2015 TOYOTA TACOMA towing

218 2-5. Driving information
GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWR, Fifth wheel and Gooseneck towing TWR
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the
limits.
■GCWR
* and TWR*
Access Cab models
*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE
International per SAE J2807.
Model code*1EngineDriving
systemGCWRTWR
TRN225L- CRMDKA
2.7 L
4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine 2WD
7440 lb.
(3370 kg)
3500 lb.
(1585 kg)
TRN225L-
CRPDKA 7470 lb.
(3385 kg)
TRN245L- CRMDKA 4WD7860 lb.
(3565 kg)
TRN245L- CRPDKA 7880 lb.
(3570 kg)
TRN265L- CRPDKA 2WD7640 lb.
(3465 kg)
GRN225L- CRFDKA
4.0 L V6
(1GR-FE) engine 7460 lb.
(3380 kg) 3300 lb.
(1495 kg)
GRN245L- CRADKA
4WD7970 lb.
(3615 kg)
*23500 lb.
(1585 kg)
*2
11100 lb.
(5030 kg)
*36500 lb.
(2945 kg)
*3
GRN245L- CRFDKA 7930 lb.
(3595 kg)*23500 lb.
(1585 kg)
*2
11070 lb.
(5020 kg)
*36500 lb.
(2945 kg)
*3
GRN265L- CRADKA 2WD7730 lb.
(3505 kg)*23500 lb.
(1585 kg)
*2
10860 lb.
(4925 kg)
*36500 lb.
(2945 kg)
*3

220 2-5. Driving information
*1: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (P. 217521)
*2: Without towing package
*3: With towing package
■Unbraked TWR*
1000 lb. (450 kg)
■ Fifth wheel and gooseneck towing TWR
*
Toyota does not recommend fifth wheel and gooseneck towing.
GRN265L-
PRADKA 4.0 L V6
(1GR-FE) engine 2WD7810 lb.
(3540 kg)*23500 lb.
(1585 kg)
*2
10950 lb.
(4965 kg)
*36500 lb.
(2945 kg)
*3
GRN270L- PRADKA 7900 lb.
(3580 kg)*23500 lb.
(1585 kg)
*2
11030 lb.
(5000 kg)
*36500 lb.
(2945 kg)
*3
*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per SAE J2807.
Model code*1EngineDriving
systemGCWRTWR

221
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer Tongue Weight
● 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 th e 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
weighing station, building supply company, trucking company,
junk yard, etc.

222 2-5. Driving information
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toyota hitch/brac ket 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 c onforms 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.
Bumper towing (vehicles with steel bumper only)
The rear bumper of your vehicle
is equipped with a hole to install
a trailer ball. If you have any
questions, contact your Toyota
dealer.
The gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus cargo weight) when
towing with the bumper must
never exceed the TWR (
P. 218,
519) or 3500 lb. (1585 kg) which-
ever is lower.

224 2-5. Driving information
Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ballWeight carrying ball position:
56.1 in. (1425 mm)
Hitch receiver pin hole posi-
tion: 44.2 in. (1123 mm)
Connecting trailer lightsVehicles with 7 pin connector Use the wire harness stored in
the rear end under the vehicle
body.
Vehicles without 7 pin connector
Please consult your dealer when installing trailer lights, as incor-
rect installation may cause dama ge to the vehicle’s lights. Please
take care to comply with your st ate’s laws when installing trailer
lights.

225
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid
an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when
towing:
● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not
exceed the posted towing speed limit.
● Toyota recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph
(104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the
posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set
forth in your trailer owner’s man ual, whichever is lowest. Instability
of the towing vehicle-trailer combin ation (trailer sway) increases as
speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of con-
trol.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicle-
trailer connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle-trailer combination.
■ Service connector for towing brake controller (vehicles with 7 pin con-
nector)
Your vehicle is equipped with a service
connector for the trailer brake controller
as shown.

226 2-5. Driving information
●Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to the right. (This is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least o ne vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jack-
knifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet
or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing a turn.
● Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a wider than normal turning radius.
● Slow down before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery
surfaces, etc.
Increasing vehicle speed c an destabilize the trailer.
● Take care when passing other v ehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehi cle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.
● To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not use fifth gear (5-speed
manual transmission), sixth gear (6-speed manual transmission),
or do not put the transmission in D (automatic transmission).

228 2-5. Driving information
Release the parking brake (and also the brake pedal on vehi-
cles with an automatic transmission), and slowly pull or back
away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
■ 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. 532)
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom-
mendation.
● 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 trai\
ler.
● 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.
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