Towing A Lx470

[Ross Starkenburg]

I know it is not recomended by Toyota (Lexus), but I an a few others out there are towing our LX470s behind our motor homes. It works perfectly OK and nothing is being injured doing it. It is not recommended by Lexus, I am sure, because several steps are necessary to tow an LX470 safely. Because the ignition switch does not have a "unlock" position but only an Accessory position power remains on in the car while towing. This will eventually lead to a dead Battery. Also to tow a 5400lb vehicle safely, an auxillary braking system is legally needed. The needed system is called a "Brake Buddy" it works by sensing decelleration of the motor home and applying pressure to the Lexus brake pedal. Since the LX470 has a great braking system, hydraulic over hydraulic, little pressure is needed on the brake pedal to produce good stopping power. So, here is what you need:

1. a proper towing bar (manufactured by Sterling) and frame adapters (mfg by sterling)

2. a 12 volt charging line commedcted from the motor home generator to the Lexus Battery (10 gauge primay wire will do)

3. independent stop and turning lights magnetically mounted on the top rear of the Lexus and wired to the motor home lights.

Then the proceedure before towing is:

place the transfer case in neutral

place the transmission in neutral

unlock the steering wheel

installl the Brake Buddy (a 5 minute job)

plug in the charging line.

and you are off. The Lexus will follow you every where you go. In fact you will forget its back there. And when you arrive at your destination you will have a fine vehicle to drive.. Comments?

[Rob]

the LX470 isnt available in the uk, and i have never seen anyone tow a full size car behind a motor home so the info wont apply to anyone here - u might get more responses on the USA site.