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Sactown · 06-13-2010, 03:00 PM

We recently sold our 2008 Safari Sport 17 and replaced it with a 2007 Safari Bambi SE 19. We're going on our first weekend getaway with a 2007 Lexus GX470 & was wondering if there is anything I should know. Dry weight is around 3,700 lbs and the max tow on the Lexus is 6600.

Road Ruler · 06-13-2010, 03:53 PM

There was a newish 25' Airstream that parked beside us a couple years ago. It was pulled with a Lexus SUV and they were using a Hensley.

Wayne&Sam · 06-13-2010, 05:27 PM

I think that's a great combination. Put on a Reese dual cam and it will tow like a dream.

triplenet · 06-13-2010, 06:22 PM

I towed our 25' with our GX470 1100 miles with no problems.
I had a Hensley installed and have since bought a better brake controller.
More hp would be nice, but I'm not ready to trade.

Redd · 06-13-2010, 09:08 PM

I have been towing a 20' Safari SE with a 2004 Lexus GX470 and never had a problem. I use a Reese Equalizer hitch and am very happy with the set up.

hobiemon · 06-13-2010, 10:47 PM

We towed a 75 25' Land Yacht 29,000 km in 3 1/2 months with a 2004 GX 470 and an equalizer hitch and a good brake controller without a single problem and only did two oil changes and one air filter change just to let it breath better. You should be fine, have fun!

Redd · 06-19-2010, 10:02 AM

I had the Reese hitch on my GX470 put on and adjusted by Toscanos in Los Banos, CA. Just FYI that they've got some experience with this setup. I've put probably 20,000 miles on my setup and continue to be happy with it.
Also, I hope you will consider joining the Northern California WBCCI unit. It is a very friendly and active group. I go on a lot of rallies with the Northern California group. A lot of the members are from the Sacramento area. Let me know if you are interested and I'll email you the phone contacts for the group.

cactusjk · 04-22-2016, 09:23 AM

We have a FC 23'. is the GX 470 rear door a problem (to open) when hitched up?

PKI · 04-22-2016, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjk

We have a FC 23'. is the GX 470 rear door a problem (to open) when hitched up?

Cactujk - Do not know for sure, but I suspect it will. Hitching close to vehicle is best for stability and that adds to the problem. Suggest you take some measurements. with door half open from ground to bottom of door and bumper to edge of door. Should get you a good idea of where the conflict might be when you compare the measurement to the trailer position.

You might be able to jack-knife the rig o get clearance.

Travel safe. Pat

cactusjk · 07-01-2016, 09:23 PM

GX 470 Towing question: The manual mentions Transmission shift range position must be in "4". Does this mean I need to be in 4 vice drive?

PKI · 07-01-2016, 11:14 PM

If the transmission is a 5 speed with overdrive. I suspect the manual is recommending that you tow in the lower four gears and not tow in overdrive. I assume there is a "D" position that enables the transmission to shift into overdrive and a "4" position that locks out the overdrive and allows the transmission to shift through the lower four gears. Depending on the circumstances, it is likely that there will be times when you will want to shift manually to an even lower gear. On a dead level run or with a tail wind, you might be able to use your overdrive. If you have a good mechanic that is familiar with the transmission and has an understanding of the stresses of towing, this would be a great subject to discuss over coffee.

The weight of your trailer is reasonable, so this may be a minimal problem except in extreme conditions. Which is another way to say that your millage may vary.

Pat

cactusjk · 07-02-2016, 07:33 AM

Thanks Pat. The Lexus forum also confirmed stay in 4 to keep it out of overdrive. Will confirm today on the ride home from Fairfield!

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKI

If the transmission is a 5 speed with overdrive. I suspect the manual is recommending that you tow in the lower four gears and not tow in overdrive. I assume there is a "D" position that enables the transmission to shift into overdrive and a "4" position that locks out the overdrive and allows the transmission to shift through the lower four gears. Depending on the circumstances, it is likely that there will be times when you will want to shift manually to an even lower gear. On a dead level run or with a tail wind, you might be able to use your overdrive. If you have a good mechanic that is familiar with the transmission and has an understanding of the stresses of towing, this would be a great subject to discuss over coffee.

The weight of your trailer is reasonable, so this may be a minimal problem except in extreme conditions. Which is another way to say that your millage may vary.

Pat

Debit · 07-02-2016, 08:55 AM

With a Hensley or Pro-Pride you will add about a foot of length from the TV that would seem to help the rear door clearance for the GX. We tow our 26U with a LX570 and use the DirecLink brake controller. With this and the Pro-Pride hitch, towing with the LX570 is a dream. But have not towed with an GX, although we own a 2014 GX too (wife's). We like the extra room, HP, 4WD and heft of the LX vs GX. Just our preference for the larger 26U. However, with a Pro-Pride (Hensley) and a DirecLink, I'd feel comfortable towing a 19' AS with our GX.

Rich W · 07-02-2016, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjk

Thanks Pat. The Lexus forum also confirmed stay in 4 to keep it out of overdrive. Will confirm today on the ride home from Fairfield!

I have the Toyota version, the 4Runner. I believe it's the same engine (4.7L V8) and transmission (FT 4WD). On flat ground I tow in overdrive but I shift down to 4 for any sized hill. The transmission doesn't seem to mind and the 'hot' indicator for the tranny has never come on. As soon as it starts to 'lug' I shift to 4.

Your rear door swings out, mine swings up. If I'm lined up I can open it but if there's any angle I can't. I have learned to use the power window to get to stuff in the back

PKI · 07-02-2016, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjk

Thanks Pat. The Lexus forum also confirmed stay in 4 to keep it out of overdrive. Will confirm today on the ride home from Fairfield!

So it's you that has service so busy they can't talk to me about an appointment. Good luck with your new AS. Pat

cactusjk · 07-02-2016, 08:37 PM

Drove great coming home! Used 4 unless it was flat where I used D. Impressed with how the GX470 handled with the Equal-i-zer hitch.

Nothinghead · 03-13-2017, 12:35 PM

What do you do with the AHC when setting up your WD hitch? Truck on and N setting?

Mergatroyd · 03-18-2017, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sactown

We recently sold our 2008 Safari Sport 17 and replaced it with a 2007 Safari Bambi SE 19. We're going on our first weekend getaway with a 2007 Lexus GX470 & was wondering if there is anything I should know. Dry weight is around 3,700 lbs and the max tow on the Lexus is 6600.

The Bambi has a 350 lb dry hitch weight. You might consider a simple load leveling hitch, otherwise your headlights will be pointing to the sky.