Page 207 of 712

2074-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit, etc.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-car-
rying vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on
handling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consump-
tion. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. You must also ensure that you are
using appropriate towing equipment, that the towing equipment
has been installed correctly and used properly, and that you
employ the requisite driving habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and braking 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 characteristics and operating
conditions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Page 208 of 712
2084-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)■
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 Vehicle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
vehicle weight. The gross vehi-
cle weight is the total weight of
the vehicle. When towing a
trailer, it is the sum of the vehi-
cle weight (including the occu-
pants, cargo and any optional
equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the tongue weight.
Towing related terms
Page 209 of 712
2094-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)■
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 systems (if required).
Additional optional equipm
ent, passengers and cargo in the vehicle 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 recommended
to use a trailer with 2 or more axles.
Front GAWR
Rear GAWR
(With brakes)
Page 210 of 712
2104-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)■
Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)
The trailer weight rating for tow-
ing a trailer without a trailer ser-
vice brake system.
■Tongue Weight
The load placed on the trailer
hitch ball. (
P. 214)
(Without brakes)
Page 212 of 712
2124-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the
limits.
■GCWR*1 and TWR*1
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR
*1: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE Interna-tional per SAE J2807.
*2: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (P. 633)
*3: Without a towing package
*4: With a towing package
Model code*2EngineDriving
systemGCWRTWR
ASU50L-ARTNKA
2.7L L4
(1AR-FE)
engine
FF6010 lb.
(2725 kg)1500 lb.
(680 kg)
GSU50L-ARTNKA
3.5L V6
(2GR-FE)
engine
FF
6660 lb.
(3020 kg)
*32000 lb.
(900 kg)
*3
9690 lb.
(4395 kg)
*45000 lb.
(2000 kg)
*4
GSU50L-ARTMKA
3.5L V6
(2GR-FE)
engine
FF
6720 lb.
(3045 kg)
*32000 lb.
(900 kg)
*3
9740 lb.
(4415 kg)
*45000 lb.
(2000 kg)
*4
GSU50L-ARTGKA
3.5L V6
(2GR-FE)
engine
FF
6760 lb.
(3065 kg)
*32000 lb.
(900 kg)
*3
9780 lb.
(4435 kg)
*45000 lb.
(2000 kg)
*4
Page 213 of 712
2134-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)■
Unbraked TWR*1
1000 lb. (450 kg)
GSU55L-ARTNKA
3.5L V6
(2GR-FE)
engine
AWD
6820 lb.
(3090 kg)
*32000 lb.
(900 kg)
*3
9840 lb.
(4460 kg)
*45000 lb.
(2000 kg)
*4
GSU55L-ARTMKA
3.5L V6
(2GR-FE)
engine
AWD
6880 lb.
(3120 kg)
*32000 lb.
(900 kg)
*3
9900 lb.
(4490 kg)
*45000 lb.
(2000 kg)
*4
GSU55L-ARTGKA
3.5L V6
(2GR-FE)
engine
AWD
6920 lb.
(3135 kg)
*32000 lb.
(900 kg)
*3
9940 lb.
(4505 kg)
*45000 lb.
(2000 kg)
*4
*1: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE Interna-
tional per SAE J2807.
*2: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (P. 633)
*3: Without a towing package
*4: With a towing package
Model code*2EngineDriving
systemGCWRTWR
Page 214 of 712

2144-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
●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 the 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 weigh-
ing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk
yard, etc.
Trailer Tongue Weight
1
2
Page 215 of 712
2154-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48A12U)
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toyota hitch/bracket 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 conforms 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.
When removing the hitch cover,
contact your Toyota dealer.
Hitch
Hitch cover