2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Owners Manual

257
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
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.
■Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)
The trailer weight rating for tow-
ing a trailer without a trailer ser-
vice brake system.
(With brakes)
(Without brakes)

258 2-5. Driving information
■Tongue Weight
The load placed on the trailer
hitch ball. (P. 261)

259
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Weight limits
● The gross trailer weight must never exceed the TWR described in
the table. ( P. 260)
● The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR
described in the table. ( P. 260)
●The gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the GVWR indi-
cated on the Certification
Label.
● The gross axle weight on each
axle must never exceed the
GAWR indicated on the Certi-
fication Label.
● If the gross trailer weight is over the unbraked TWR, trailer service
brakes are required.
● If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control
device with sufficient capacity is required.

260 2-5. Driving information
GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWRConfirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the
limits.
■ GCWR
* and TWR*
■Unbraked TWR*
1000 lb. (453 kg)
*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE Inter-
national per SAE J2807.
Model codeEngineDriving systemGCWRTWR
GVU48L-BRXNKA 3.5L V6
(2GR-FXE) engine 4WD8700 lb.
(3950 kg) 3500 lb.
(1500 kg)
GVU48L-BRXGKA 8730 lb.
(3960 kg) 3500 lb.
(1500 kg)

261
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer Tongue Weight
● A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must
be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue
weight is 9% to 11%. (Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight
If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, return the front
axle to the same weight as before the trailer connection.
If front axle weight cannot be measured directly, measure the
front fender height above th e front axle before connection.
Adjust weight distributing hitch torque until front fender is
returned to the same height as before connection.
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight
can be measured with platform scales found at a highway
weighing station, building supply company, trucking company,
junk yard, etc.

262 2-5. Driving information
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toyota hitch/brac ket for your vehicle. For details,
contact your Toyota dealer.
● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that c onforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment of your vehicle.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating 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.
Removing hitch cover
Remove the clip.
Grasp the lower edge of the hitch
cover and raise the cover.
When reattaching the cover,
reverse the steps listed.
STEP1
STEP2

263
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 by at
least 2 threads.
Shank diameter
Matches the ball mount hole
diameter size.
Trailer
classTypical trailer ball
size
IV 2 5/16 in.
II and III 2 in.
I 1 7/8 in.

264 2-5. Driving information
Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ballWeight carrying ball position:
48.1 in. (1221 mm)
Connecting trailer lightsUse the wire harness stored in
the rear end under body.