Lexus ES300 Owner's Manual page 271

Brakes and safety chains
D Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
D A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION
D If the total trailer weight exceeds 500 kg (1102 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
D Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking effectiveness.
D Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball,
there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.
Tires
D Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm 2 or bar, psi)
Front 200 (2.0, 29)
Rear 200 (2.0, 29)
D The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
D Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and
local regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer
or rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for
your trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals
and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Break in schedule
D Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for
the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
DRIVING TIPS
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