2008 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER Owners Manual

227
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passengerandload car
rying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on han
dling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption.
For your safety and the safety of others, do not overload the vehi
cle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer ’s characteristics and operating condi
tions.
The vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by
trailer stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused
by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Contact your Toyota dealer for fu rther information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.

228 2−5. Driving information
Weight limits
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combined weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within
the limits.
lThe gross trailer weight must never exceed 8500 lb. (3856 kg).
l
The gross combined weight must never exceed 14550 lb. (6600
kg).
lThe gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the GVWR indi−
cated the Certification Label.
l
The gross axle weight on each
axle must never exceed the
GAWR indicated the Certifica−
tion Label.
ITY25C002

229
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
Towing related term
Towing related term Meaning
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 load.
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).
GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating)The maximum allowable gross combi−
nation 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).
Gross trailer weightThe sum of the trailer weight and the
weight of the cargo in the trailer.
Towing capacityThe maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. Towing capacity is calculated
considering base vehicle with neces−
sary vehicle equipment and occupants.
Additional optional equipment, passen−
gers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce
the towing capacity, gross trailer weight
includes the trailer, cargo and neces−
sary equipment for towing.
Tongue load The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.

230 2−5. Driving information
Trailer tongue load
lA recommended tongue load varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
lIn order to ensure the recommended values shown below, the
trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11 %.
(Tongue load / Gross trailer weight 100 = 9 to 11 %)
If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb. (2268 kg), it is necessary
to use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
The gross trailer weight and tongue l oad can be measured with plat−
form scales found at a highway we
ighing station, building supply
company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load

231
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
Removing hitch cover
Remove the clip.
Grasp the lower edge of the hitch
cover and raise the cover.
When reattaching the cover,
reverse the steps listed.
STEP1
ITY25C047
STEP2

232 2−5. Driving information
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.
Ball diameter
Matches the size of the trailer
coupler. Most couplers are
stamped with the required trailer
ball size.
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.
Connecting trailer lights
Use the wire harness stored in
the rear end under body.
ITY25C009

233
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The 3 main
causes of vehicle−trailer accidents
are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep the following in mind when towing.
l
Before starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle−trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
lPractice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
l
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 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 acci−
dent.
lAs 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 o
ne vehicle and trailer length.
lAvoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall
y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
lAvoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
l
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak−
ing turns.

234 2−5. Driving information
lNote 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 larger than normal turning radius.
lCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway
. Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
lTake care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider−
able distance. After passing a vehi
cle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.
lIn order to maintain engine braking efficiency when driving on a
long steep downgrade, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift
range position must be in “4”, in “S” mode.
lDue to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatur
es over 85°F [30°C] when driv−
ing up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air condition−
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off
the road and stop in a safe spot.
( P. 488)