2008 Lexus ES 350 Owners Manual - Page 219

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2-5. Driving information

2

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Before towing

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Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (

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P. 326)

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Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recom-

mendation.

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All trailer lights work to be legal.

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Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.

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Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is

hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue

load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.

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Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.

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Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or

local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing

purposes.

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Break-in schedule

Lexus recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new

power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) to

tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.

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Maintenance

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If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to

the additional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner's Manual Sup-

plement/ Scheduled Maintenance”.)

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Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately

600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

CAUTION

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To avoid accident or injury

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The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed

1000 lb. (450 kg).

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Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle

weight and trailer tongue load capacities.

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Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About 60% of

the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% in the

rear.