2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA wheel

259
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer tongue load
● A recommended tongue load or king pin weight varies in accor-
dance with the types of trailers or towing as described below.
● In order to ensure the recommended values shown below, the
trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
1. Conventional Towing
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue
load is 9 to 11% of the gross trailer weight, not exceeding the fol-
lowing.
(Tongue load /Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%)
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (907 kg), it is neces-
sary to use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lbs. (2268 kg), it is neces-
sary to use a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity.
If using a weight distributing hi tch when towing, keep your vehi-
cle level with the ground.
Towing related termMeaning
Towing capacity
The maximum allowable gross trailer weight.
Towing capacity is calculated considering base
vehicle with necessary vehicle equipment and
150 pound driver.
Additional optional equipment, passengers and
cargo in the vehicle will reduce the towing
capacity, gross trailer weight includes the
trailer, cargo and necessary equipment for
towing.
Tongue loadThe load placed on the trailer hitch ball.
King pin weightThe load placed on the fifth wheel trailer hitch
mount.

260 2-5. Driving information
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load
2. Fifth wheel Towing The king pin weight is 15 to 25% of the Gross Trailer weight.
(King pin weight/Gross trailer weight x 100 = 15 to 25%)
CrewMax models: Current fifth wheel trailer designs are not
compatible with short bed.
The gross trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a high way weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
King pin weight

264 2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tipsYour 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 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.
● 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. (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.
● 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.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing a turn.
● 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.

265
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
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 vehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehicle, 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 when driving on a
long steep downgrade, do not use the transmission in D.
Transmission shift range position must be in 5 in the S mode (6-
speed models) or in 4 in the S mode (5-speed models).
● 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, immedi ately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(  P. 585)
● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. 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 and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in pl ace, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.

266 2-5. Driving information
Shift into P and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P, start the engine. Be sure to keep
the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into D or R (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
■Service connector for towing br ake controller (with towing package)
■ Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
Your vehicle is equipped with a service
connector for the trailer brake controller
as shown.
Access the service connector.
Remove the scuff plate.
Remove the clip (screw type)
and trim board.
Remove the connector cover.
No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a safe trailer hookup, the
trailer ball setup on must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.

267
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 615)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights work to be legal.
● 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.
● The 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.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, instal l rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
● Depress TOW/HAUL button (if equipped)
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Toyota
recommends that you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500
miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can s\
tart
towing. However, drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50 mph (80 km/h)
when towing a trailer for another 500 miles (800 km). In addition, avoid full
throttle acceleration.
Coupler
Trailer ball

269
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Tongue load or king pin weight
●A recommended tongue load or king pin weight varies in accordance with
the types of trailers or towing as described below.
● In order to ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must
be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
1. Conventional Towing The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue load is 9 to
11% of the gross trailer weight, not exceeding the following.
(Tongue load/Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%)
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (907 kg), it is necessary to use a
sway control device with sufficient capacity.
If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lbs.(2268 kg), it is necessary to use
a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity.
If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, keep your vehicle level
with the ground.
2. Fifth wheel Towing The king pin weight is 15 to 25% of the Gross Trailer weight.
(King pin weight/Gross trailer weight x 100 = 15 to 25%)
CrewMax models: Current fifth wheel trailer designs are not compatible
with short bed.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load
Gross trailer weight
King pin weight

271
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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.
■ 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.
■ When towing a fifth wheel trailer
Be careful not to hit the cabin or deck by the trailer while making a sharp
turn.