Page 209 of 712
2094-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)■
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 equipment, 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 (OM48E98U)■
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 211 of 712
2114-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
●The gross trailer weight must never exceed the TWR described in
the table. ( P. 212)
● The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR
described in the table. ( P. 212)
● 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 Certifi-
cation 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.
● If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb. (2268 kg), a weight distrib-
uting hitch with sufficient capacity is required.
Weight limits
Page 212 of 712
2124-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
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 214 of 712

2144-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
●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 (OM48E98U)
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 subs tances into the vehicle.
When removing the hitch cover,
contact your Toyota dealer.
Hitch
Hitch cover
Page 216 of 712
2164-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
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 cou-
pler. 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.
Weight carrying ball position:
49.73 in. (1263.1 mm)
Selecting trailer ball
1
2
Trailer classTypical trailer ball size
IV2 5/16 in.
II and III2 in.
I1 7/8 in.
Position for towing hitch ball
3
4
1
Page 220 of 712

2204-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
■Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
■ Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 642)
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommen-
dation.
● All trailer lights work as required by law.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
● The trailer is level when it is hitched.
Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight,
overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for tow-
ing purposes.
No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,
the trailer ball setup must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.
Coupler
Trailer ball
1
2