tow.
#1
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Finally got to tow something with the wife's RX350. Our 2014 Boston Whaler Super Sport 130 we ordered finally arrived and it was time to pick her up on Saturday at the dealership 100 miles away.
Total towing weight was right around 1400lbs, I'm happy to report it handled the load like a champ. Most of the time I didn't even feel the boat behind us. The best part is we still managed 21mpg on the trip home.![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
We put her to the real test the following day at the boat ramp and she did fantastic there also, I was a little scared at first because of all the algae growth on the ramp + our RX350 being FWD. It pulled the boat out of the water on that steep slippery incline with ease, drama free. Tip for those who have parking sensors, turn it off before backing up the trailer, It will drive you insane lol![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/74771655/2014-06-07%2014.54.53.jpg)
Total towing weight was right around 1400lbs, I'm happy to report it handled the load like a champ. Most of the time I didn't even feel the boat behind us. The best part is we still managed 21mpg on the trip home.
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
We put her to the real test the following day at the boat ramp and she did fantastic there also, I was a little scared at first because of all the algae growth on the ramp + our RX350 being FWD. It pulled the boat out of the water on that steep slippery incline with ease, drama free. Tip for those who have parking sensors, turn it off before backing up the trailer, It will drive you insane lol
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/74771655/2014-06-07%2014.54.53.jpg)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/74771655/2014-06-07%2014.54.36.jpg)
#3
Instructor
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Finally got to tow something with the wife's RX350. Our 2014 Boston Whaler Super Sport 130 we ordered finally arrived and it was time to pick her up on Saturday at the dealership 100 miles away.
Total towing weight was right around 1400lbs, I'm happy to report it handled the load like a champ. Most of the time I didn't even feel the boat behind us. The best part is we still managed 21mpg on the trip home.![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
We put her to the real test the following day at the boat ramp and she did fantastic there also, I was a little scared at first because of all the algae growth on the ramp + our RX350 being FWD. It pulled the boat out of the water on that steep slippery incline with ease, drama free. Tip for those who have parking sensors, turn it off before backing up the trailer, It will drive you insane lol![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/74771655/2014-06-07%2014.54.53.jpg)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/74771655/2014-06-07%2014.54.36.jpg)
Total towing weight was right around 1400lbs, I'm happy to report it handled the load like a champ. Most of the time I didn't even feel the boat behind us. The best part is we still managed 21mpg on the trip home.
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
We put her to the real test the following day at the boat ramp and she did fantastic there also, I was a little scared at first because of all the algae growth on the ramp + our RX350 being FWD. It pulled the boat out of the water on that steep slippery incline with ease, drama free. Tip for those who have parking sensors, turn it off before backing up the trailer, It will drive you insane lol
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/74771655/2014-06-07%2014.54.53.jpg)
![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/74771655/2014-06-07%2014.54.36.jpg)
Ray A.
#4
The pursuit of F
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#6
Lexus Champion
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Hi, is your RX equipped wit the towing package? Mine is not but I was considering having the dealer put the hitch and wiring on anyway because I wouldnt haul anything heavy.
#7
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http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-...ier-92655.html
For runs up to the Poconos, you could probably get away with even something like this U-Haul:
http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/Eq....aspx?model=UV
http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/Eq....aspx?model=FS
or, even a small jet ski. Just keep the weights down to what you might have inside the vehicle only during a trip. Do not load the inside and a full trailer.
FWIW.
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#8
Lexus Champion
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For small loads in and around Upper Bucks and the surrounding areas I would not worry too much and just go ahead and have the hitch installed. It is a nice feature to have for a bike rack or even a small carrier such as this for runs to the home improvement store:
http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-...ier-92655.html
For runs up to the Poconos, you could probably get away with even something like this U-Haul:
http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/Eq....aspx?model=UV
http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/Eq....aspx?model=FS
or, even a small jet ski. Just keep the weights down to what you might have inside the vehicle only during a trip. Do not load the inside and a full trailer.
FWIW.
http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-...ier-92655.html
For runs up to the Poconos, you could probably get away with even something like this U-Haul:
http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/Eq....aspx?model=UV
http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/Eq....aspx?model=FS
or, even a small jet ski. Just keep the weights down to what you might have inside the vehicle only during a trip. Do not load the inside and a full trailer.
FWIW.
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#9
Lead Lap
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The RX350 has the knack to tow something if it doesn't exists. Just keep an eye on the trans oil temp warning light, but that shouldn't be much of a concern if you have the larger trans cooler capacity.
#10
Lexus Champion
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and trans cooler like my 01 and 05 awd came with.
![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
#11
Lead Lap
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You still have nothing much to worry about. You don't do mountain passes I suppose. Strain on the trans is also mostly when you tackle a very steep incline from standstill. My word of caution has more to do with the ease with which the RX haul a heavy trailer, which can lull one into overtaxing the trans.
#12
Lexus Champion
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You still have nothing much to worry about. You don't do mountain passes I suppose. Strain on the trans is also mostly when you tackle a very steep incline from standstill. My word of caution has more to do with the ease with which the RX haul a heavy trailer, which can lull one into overtaxing the trans.
Thanks nipponbird
#13
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Ours wasn't equipped from the factory. I went on Amazon and ordered the Curt hitch + wiring harness and it was super easy to install. You do have to cut a little of the under plastic (diffuser?) and it bolted right up with 6 included heavy duty looking bolts.
There is a little connector on the driver side rear where the harness plugs into, it's awesome that Lexus included that so we don't have to mess with the wiring for the trailer lights. All plug and play.
#14
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Believe even with these you needed to order the towing package. Though, I believe the AWD used to come with the transmission cooler, but I am guessing as my memory is a bit vague on that. Definitely not the upgraded alternator nor heavy duty radiator.
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