2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER tow

220 2-4. Using other driving systems
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
■To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in loss of control and could cause an accident resulting
in death or serious injury.
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● On steep hills
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer

280
2-5. Driving information
4RUNNER_U
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly within the luggage compartment.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.

281
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Capacity and distribution
Cargo 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 vehicle'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 av ailable amount of cargo and lug-
gage 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 available
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 exceed the avail-
able cargo and luggage 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. Cons ult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
(  P. 634)

284 2-5. Driving information
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-
ble.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher
than the seatbacks.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the
vehicle in the event of sudden braking or in an accident.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the
item may get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the
pedals from being depressed properly , block the driver’s vision, or hit
the driver or passengers, causing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an
accident.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened. Otherwise, th ey are much more likely to suffer
death or serious bodily injury, in t he event of sudden braking, sudden
swerving or an accident.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.

286
2-5. Driving information
4RUNNER_U
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 543)
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
trailer weight rating and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity
Without rear differential lock system: 1165 lb. (525 kg)
With rear differential lock system (TRAIL): 835 lb. (375 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity
Vehicle without third seats: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Vehicle with third seats: 7 occupants (Front 2, Rear 5)
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.
■ Trailer weight rating: 5000 lb. (2270 kg)
Trailer weight rating means the maximum gross trailer weight
(trailer weight plus its cargo weig ht) that you vehicle is able to
tow.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

293
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling,
performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your
safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle
or trailer. You must also ensure that you are using appropriate tow-
ing equipment, that the towing equipment has been installed cor-
rectly and used properly, and that you employ the requisite driving
habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and br aking performance are affected by
trailer stability, brake performance and setting, trailer brakes, the
hitch and hitch systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with your trailer’s ch aracteristics and operating condi-
tions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer fo r commercial purposes.
Contact your Toyota dealer for fu rther information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

294 2-5. Driving information
4RUNNER_U
Towing related terms■ GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable 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).
■ GVWR (Gross Vehi cle 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 weight.
CTH25AS029
CTH25AS030

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
■
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).
■ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
trailer weight. The gross trailer
weight is the sum of the trailer
weight and the weight of the
cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming
base vehicle with one driver, one
front passenger, towing package
(if available), hitch and hitch sys-
tems (if required).
Additional optional equipment,
passengers and cargo in the vehi-
cle will reduce the trailer weight
rating so as not to exceed
GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.
If the gross trailer weight exceeds
3000 lb. (1360 kg), it is recom-
mended to use a trailer with 2 or
more axles.
CTH25AS031
Front GAWR
Rear GAWR
CTH25AS019
(With brakes)