2012 TOYOTA HILUX trailer

245 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Guidance
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:
Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection
between the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well
as before starting off.
Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a lit-
tle at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of accident.
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control.
This is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road sur-
faces.

246 2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer collid-
ing with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approach-
ing turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden
braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly apply-
ing the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while brak-
ing.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.
Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency when using engine braking,
do not use the transmission in D (automatic transmission) or in the
5th gear (manual transmission). (P. 166, 170)

247 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) 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.

629 Alphabetical index
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Stuck
If your vehicle becomes
stuck ................................... 588
Sun visors ................................ 444
Switch
Engine switch ........................ 162
Fog light switch ..................... 195
Ignition switch ....................... 162
Light switches ....................... 191
Power door lock switch ........... 61
Power window switch .............. 92
Window lock switch ................. 93
Wipers and washer
switch.................................. 199
Tachometer .............................. 176
Tail lights
Replacing light bulbs ............. 535
Switch ................................... 191
Wattage................................. 614
Tailgate ....................................... 64
Telephone switch..................... 382
Theft deterrent system
Engine immobilizer
system ................................ 103
Tire inflation pressure ............. 500Tires
Chains................................... 234
Checking ............................... 496
If you have a flat tire ............. 557
Inflation pressure .................. 500
Replacing .............................. 557
Rotating tires......................... 496
Size ....................................... 612
Snow tires ............................. 234
Spare tire .............................. 557
Tools ......................................... 557
Towing
Emergency towing ................ 541
Trailer towing ........................ 238
Traction control ....................... 220
Trailer towing ........................... 238
TRC ........................................... 220
Trip information
display .................................... 185
Trip meter ................................. 176
Turn signal lights
Replacing
light bulbs ........... 532, 534, 535
Switch ................................... 173
Wattage ................................ 614
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