Flat towing Lexus LX470

[TurretT7]

Well I am new to this site, and I have researched this in other posts on here, and got some useful information, I also replyed , but the thread a few years old and I couldn’t reply , so this is the reason for this post.

I have a 2003 Lexus LX470 , that I want to flat tow behind my MH.

I want to know if anyone out there have had any issues with driveshaft lock up, transfer case issues.

Also I have been told that you need a driveshaft disconnect, which I hope is not the case.
Any Help will help.
Thanks
John

[lllkrob]

Any Toyota / Lexus product with a manual shift transfer case with neutral position is 4down towable as is, no driveshaft disconnect or transmission lube pump needed. Toyota does not approve towing any of its vehicles but that is a lawyer position and has nothing to do with the mechanical design of the vehicle.

[Arch Hoagland]

I tow a 2000 Lexus RX300 front wheel drive 4 down as is. I inquired about towing it and the local Lexus dealer gave me a letter saying it was towable 4 down as is.

Don't know what transmission you have so I'm not too much help.

[TurretT7]

Thanks for the reply’s, Now I am feeling better. I have two 2003 LX 470’s which I will now, set up to be flat towed. Just in case ones in the shop , I will have the second one to go on a trip.

I will post pictures of my progress on equipping them with Base Plates, wiring and a Tow Bar.

Anyone, have any experience with the Ready Brake, Ready Brute Elite Tow Bar?

There are a limited few Toad brake systems, that can be used on a Lexus LX 470, the braking system is a Hydro boost, not Vaccum.
So I have more homework to do.
John

[kpecks]

Originally Posted by TurretT7

Thanks for the reply’s, Now I am feeling better. I have two 2003 LX 470’s which I will now, set up to be flat towed. Just in case ones in the shop , I will have the second one to go on a trip.

I will post pictures of my progress on equipping them with Base Plates, wiring and a Tow Bar.

Anyone, have any experience with the Ready Brake, Ready Brute Elite Tow Bar?

There are a limited few Toad brake systems, that can be used on a Lexus LX 470, the braking system is a Hydro boost, not Vaccum.
So I have more homework to do.
John

Do you want to sell one???? I’m looking to buy an lx470.

[TurretT7]

Kpecks, No! As one is

my wife’s and I dare not tread in that territory.

John

[kpecks]

Originally Posted by TurretT7

Kpecks, No! As one is

my wife’s and I dare not tread in that territory.

John

Lol. Don’t blame you. It’s hard finding a nice one. There are 0 in Florida that are worth taking a look at.

[TurretT7]

Yes, I do understand I bought my wife’s in 2015, it was garaged kept it took me 4 years to find one in good shape. It had 70,000 miles on it. It is Dark Grey and when you look at it , it looks Blue. As soon as we get some decent weather up here in NJ, something above Freezing, I will post pictures of them and rigging them up as Toads.

Good Luck in your search on finding one, keep searching you’ll get one , But it won’t be easy.

John

[kpecks]

Originally Posted by TurretT7

Yes, I do understand I bought my wife’s in 2015, it was garaged kept it took me 4 years to find one in good shape. It had 70,000 miles on it. It is Dark Grey and when you look at it , it looks Blue. As soon as we get some decent weather up here in NJ, something above Freezing, I will post pictures of them and rigging them up as Toads.

Good Luck in your search on finding one, keep searching you’ll get one , But it won’t be easy.

John

Thanks. I had two out from under me by sellers. One private and one dealership. People get jumpy when they get an inquiry from out of state.

[kpecks]

Well it looks like I just landed a deal on an 05 land cruiser! Having it shipped from PA. Question: what lighting kit are you guys running? Tapping in to the factory system or just running the blue ox kit?? Can’t wait to get her home!!!

[Bamaman]

I'm sorry, but such a vehicle really would do better if towed on a nice, aluminum car hauler trailer.

Have you ever priced the labor rates and parts bills on running gear repairs on a Lexus? My Lexus dealer is the finest dealership I've ever experienced, but they're not the #1 car dealership in Service Department sales (and profits) in a city of 1,000,000 people for nothing. It's just not worth taking the risk.

[Arch Hoagland]

Store : Remco

According to Remco that year can't be towed 4 down.

[TurretT7]

I'm using Roadmaster RM-155 wiring kit, it's the one where you don't tap into the vehicles wiring system, you run new wires and new lights to your tail lights.

Bamamam, I talked to a few other people and they claim that they also tow a Lexus LX 470 with no problems, So I will see.

I am thinking of installing a Kit I saw on line where you can turn these into part time 4X4 using a conversion kit that changes out the gear in the transfer case as well as turning the front auto lockers into manual hubs. That way you can unlock the front axle and free wheel the front.

There seem to be a problem with the VCS(Viscous coupling) that has a potential to run dry and cause problems, with the conversion kit, it eliminates the VCS.

I have been doing more research on towing these.

Thanks
John

[TurretT7]

Kpecks, Looks like a nice truck, Good Luck with it!

I just ordered the Roadmaster MX Base Plate RM-1151-1

They bolt up in the existing holes where the front tow hooks are, you remove the tow hooks and bolt them on.

When I get them, I will post the install.

John