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220 2-5. Driving information
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Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5
150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex ceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. ( P. 225)
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When driving
L/C200_U
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 452)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 1235 lb. (560 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 8 occupants (Front 2, Rear 6)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity: 8500 lb. (3856 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus its cargo weight) that you vehicle is able to tow.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.
Page 231 of 592
231
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load 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 further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.
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When driving
L/C200_U
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.
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 weight The sum of the trailer weight and the
weight of the cargo in the trailer.
Towing capacity The 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.
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234 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U
Trailer tongue load● A recommended tongue load 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.
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 2000 lbs. (900 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 neces-
sary to use a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity.
If using a weight distributing hitc h when towing, keep your vehicle
level with the ground.
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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When driving
L/C200_U
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.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights 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 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 turns.
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240 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
● The vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom-
mendation.
● All trailer lights work.
● 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, 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 bear-
ings, 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 after approximately 600 miles
(1000 km) of trailer towing.
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When driving
L/C200_U
CAUTION
■
Trailer towing precautions
● Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
● Exceeding the towing capacity, GVWR, GCWR and GAWR can cause an
accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.
■ To avoid accident or injury
● Do 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.
● Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.
● Avoid 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.
● 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.
● Do not use cruise control when you are towing.