2009 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER Owners Manual

185
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle,
thus towing a trailer will have an ad verse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability, and fu el consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others , do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
■ Weight limits
Confirm the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
■ Gross vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The
gross vehicle weight is the sum of the weights of the unloaded
vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, hitch, and the trailer
tongue load. It also includes t he weight of any special equipment
installed on your vehicle.
■ Gross axle weight
The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribu-
tion of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification
Label.
Certification label

186 2-5. Driving information
Towing a trailerConsult your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.
Hitch and tow hitch receiver■ Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities estab-
lished by the hitch manufacturer . Even though the vehicle may be
rated for towing a higher weight, the operator must never exceed
the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.
■ Trailer tongue load
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue
load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the
maximum 500 lb. (227 kg) (Tongue load / Total trailer weight x
100 = 9 to 11%)
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Total trailer weight
Tongue load

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 underbody.

188 2-5. Driving information
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 392)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights work to be legal.
● Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the t\
railer.
● Check that your 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.
● Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
●Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with
any new power train components (engine, transmission, differential,
wheel bearings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of
driving.
■ Maintenance
●If 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”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km).

189
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not
exceed 5000 lb. (2265 kg)
● If a trailer and cargo weight over 2000 lb. (907 kg), use a sway control
device with sufficient capacity.
● The gross combined weight (sum of your vehicle weight plus its load and
the total trailer weight) must not exceed the following.
2WD models: 9200 lb. (4173 kg)
4WD models: 9500 lb. (4309 kg)
● Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
● Never 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.
● The tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on
another vehicle.
■ Hitches
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Toyota dealer should be consulted.
● Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer to reduce
the possibility of additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind.

190 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (453 kg), trailer brakes are
required.
● Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle’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.
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.
■ Brakes
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.
■ Safety 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.
■ Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

191
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The three
main causes of vehicle-trailer ac cidents are driver error, excessive
speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer’s light and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice 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.
● 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. (Thi s 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.
● 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 o ne vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. Vehicles with a manual
transmission, prevent excessive cl utch slippage by keeping engine
rpm low and not racing the engine. Always start out in first gear.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing a turn.

192 2-5. Driving information
●Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.
● Crosswinds 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.
● Take care when passing other v ehicles. 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.
● In order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use the trans-
mission in D (automatic transmission) or 6 (manual transmission).
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temper atures 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 condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(  P. 378)