Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. You must also ensure that you are using appropriate towing equipment, that the towing equipment has been installed correctly and used properly, and that you employ the requisite driving habits.

Vehicle-trailer stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake performance and setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and hitch systems (if equipped).

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance with your trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions.

Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.

Contact your Toyota dealer for further information about additional requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

Note:

Trailer brake controller (if equipped)

Trailer brake controller*

Before towing

Check that the following conditions are met:

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (Tires and wheels)

Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.

All trailer lights work as required by law.

All lights work each time you connect them.

The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.

The trailer is level when it is hitched. Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.

The trailer cargo is securely loaded.

The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

Warning:

Trailer towing precautions

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions. Failure to do so could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer.

To avoid accident or injury

Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.

If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (900 kg), a sway control device with sufficient capacity is required.

If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb. (2200 kg), a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity is required.

Adjust the tongue weight within the appropriate range. Place heavier loads as close to the trailer axle as possible.

Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery surface, etc., to help avoid an accident. If you experience a vehicle-trailer instability from reducing a certain speed, slow down and make sure you keep your vehicle speed under the speed of which you experience the instability.

Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp turns.

Do not apply the brakes suddenly as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue weight capacities.

Certain Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 functions will be affected or be unavailable: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, TDA (Trailer Driving Assist)*

Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades.

Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely on steep long downhills. Before descending steep or long downhill grades, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden downshifts when descending steep or long downhill grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.

Do not tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

When towing a trailer

Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.

If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.

Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle’s braking effectiveness.

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 danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.

Towing related terms

GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross combination weight. The gross combination weight is the sum of the total vehicle weight (including the occupants, cargo and any optional equipment installed on the vehicle) and the weight of the trailer being towed (including the cargo in the trailer).

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight. The gross vehicle weight is the total weight of the vehicle. When towing a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle weight (including the occupants, cargo and any optional equipment installed on the vehicle) and the tongue weight.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross axle weight. The gross axle weight is the load placed on each axle (front and rear).

Front GAWR

Rear GAWR

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross trailer weight. The gross trailer weight is the sum of the trailer weight and the weight of the cargo in the trailer.

TWR is calculated assuming base vehicle with one driver, one front passenger, towing package (if available), hitch and hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the trailer weight rating so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.

If the gross trailer weight exceeds 3000 lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended to use a trailer with 2 or more axles.

With brakes

Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for towing a trailer without a trailer service brake system.

Without brakes

Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer hitch ball. (Trailer Tongue Weight and Trailer Kingpin Weight)

Weight limits

The gross trailer weight must never exceed the TWR described in the table. (GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWR)

The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR described in the table. (GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWR)

The gross vehicle weight must never exceed the GVWR indicated on the Certification Label. (Vehicle identification)

The gross axle weight on each axle must never exceed the GAWR indicated on the Certification Label. (Vehicle identification)

If the gross trailer weight is over the unbraked TWR, trailer service brakes are required.

If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (900 kg), a sway control device with sufficient capacity is required.

If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb. (2200 kg), a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity is required.

GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWR

Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the limits.

GCWR^* and TWR^*

Double Cab models


Model code^*	Bed type	Grade	GCWR	TWR
TZNA40L-PRZSZA	Short	SR5	11105 lb. (5035 kg)	6400 lb. (2900 kg)
	Short	TRD Sport	11165 lb. (5065 kg)
	Long	SR5	11200 lb. (5080 kg)
	Long	Except SR5	11255 lb. (5105 kg)
TZNA41L-PRZSTA	Short	SR	8210 lb. (3725 kg)	3500 lb. (1585 kg)
TZNA45L-PRFSZA	Short	SR	11345 lb. (5145 kg)	6400 lb. (2900 kg)
		TRD Sport	11470 lb. (5200 kg)
		TRD Off-Road	11515 lb. (5220 kg)
TZNA45L-PRZSZA	Short	SR5	11345 lb. (5145 kg)
		TRD Sport	11410 lb. (5175 kg)
		TRD Off-Road	11385 lb. (5165 kg)	6300 lb. (2855 kg)
		Limited	11455 lb. (5195 kg)	6300 lb. (2855 kg)
	Long	SR5	11435 lb. (5185 kg)	6400 lb. (2900 kg)
		TRD Sport	11495 lb. (5215 kg)
		TRD Off-Road	11550 lb. (5240 kg)
TZNA46L-PRZSTA	Short	SR	8435 lb. (3825 kg)	3500 lb. (1585 kg)

The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (Vehicle identification)

Xtra Cab models


Model code^*	Bed type	Grade	GCWR	TWR
TZNA40L-CRZSZA	Long	SR5	11115 lb. (5040 kg)	6500 lb. (2950 kg)
TZNA40L-CRZSZA		TRD PreRunner	11155 lb. (5060 kg)	6500 lb. (2950 kg)
TZNA41L-CRZSTA		SR	8105 lb. (3675 kg)	3500 lb. (1585 kg)
TZNA45L-CRZSZA		SR5	11335 lb. (5140 kg)	6500 lb. (2950 kg)
TZNA46L-CRZSTA		SR	8335 lb. (3780 kg)	3500 lb. (1585 kg)

The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (Vehicle identification)

Unbraked TWR^*

1000 lb. (453 kg)

These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per SAE J2807.

Trailer Tongue Weight and Trailer Kingpin Weight

A recommended tongue weight or kingpin weight varies in accordance with the types of trailers or towing as described below.

To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.

Conventional Towing

The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue weight is 9% to 11%. (Tongue Weight/Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)

Gross trailer weight

Tongue Weight

If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, return the front axle to the same weight as before the trailer connection.

If front axle weight cannot be measured directly, measure the front fender height above the front axle before connection. Adjust weight distributing hitch torque until front fender is returned to the same height as before connection.

Do not reduce front fender height below original measurement.

The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota recommends the use of Toyota hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For details, contact your Toyota dealer.

If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.

Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement of your vehicle.

Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.

Lubricate the hitch ball and kingpin with a light coating of grease.

Remove the hitch ball whenever you are not towing a trailer. Remove the trailer hitch if you do not need it. After removing the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.

Warning:

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.

Notice:

When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.

Selecting trailer ball

Use the correct trailer ball for your application.

Trailer ball load rating

Matches or exceeds the gross trailer weight rating of the trailer.

Shank length

Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut at least 2 threads.

Shank diameter

Matches the ball mount hole diameter size.

Ball diameter

Matches the size of the trailer coupler. Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.


Trailer class	Typical trailer ball size
IV	2 5/16 in.
II and III	2 in.
I	1 7/8 in.

Positions for towing hitch receiver

Weight carrying ball position:

Except for 265/70R18

50.2 in. (1276 mm)

265/70R18

51.3 in. (1303 mm)

Hitch receiver pin hole position:

Except for 265/70R18

43.8 in. (1113 mm)

265/70R18

44.9 in. (1141 mm)

Note:

Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height

No matter which class of tow hitch applies, for a more safer trailer hookup, the trailer ball setup must be the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.

Coupler

Trailer ball

Connecting trailer lights

Use the wire harness located in the rear end of the vehicle.

The tow lighting system is designed for 64 watts/5 amps of electrical current per side (right and left) for the trailer brake/turn light functions.

Please contact your Toyota dealer with any questions or concerns.

Note:

Auto current cut-off function

In case of over current, the auto cut-off function stops the power flowing to the trailer lights to prevent damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.

This function is activated when the rated current of any of the following trailer light circuit components is exceeded:

Stop/turn signal light (right): maximum 5 A

Stop/turn signal light (left): maximum 5 A

When the auto current cut function is activated

If a trailer light does not come on due to the activation of the auto current cut function, the light system will need to be reset.

Follow the reset procedure shown below.

If a tail light does not come on, turn off the headlight switch.

If the right-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the off position or remove foot from the brake pedal.

If the left-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the off position or remove foot from the brake pedal.

If the emergency flashers do not operate, press the emergency flasher switch to turn them off.

After the light system is reset, operate the light switches again to see if the lights operate normally.

If the lights do not operate normally, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Trailer lights operation check function

Use the meter control switches to start the function. (Changing the meter display, Changing the display)

Vehicles with 7-inch display

Press or of the meter control switch to select .

Press or to select “ Vehicle Settings” and then press and hold .

Press / to select “ Trailer Light Check” and then press .

Press to start the trailer light check.

Vehicles with 12.3-inch display

Press and hold to display the cursor on the content display area (center) of the multi-information display. (Changing the meter display)

Press or of the meter control switches to select “ Settings” and then press .

Press or to select “ Vehicle Settings” and then press and hold .

Press or to select “ Trailer Light Check” and then press .

Press to start the trailer light check.

The light check operates in the cycle of Brake lights Left turn lights Right turn lights.

The trailer light check is operational when

The trailer light check operates when all of the following conditions are met:

The vehicle is stopped.

The shift lever is shifted to P (automatic transmission) or N.

Notice:

Do not directly splice trailer lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

Trailer towing tips

Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. To help avoid an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:

Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not exceed the posted towing speed limit.

Toyota recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Instability of the towing vehicle-trailer combination (trailer sway) increases as speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of control.

Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.

Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination.

Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice. Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This is generally opposite to reversing without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.

As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.

Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jackknifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making a turn.

Note that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a wider than normal turning radius.

Slow down before making a turn, in crosswinds, on wet or slippery surfaces, etc. Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.

Take care 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.

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance when using engine braking, do not use the transmission in D. If in the S mode, the transmission shift range position must be in 5 or lower.

Vehicles with a manual transmission: To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance when using engine braking, do not use the sixth gear.

Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long downhill grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades.

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.

Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up a long or steep grade. 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. (If your vehicle overheats)

Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the transmission in P (automatic transmission) or in 1 or R (manual transmission). Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the following:

Apply the brakes and keep them applied.

Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s wheels.

When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load.

Apply the parking brake firmly.

Shift into P (automatic transmission) or in 1 or R (manual transmission) and turn off the engine.

When restarting after parking on a slope:

With the transmission in P (automatic transmission) or the clutch pedal (manual transmission) depressed, start the engine. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, be sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.

Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.

If the parking brake is in manual mode, release the parking brake. (Using the manual mode)

Release the parking brake (and also the brake pedal on vehicles with an automatic transmission), and slowly pull or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.

Have someone retrieve the blocks.

Note:

Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an engine, transmission, transfer (4WD models), rear differential or wheel bearing), Toyota recommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km).

After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle acceleration.

Maintenance

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the additional load. (See “ Owner’s Warranty Information Booklet” or “ Scheduled Maintenance Guide” / “ Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)

Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.

If trailer swaying occurs:

Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead. Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.

Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce speed. Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also help to stabilize the vehicle and trailer.)

After the trailer swaying has stopped:

Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.

Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.

Check the load in the trailer. Make sure the load has not shifted. Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.

Check the load in the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination. Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases.