I have a 1996 LX 450 I would like to use for car hauling. From what I've read, the towing capacity is only 5000lbs. It seems quite low, being that I'm finding average trailers can weigh as much as 2,000lbs?! Is 5000 the actual towing capacity, or is it a safe estimate from the factory? What kind of trailer should I look for/ I need something very light weight, but heavy duty enough to do cross country towing if need be. Thanks!!
Trailer noob with LX450, help!!
- Thread starter turbolex
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First off the 80 series and tech forum is the better place for 1/2 of this question.... FYI
The 80 series ( LX 450 ) is not a great heavy trailer hauler specially with the super soft LX springs.
I would think an every now and then 4k - 5k tow would be ok if taken easy ,anything more often or more weight would not be a good thing.
On the trailer side an aluminum trailer sounds like what you are after.
ken
ken
The 80 series ( LX 450 ) is not a great heavy trailer hauler specially with the super soft LX springs.
I would think an every now and then 4k - 5k tow would be ok if taken easy ,anything more often or more weight would not be a good thing.
On the trailer side an aluminum trailer sounds like what you are after.
ken
ken
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Look in your Owner's Manual - the max towing limit is ZERO pounds.
The springs are so wimpy soft that it just isn't recommended. Replace those tiny limp noodles with LC springs (or aftermarket) and you can tow up to 5000 pounds, but it will never be easy unless you add forced induction. The engine is just too gutless.
The drive train is super strong, you just need more torque.
Note that by putting in stiffer springs, you will (thankfully) destroy that cushy, wallowing Lexus ride.
The springs are so wimpy soft that it just isn't recommended. Replace those tiny limp noodles with LC springs (or aftermarket) and you can tow up to 5000 pounds, but it will never be easy unless you add forced induction. The engine is just too gutless.
The drive train is super strong, you just need more torque.
Note that by putting in stiffer springs, you will (thankfully) destroy that cushy, wallowing Lexus ride.
The wallowing Lexus ride comes from the shocks, the springs are identical to the land cruiser of the same year, 80 series springs do change year to year though, look at the paint codes on the springs.
I just hauled an enclosed car hauler from GA to FL, weighed it on cat scales
front axle 2,460
rear axle 3,720
trailer axles combined 6,300.
GCVW 12,480
80 series is generally balanced front/rear difference is from tongue weight that takes weight off the front and puts it on the rear, I have airlift bags to help with the sag, even with the airbags weight balance on the trailer was touchy, weight few inches aft lowering tongue weight and the trailer swayed, few inches forward and the front end pointed to the sky, I need to get heavier springs.
This was mostly downhill but there were some rolling hills, even these gentle south Georgia hills it was doing 35 by the time I got to the top, max realistic speed on the flats was 49 any faster and the torque converter would hunt, after 51 or so it would lock, RPM would drop and it could not maintain speed, TC would unlock at 49MPH, RPM would increase, repeat over and over, millage was around 10 MPG, need more power.
Thanks to trailer brakes braking was the only thing that preformed well at least when it was dry, on the wet it got a bit sketchy.
Moral of the story 80 series can be pressed into service for occasional heavy towing but I would not want to do it often or for more than one day, it would be way too slow to cross the US, the rockies would be a real problem,
Diesel trucks are getting cheaper, IMO that is what you need to move vehicles cross country on a regular basis,
I just hauled an enclosed car hauler from GA to FL, weighed it on cat scales
front axle 2,460
rear axle 3,720
trailer axles combined 6,300.
GCVW 12,480
80 series is generally balanced front/rear difference is from tongue weight that takes weight off the front and puts it on the rear, I have airlift bags to help with the sag, even with the airbags weight balance on the trailer was touchy, weight few inches aft lowering tongue weight and the trailer swayed, few inches forward and the front end pointed to the sky, I need to get heavier springs.
This was mostly downhill but there were some rolling hills, even these gentle south Georgia hills it was doing 35 by the time I got to the top, max realistic speed on the flats was 49 any faster and the torque converter would hunt, after 51 or so it would lock, RPM would drop and it could not maintain speed, TC would unlock at 49MPH, RPM would increase, repeat over and over, millage was around 10 MPG, need more power.
Thanks to trailer brakes braking was the only thing that preformed well at least when it was dry, on the wet it got a bit sketchy.
Moral of the story 80 series can be pressed into service for occasional heavy towing but I would not want to do it often or for more than one day, it would be way too slow to cross the US, the rockies would be a real problem,
Diesel trucks are getting cheaper, IMO that is what you need to move vehicles cross country on a regular basis,
I have a 96 LX450 and have used it for several years to pull my 300ZX to AutoX events. Have gone as far as 4 hour drive with no problems. Once you get it going I can't tell it is there. Getting up to speed and going up a grade is when I wish I had more power. Cruising at 70 is no problem, but I don't tow in overdrive until I get up to speed to keep it from shifting in and out.
Air bags in the rear really help to level the load.
Balance of tongue weight is key. I once made the mistake of putting a tool box in the rear of the Z and I was all over the road until I figured it out.
The trailer is aluminum and the car and trailer weigh in at around 4000lbs.
Air bags in the rear really help to level the load.
Balance of tongue weight is key. I once made the mistake of putting a tool box in the rear of the Z and I was all over the road until I figured it out.
The trailer is aluminum and the car and trailer weigh in at around 4000lbs.
