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When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
Stow cargo and luggage in the rear deck whenever possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly in the rear deck.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
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2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cau-
tious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, do not
overload the vehicle 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.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional for further details before towing,
as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle
Mass), MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and per-
missible draw bar load before towing. (P. 595)
Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable
quality may also be used.
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239 2-5. Driving information
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When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Important points regarding trailer loads
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (P. 595)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
When the total trailer weight is
over 2000 kg (4409 lb.), a friction
stabilizer (sway control device) is
required.
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that
the drawbar load is greater than
25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the tow-
ing capacity. Do not let the draw-
bar load exceed the indicated
weight. (P. 595)
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240 2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Ty p e A
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
Ty p e B
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, cargo, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load must not exceed the gross
vehicle mass. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at sea
level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be reduced at
high altitudes.
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When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Tire information
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 612)
Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
Trailer lights
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
Safety checks before towing
Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will
add to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load
exerted on the vehicle is within the range of the weight limits. (P. 239)
Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle
if the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust
the extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that
they always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.
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244 2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle
for towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle com-
pared to normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
NOTICE
When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned which may result in
damage. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attach-
ing a steel bracket.
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When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 584)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P
for automatic transmissions, and 1 or R for manual transmissions.
CAUTION
Follow all the precautions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
(P. 239)
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long down hill grades.
Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Tire inflation pressure
Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
Reduced fuel efficiency
Reduced driving comfort and tire life
Reduced safety
Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been
driven for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile, you will get an accurate cold tire
inflation pressure reading.
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be misleading. In addition, tire inflation
pressure that is even just a few pounds off can affect ride quality and
handling.
Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal for tire infla-
tion pressure to be higher after driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is
balanced.
Make sure to maintain proper tire inflation pressure. Tire inflation
pressure should be checked at least once per month. However,
Toyota recommends that tire inflation pressure be checked once
every two weeks. (P. 612)