Can you tow a Lexus RX350 behind a motorhome?

Yes, you can tow a Lexus RX350 behind a motorhome, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. The Lexus RX350 is a mid-size luxury SUV, and it can be safely towed behind a motorhome as long as the proper towing equipment and procedures are used.

Towing a Lexus RX350 Behind a Motorhome

Towing a Lexus RX350 behind a motorhome requires the use of a tow dolly or a trailer. A tow dolly is a two-wheeled platform that the front wheels of the Lexus RX350 rest on, while the rear wheels remain on the ground. A trailer, on the other hand, is a four-wheeled platform that the entire Lexus RX350 is loaded onto.

When towing a Lexus RX350 behind a motorhome, it's important to ensure that the towing equipment is properly secured and that the Lexus RX350 is securely fastened to the tow dolly or trailer. Additionally, the Lexus RX350 must be in neutral and the parking brake must be engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling during towing.

Considerations for Towing a Lexus RX350

Before towing a Lexus RX350 behind a motorhome, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

• Weight Capacity: The motorhome and the towing equipment must have a weight capacity that can safely accommodate the weight of the Lexus RX350. The Lexus RX350 has a curb weight of around 4,400 pounds, so the motorhome and towing equipment must be able to handle this weight.


• Towing Speed: The Lexus RX350 should be towed at a speed of no more than 55 mph, and the motorhome should maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.


• Braking: The motorhome's braking system must be able to handle the additional weight of the Lexus RX350 during braking. The Lexus RX350's parking brake should be engaged to help with braking.


• Visibility: The motorhome's rearview mirrors must be adjusted to provide a clear view of the Lexus RX350 during towing.

By following these guidelines and using the proper towing equipment, you can safely tow a Lexus RX350 behind a motorhome.

Can you tow dolly a Lexus RX 350?

The vehicle should be centered on the platform. If it's off to one side you need to offload. And reposition.

Are any Toyota vehicles flat-towable?

No, most modern Toyotas cannot be flat-towed, especially those with automatic transmissions, because it can cause severe transmission damage. While some older models with manual transmissions can be flat-towed, it's crucial to check the owner's manual for the specific vehicle's year, model, and transmission type. For modern Toyotas, it is safest to use a flatbed trailer or a tow dolly. 
Why flat towing is not recommended for most Toyotas

• Automatic transmissions: Most automatic transmissions require the output shaft to be lubricated by the engine's internal pump, which only runs when the engine is on. Flat towing with the wheels on the ground can cause the transmission to overheat and fail. 
• Modern vehicle designs: Many newer vehicles, including some trucks like the Tacoma and newer Land Cruisers, are specifically designed to be non-towable for safety and engineering reasons, as stated in their owner's manuals. 
• Model year limitations: Toyota officially states that Model Year 2020 and newer vehicles are not designed to be dinghy (flat) towed, notes Toyota. 

What to do instead

• Consult the owner's manual: Always check the "Recreational Towing" or "Dinghy Towing" section of your specific vehicle's owner's manual before attempting to tow it in any way. 
• Use a flatbed trailer: A flatbed trailer is the safest method for towing most Toyotas, as it lifts all four wheels off the ground. 
• Consider a tow dolly: Some vehicles may be towable on a tow dolly, which lifts the front wheels. However, you must confirm your vehicle's suitability for dolly towing in the owner's manual. 
• Check with a professional: If you have any doubts, it is best to consult with a Toyota dealership or a reputable towing service before towing your vehicle. 

Which year to avoid Lexus RX 350?

Years to potentially avoid the Lexus RX 350 include 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, and 2017, as these models have been associated with more complaints regarding issues like oil leaks, engine problems, transmission failures, and dashboard cracking. These are often the first year of a redesign, or specific model years that experienced known issues.
 
Model years to avoid

• 2007 and 2008: These years may have issues with oil leaks and cracking dashboards. 
• 2010: Known for engine problems and rattling doors. Some models also have oil cooler hose issues that can be replaced with metal lines. 
• 2016 and 2017: These were the first years of the fourth generation and are often cited as problematic. 
  • The 2016 model saw issues with the new 8-speed transmission. 
  • The 2017 model had problems with faulty rain sensors. 

Why these years have issues

• First year of a redesign: New generations often have "bugs" that are worked out in subsequent model years. This is particularly true for the 2016 model year, which was the first in its generation. 
• Known common problems: Specific model years have common problems associated with them, such as the oil leaks in the 2007-2008 models and transmission issues in the 2016 model. 

If you must buy one of these years

• If you choose one of the problematic years, it is especially important to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic. 
• The 2010 model can be made more reliable by replacing the rubber oil cooler hoses with metal ones. 

What is the best SUV to tow behind a motorhome?

The best SUV for towing a camper depends on the camper's weight, but top contenders include the Ford Expedition (up to 9,600 lbs), Jeep Wagoneer (up to 10,000 lbs), and Toyota Sequoia (up to 9,520 lbs) for heavy-duty towing. For mid-size campers, the Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Tahoe are strong options with towing capacities often exceeding 7,000 lbs.
 
This video reviews several popular SUVs for towing travel trailers: 1mDriven By GearsYouTube · Oct 15, 2022
Heavy-duty SUVs

• Jeep Wagoneer: Offers the highest towing capacity on this list, reaching up to 10,000 pounds. 
• Ford Expedition: Can tow up to 9,600 pounds, making it one of the most capable SUVs for heavy loads. 
• Toyota Sequoia: Features a hybrid V6 engine and can tow up to 9,520 pounds. 
• Dodge Durango: Has a high towing capacity, reaching up to 8,700 pounds. 
• Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon: These heavy-duty options can tow up to 8,400 pounds or more with the right packages. 

This video discusses several of the best SUVs for towing campers: 1mKelley Blue BookYouTube · Sep 24, 2024
Mid-size SUVs

• Jeep Grand Cherokee/Grand Cherokee L: A solid choice for mid-size trailers, with a spacious interior and good towing capability. 
• Lexus GX: Offers excellent towing capability for a mid-size SUV, especially when equipped to tow. 
• Audi Q7: With the right engine and tow package, the Q7 can tow up to 7,700 pounds. 
• Ford Explorer: A popular option with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds, suitable for many mid-sized campers. 
• Toyota 4Runner: Known for its reliability and off-road capability, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. 

Important considerations

• Check specific ratings: Towing capacities vary significantly by model year, trim, engine, and drivetrain (4WD vs. 2WD). Always check the specific tow rating for the exact vehicle you are considering, as listed in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. 
• Add-on packages: Many SUVs require a specific tow package to achieve their maximum towing capacity. These packages often include a more powerful engine, a heavy-duty radiator, or a different transmission. 
• Weight: It is crucial to know your camper's weight (including all gear) to ensure it is within the SUV's towing capacity.