1998 Lexus ES 300 Owners Manual - Page 156

DRIVING TIPS Brakes and safety chains D Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations. D A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated. For correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or trailer manufacturer's recommendations. Trailer lights D Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and local regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a malfunction of your lights. Break-in schedule D Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving. CAUTION D If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are required. D Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system as it will lower its braking effectiveness. D Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane. Maintenance D If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For this information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance information in the "Owner's Manual Supplement/ Maintenance Schedule". D Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving. Tires D Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated below: Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm2 or bar, psi) Front 220 (2.2, 32) Rear 220 (2.2, 32) D The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight. Pre-towing safety check D Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition, and check for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes. D Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it cannot shift. D Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or local regulation. If they do not, install required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes. 156