2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA towing

258 2-5. Driving information
●The gross trailer weight must never exceed towing capacity
described in the table above.
● The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR
described in the table above.
●The gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the GVWR indi-
cated the Certification Label.
● The gross axle weight on each
axle must never exceed the
GAWR indicated the Certifica-
tion Label.
Towing related term
Towing related termMeaning
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. (or the king
pin 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).
GCWR (Gross
Combination Weight
Rating)
The maximum allowabl e 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).
Gross trailer weightThe sum of the trailer weight and the weight of
the cargo in the trailer.

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

261
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Hitch
● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball and king pin with a light coat of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer.
After removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle
body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.
Bumper towing (vehicles with steel bumper only)
The rear bumper of your vehicle
is equipped with a hole to install
a trailer ball.
The maximum gross trailer
weight: 5000 lb. (2268 kg)
The gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus cargo weight) when
towing with the bumper must
never exceed 5000 lb. (2268 kg).

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.

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

268 2-5. Driving information
■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).
CAUTION
■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.
The vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stability,
brake setting and performance, and the hitch.
Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Weight limit precautions
●The gross trailer weight must never exceed towing capacity. ( P. 251)
● The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR. ( P. 251)
● Exceeding the towing capacity, GVWR, GCWR or GAWR can cause an
accident resulting in death or serious injuries.
●The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the GVWR indicated the Certifi-
cation Label.
● The gross axle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated the Certification Label.