Lexus RX300 Manual page 213

DRIVING TIPS
D Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your
vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
D Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Therefore,
compensate for this by making a larger than normal turning radius
with your vehicle.
D Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of
your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to the rear
from time to time to prepare yourself for being passed by large
trucks or buses, which may cause your vehicle and trailer to sway.
If swaying happens, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce
speed immediately but gradually. Never increase speed. If it is
necessary to reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If
you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your
vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
D Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the
length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room before
changing lanes.
D In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive.
D Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine
may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 30_C [85_F])
when going up a long or steep grade with a trailer. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, immediately
turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the
road and stop in a safe spot. See "If your vehicle overheats" on
page 206 of this manual.
D Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
198
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put the
transmission in "P". Avoid parking on a slope with a trailer, but
if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into "P" and turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in "P" position, start the engine. Be sure
to keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into the "2", "L" or "R" position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back
away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.