Towing It To The Limit.

[Goon44]

Well, got my new 2012 GX 460 two weeks ago to mainly tow my camping trailer. My camping trailer weights close to 6,000 pounds and 30 ft long. I did not want to drive a truck or Expeditiion size SUV as a daily driver just because I need to tow something heavy 5-6 times a year. I hooked it up to the trailer last weekend for the first time. I also installed a proportional break controller and load leveling hitch. When I was reserching for tow vehicle I kept running into people who say " you must get pick up truck to tow" But nobody could ever tell me why to my satisfaction. So that is why I eneded up with GX 460. GX tow rating is 6500 pound.

GX weights within few hundred pounds of a typical truck. This truck's engine is pretty much same as 4.6 liter Tundra engine. Load leveling hitch wold take care of soft coil suspension.

But with the camping trip coming up this weekend, I am still pretty nervious. I guess that is what I get for not following conventional wisdon.

I discussed this with a car guy at work and he thought that only weak link would be the transmission. I guess I just have to drive slowly. If you see a graphite GX 460 towing a 30 ft camper trailer and going no faster than 65 mph. That would be me and please be patient with my driving.

[LEXIRX330]

Good luck with the trip. I am sure you will be fine. Love my GX...I have never towed anything... I've never heard of tranny issues?

[chrisvr6]

I would get a tranny cooler. I hear that alot.

[lenore]

Yes definetly a tranny cooler and make sure the fluid is changed yearly....No such thing as lifetime fluid. Also remember your weight also includes what you put in the trailer as well as how many passengers. Make sure that brake controller is adjusted properly and the trailer brakes are adjusted properly. I found my trailer brakes were not adjusted properly from new. Make sure to get mirror extensions also....

[Goon44]

Well, camping trip was a hit. My family had a blast. My daughter caught butterflies and fishes. We played in the Lake Michigan surf. Ludington State Park is a wonderful place and recommned it to all.

Overall towing went pretty well, Like I said, this SUV is very similar in weight and engine as Tundra. Got overall MPG for 8 - 10 depending on speed and grade. But the shifting was little wierd. When I press on gas, I did not get typical immediate downshifting. My guess is that the computer is trying to outsmart me by messing with shifting. I expected to get similar RPM for same speed and it was not the case either. Many times, I wonderered why isn't this downshifting or upshifting. I really wish I could change the driving mode to RWD. But as you all know, it is all time AWD. Although I used load leveling hitch, I am sure RWD would have been more efficient. I wish GX had tow mode.

THis is a lease so I can't put transmission cooler on it. I might buy it off next year. If I do, I will probably put it on.

Only time i felt little uneasy was when I was going from one high way to others. Because I had to change lane, I was going fast and turning at same time. Softer suspension of the GX made it somewhat scary.

Breaking was no problem and was really smooth. I had proportional break controller with minimal boost.

My towing experince made me realize how stupid tow rating is. I think the profile of the towed vehicle makes just as much impact as its weight. Last year, I was towing about 3,300 pound with a Ford Edge with 3,500 pound tow rating. Because it was low profile collapsible trailer, i hardly felt it was there. Because of higher profile trailer, there is no forgetting that trailer is there with current setup.

thanks for the well wishes..

[xxstewart]

My 2008 GX tows my 6x12 covered cargo trailer (GVW ~ 3000 lbs max) one or twice a year without any problems, but I keep my speed under 55 MPH for fuel efficiency and safety reasons. Regardless of your skill and experience towing a trailer, remember the highways are filled with idiots who can force you into an evasive maneuver, and such can be difficult with a trailer in tow. One advantage to 55 MPH is that everyone else passes me, allowing me to ensure several hundred yards exist between me and vehicle in front of me. (Somehow I manage to suppress my ego and allow lesser marques to pass my Lexus.) With a leased vehicle, I'd read the lease contract thoroughly to ensure towing is permitted or if there's a weight limit specified. If you get into an accident (regardless of fault) with a leased vehicle while violating a lease agreement on towing, you could find yourself in a financial jam with your nsurance company, or a legal one with the leasing company.

Tow ratings aren't stupid, and begin with the classification of the hitch. A Class III hitch is rated at 5,000 lbs, and installed on a vehicle rated for 6500 lbs doesn't change this. You also need to watch the tongue weight (usually not a problem with RV trailers unless stuffed with personal items, but is affected by the manner in which a cargo trailer's contents weight is distributed).

Bottom line: Don't get cocky or cavalier about towing a trailer.