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The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Yahoo Message Number: 109644
A long kept secret. The GX 470 and the LX 470 with a manual transfer case are towable, 4 wheels down, and with the transfer case in neutral. 2009 is the last year for the GX 470 with a manual transfer case. 2007 is the last year for the LX 470 with a manual transfer case, I believe. Both are in high demand, but you pay for what you get!

George, 08 Affinity 6877

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109647
George, are there automatic or pushbutton type transfer cases to watch out for in those years? Or are they all manual transfer cases. Anything else to look for?

I'm really liking this for a toad.

Dave

04 Intrigue

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109651
They are all the same. They have a gear shift type transfer case. You need base plates, wiring for lighting, etc. The usual. The complication is the auxiliary braking system. The power braking system on this vehicle works with the engine off. I think most auxiliary braking systems require a dead pedal when towing. At least with my Brake Master, you will burn out the brakes on the Lexus unless you buy this pressure adjuster they make. How other auxiliary systems deal with this I do not know. The downsides: the lx470 has a big V8 and you're not going to get more than 17 miles to the gallon on the highway and maybe 14 in town. They all have a 4.1 axle ratio, all wheel drive and weigh 6000 pounds due to the massive full box frame, so that is not a fuel economy setup either. They are designed for off road and are fantastic off road. The lx470 is just the Lexus version of the Toyota Land Cruiser with some added bells and whistles. I believe the Land Cruisers of the same years are also towable four wheels down. The lx470 comes with an amazing highly complex hydraulic suspension. It's pretty reliable but if it goes, it's going to cost you about 7 or $8,000 to repair. It's got a fair amount of room but compared to my Excursion or a Suburban it has less than half the cargo space. I spend most of my time off road as a bird Hunter and fly fisherman. I need a vehicle that has a LOT of ground clearance, four or all-wheel drive and can handle the pounding of off road. It's a Landcruiser folks. So for me it's really good other than the fuel economy. If you don't do serious off road, I'm not sure it would be the number one vehicle of choice for a toad.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109653
Hi Dave

I have the 2009 GX 470, 7 seater, which I leave the rear two seats out for more cargo space. Search for one on eBay, look at interior pictures, see the main automatic gear shifter, to the right will be the manual transfer case lever with High, Neutral, Low settings.

I outfitted it with an Air Force one braking system and Roadmaster towing base plate mated to the Sterling Tow Bar. If you need more info, send me a private email and I'll be glad to tell you my experiences.

George, 2008 Affinity 6877

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109657
Rich, Thanks for all the information. This is all good food for thought. Here's my situation. Firstly, I will definitely need/want a toad. I will be traveling the country Lord willing 15000 miles a year moving forward. I have 4 kids, so need a toad that can hold six. Now the toad will also act as my daily driver. I am 6'3", so a vehicle that is too small won't work. Mileage isn't a real issue, as my office is 7 minutes from home, and being a landscaper, I write off all my fuel. I have looked at some, not all lists of available toads to use... There is a minivan option, I believe a Chrysler, but quite frankly, I don't want a minivan for my daily driver. Not really wanting to tow a Pickup truck like a Silverado or whatever, and of course initial cost, don't really want new. My choices are narrowing. Is this enough information for anyone to recommend a certain choice? I like the process, and am in no hurry. Thanks again Rich and everyone else for response.

Dave

04 Intrigue

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109665
Dave, I think you had better go sit in one before you even think about it anymore. I fear you might find it a bit tight at 6'3". The front seats are way smaller than my Excursion for example, but I am only 5'9" so it's not an issue. It's a great truck, extremely well made and reliable. Expensive to fix of course. Given your needs, I would think there are other options to look at, some of which may have more space for the driver.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109670
I will do that and let you know my findings. My height is mainly legs.

I weight 220.. so average build. I will try to sit in one this week

Dave

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109719
Hi Everyone;

I am on the hunt for a toad for my RV this year. I have a question, that I hope someone can answer. I currently own a 2014 Dodge Ram Pickup. 4x4. This truck is in my business, but it is earmarked for me to use daily. The reason, I don't use as a daily driver, is the rough ride, but it is a nice truck. I know the dodge truck can be set up as a toad, and would meet my criteria of holding 6 people. Here is the rub. The truck has a plow frame on it, as I am in the snow removal business. Does anyone know of people with the towing set up on the truck where there is a plow frame on as well? I did contact blue ox, and sent them pictures of where the plow frame bolts to the frame of the truck, and am waiting to hear back, but I thought I would ask if anyone has been in this position before.

Thanks for your tips and advice. 
Dave

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109720
Probably the most efficient visit a local welder/hitch shop and have it custom built so it doesn't interfere with your plow.

Ray

They say wine improves with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine! The Born Loser

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109730
HI ray. Thanks for the tip. That seems to be the advice I'm getting as my toad saga unfolds. The latest thing someone told me (outside of this forum) is that I wouldnt need a brake control for the toad. I don't have any experience with this, at least with an rv. He has a 40' rv and tows a Tahoe or a hummer, so they are fairly heavy. He does not use a brake controller and hasn't for 14 years. His words were, with a large good quality heavy rv like his, (or the one I bought) you don't need the extra brakes. And he said most states don't require it. Honestly I would feel better with the extra braking, but if it's truly unnecessary,  then I would do without. Any thoughts?

Dave

04 intrigue

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109731
He is actually wrong on most states requiring them, some are pretty murky on the law and you might argue trailer vs 4 down toad but the laws generally say towing over 1500-2000 lbs requires brakes.

Didn't used to and I towed our 85 Ramcharger at 4800 lbs around behind our 14000 lb gasser for several years.

Ray

They say wine improves with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine! The Born Loser

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109732
Read your states laws about trailers and trailer braking requirements. A towed vehicle is a trailer, contrary to some folks belief.. Most states require brakes on any trailer over 3,000 lbs, some states are more strict. It is most likely not an issue till you hit someone, then if you do not have the required equipment, you get sued. And your insurance company denies coverage as you were an non legal vehicle.

Just saying, do as you wish.

Mikee

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109733
The legal definition of a trailer is: Any vehicle pulled by another vehicle , not under its own power.

Mikee

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109734
Ray, thanks so much. I figured he was probably wrong on the laws... but what about not really needing auxiliary brakes for the toad for safety sake. I know the bus has big brakes,  and obviously it will stop the toad. Are there others who can weigh in on this. Does everyone here use auxiliary brakes on they're toads?

Dave

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109735
You will find in the coach documentation the braking is rated for the GVWR NOT the GVCWR, vehicle vs combined vehicle and towed.

Ray

They say wine improves with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine! The Born Loser

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109736
When towing a 4-5,000 lb. toad, the braking distance at 65 mph increases by about 1/3 without auxiliary brakes.

When uncaring vehicles cut in front of you on a busy highway, thereby reducing what you thought was a safe braking space, that sudden change in stopping distance can result in your death and the death of others if you cannot stop in time.

Anyone who refuses to tow without auxiliary brakes is just irresponsible and looking for trouble IMHO.....

Check out Air Force One.

D Jean
CC81072

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109737
There has been issues with tow bars breaking and if your toad breaks loose and hits someone and you aren't in compliance with the law you could face heavy penalties and jail time if someone is killed! Most auxiliary breaking system have a Breakaway safety device that stops the vehicle in case of a tow bar failure! Just my opinion....1500 bucks is a cheap insurance.

Dennis

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109738
Thanks Dennis,

Another plus in the corner of being compliant. Would love to hear more about the style to get. Air Force one keeps popping up. Do they make different brake Controller types?

Gonna try to research on my own, but love to gain wisdom from those further down the road. Thanks again for responses.

Dave

04 Intrigue

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109740
David, very well said, and thank you. That pretty much solidified my decision. Now I just need to decide style of braking system. I have heard "Air Force One" but still don't know enough about the different types. The style that actually presses down the brake pedal, is that old technology? Any information would be helpful.

Thanks again 
Dave

04 Intrigue

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109741
So Ray,

Even if the gvcwr is lower than the recommended GVWR, still should have a braking system? I responded to another response a few minutes ago. I'm on board with a braking system, just wondering why this guy said he didn't use it. Are there reasons other than cost why people wouldn't use them?

Dave

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109742
Mike, thanks for the response. I am in agreemenr, and likely I will end up getting a braking system. That being said, from what I understand, there are a couple styles of systems. One style for lack of a better word and lack of understanding,  is electronic and I assume works "similar" to a brake control you would wire into a truck for towing trailers with brakes. The second style has a contraption that actually pushes the brake pedal in the toad down when the rv brakes are applies. Which system is the way to go. Also, are there any reasons why someone would not want a braking system other than the cost? Any other drawbacks to having one?

Thanks every one for your responses and your patience with this newbie.

Dave

04 intrigue

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109743
I used the Roadmaster for years with my Excursion. Simple, works, perfectly never any problems. On my Lexus and I assume this might be the case with some other vehicles the power brakes work with the engine off. This complicates matters as far as the Roadmaster goes. I don't know how the Air Force One handles that since I'm not familiar with it. Most of these auxiliary braking systems require a dead pedal. With an 8000 pound vehicle you definitely need an auxiliary braking system with our country coaches.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109745
Right on! We have a US Gear system on our 2300 pound Honda Fit. It all helps.
Ken

2004 Allure #31035 
-- "We establish no religion in this country, we command no worship, we mandate no belief, nor will we ever.
Church and state are, and must remain, separate." Ronald Reagan, October 26, 1984.

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109746
Well, many years ago (when towing a Honda Prelude) I apparently did not have the breakaway cable properly installed, it came out, and I towed that poor car for many hundreds of feet before the front brakes caught fire.  Ely, NV, over Labor Day weekend.  Ever stayed in Ely for four days, when most everything is closed?  Anyway, lesson learned about checking things completely before, and at the start of, driving.

Ken
2004 Allure #31035

Re: The Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 as a tow car

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 109747
I cannot think of any reason not to have one. Which one..... You will get 100 arguments for which is better... Kind of a Ford/Chevy thing. I use the Brakemaster by Roadmaster. What ever you wind up getting be sure you get the break away installed.

Mikee