Hello;

We might be moving and would like an opinion on towing our second car on a trailer. Car weights just under 3000 LB. Add in the trailer and possible other stuff and the weight will likely approach the 3500 LB capacity in the Lexus spec sheet. Will be driving approximately 3000 KM or 1800 miles. Mostly flat terrain but a few hills likely. Anyone input welcome.

 

You didn't mention trailer brakes, frontal area (wind load) of the trailer, anti-sway bars, load height control, anticipated speeds, ambient temperature, vehicle (towing) contents nor inclination/declination propensity for your journey.

My dad had a saying for instances like yours. It went something like:

"...While you can get a dog to walk on its hind legs, you shouldn't expect it to do it for long..."

18 miles, perhaps 180 miles, but 1,800 miles is a trip you will tell stories around the office water cooler many times.

 

Answered my own question. The UHaul web site shows using a dolly to hold the front wheels off the ground with the rears of the towed vehicle on the ground will work. A full trailer isn't recommended.

 

I presume it's not AWD with the rear wheels on the ground using a dolly...

 

You'll also find towing info in your Owners Manual. I'll let you find the page reference based on your model, MY and if you have the Lexus installed towing-package or not.

FWIW, if your total weight (vehicle+trailer) exceeds the recommended max stated for your vehicle in the owners manual, I personally would not chance it for such a long distance. Good luck with your move!

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...rx350-4wd.html

 

Good Pointer. TU

 

The vehicle in tow then either has an FWD drivetrain or a manual RWD. Or Auto RWD/AWD with its rear driveshaft removed.

 

Thanks fort all the feedback. Yes, the other vehicle is a FWD Focus. My RX has the tow prep pkg, for the wiring and has an oil cooler, but no mention of a tranny cooler. I have found class 3 hitches/ball mounts that are rated to 7500 LBS (Curt/hidden hitch). Curious as to why the RX is limited to 3500 LBS? I see the towing capacity of the 2014 Highlander, which I think is a similar structure to the RX, is 5000 LBS.

I had installed a Lexus hitch on my previous generation RX and still have the ball mount. It is stamped rating is 3500 LBS. That other hitch I had was ordered from Sewel and was made in the USA, so quite likely it's a Curt and I believe Curt and Hidden are one and the same as well. The Curt web site shows only one hitch for the RX and it's rated to 7500 LBS. Could be when Lexus buys a hitch from them, assuming they make it, they specify the markings to be stamped at 3500 LBS. Doesn't justify the stupid price Lexus charges over Curt, though!

 

I don't think towing capacity is an exact science. Same as minimal requirements for a program to work on a PC.