2008 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER tow

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.

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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

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2−5. Driving information
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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.

236 2−5. Driving information
nBefore towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
lThe vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
lTrailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer ’s recom−
mendation.
lAll trailer lights work.
lAll lights work each time you connect them.
lThe trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
lThe vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched.
Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
lThe trailer cargo is securely loaded.
lThe 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.
nBreakin schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear−
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
nMaintenance
lIf you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner ’s Manual Supplement”.)
lRetighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball after approximately 600 miles
(1000 km) of trailer towing.

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When driving
CAUTION
nTrailer towing precautions
lFollow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
lExceeding the towing capacity, GVWR, GCWR and GAWR can cause an
accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.
nTo avoid accident or injury
lDo not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, which−
ever is lower. As instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle−trailer combina−
tion increases as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may
cause loss of control.
lSlow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.
lAvoid 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.
lDo not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
lNever load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About
60% of the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining
40% in the rear.
l
Do not use cruise control when you are towing.

238 2−5. Driving information
CAUTION
nHitches
lLubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
lIf using a weight distributing hitch when towing, keep your vehicle level
with the ground.
nWhen towing a trailer
lIf the gross trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (453 kg), trailer brakes are
required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all appli−
cable federal and state/provincial regulations.
lNever tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi−
cle’s braking effectiveness.
lNever 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.
NOTICE
nWhen installing a trailer hitch
lUse only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install
the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
lDo not use axle−mounted hitches, as they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
nSafety chain
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
the case that it becomes damaged or separated. For the correct safety chain
installation procedure, ask your Toyota dealer.
nDo not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

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When driving
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
nTo avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels
on the ground) behind a motor home.