Will a 6500# Lexus cut it?

SoggyHawk

New Member
Feb 14, 2008
5
Woodinville, WA
Another question: We have an '03 Tahoe 4WD that is rated at 7400# towing. I have towed the 220 Select back from Spokane (6 hours) once last season and it did just fine. It actually felt better than towing the previous 185. I suspect the difference was due to surge brakes and double axle.

We also have a Lexus GX470 that is rated at 6500#. The question is do I need to keep the Tahoe for towing or will the Lexus handle the weight (I've been thinking of a sports car). The Sea Ray specs say the 220 Select is 4150# dry. How much more should I figure for the trailer, gas, and typical stuff? Also, how close can I get to the 6500# limit before it doesn't make sense to use the Lexus (90%?).

Wondering if anyone has experience towing a 220 with something smaller than a Tahoe.
 
The best bet is to get the 220 scaled full of gear and ready to go. The 4150 dry is an estimate without any options and the base engine. If you have an upgraded engine, extra battery(or two?) and any other options they will increase that "dry" weight. Add to that fuel, water(if any?), gear and other "stuff" to arrive at your best guess. The dual axle trailer is probably 1,200 to 1,500 lbs or so. Also don't forget to add the weight of any additional passengers or gear in the tow vehicle. I would estimate your towed weight at around 6,000 or so. That's not much of a cushion if you have a family in the tow vehicle. Usually long term solution is to stay around 75 to 80% of your tow vehicles maximum tow rating for longevity. The Lexus might handle it, but your close to or possibly over the limit depending on passengers. I'd hang onto the Hoe!
 
You would overload that Lexus.....My Tacoma is rated for 6500# and I wouldn't tow that much with it for long on a regular basis.
My 200 Sundeck is 3500 dry weight, about 150 for gas, 150 gear, batts, etc and a min of 1000 for the dual axel trailer add up quick.
Like Dancer said...think of the passengers as well.
 
I would try to find out what the limiting factor is - if it is the frame/drivetrain/brakes/gear ratio then you may be stuck but sometimes its a matter of the cooling system or tranny/oil coolers that can add towing capacity for minimal outlay - It's probably worth it to at least check with the lexus dealer to see if there are any mods that the factory offered to up the towing capacity.
 

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