2012 TOYOTA HILUX tow

205 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
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 or during emergency towing

231
2
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.

232 2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
Things that must not be carried in the rear deck
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the rear deck:
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
Stow cargo and luggage in the rear deck whenever possible.
Except for single-cab models: Do not stack anything behind the front seats
higher than the seatbacks.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle
in the event of a sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item
may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the ped-
als 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 seats (when stacking items)
• Except for single-cab models: On the rear seat (when stacking items)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard

238
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.

239 2-5. Driving information
2
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)

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.

241 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
Vehicles with flat bumper or without bumper
70 mm (2.8 in.)
70 mm (2.8 in.)
75 mm (3.0 in.)
20 mm (0.8 in.)
Single-cab models:
355 mm (14.0 in.)
Extra-cab models:
320 mm (12.6 in.)
Double-cab models:
330 mm (13.0 in.)
195 mm (7.7 in.)
1355 mm (53.3 in.)

243 2-5. Driving information
2
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.