Page 210 of 716
2104-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)■
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 211 of 716
2114-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)■
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. 213)
(Without brakes)
Page 212 of 716
2124-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
●The gross trailer weight must never exceed 3500 lb. (1590 kg).
● The gross combination weight must never exceed 9760 lb.
(4430 kg).
● 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 ser-
vice brakes are required.
● If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (900 kg), a sway control
device with sufficient capacity is required.
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the
limits.
■GCWR*
9760 lb. (4430 kg)
■TWR*
3500 lb. (1590 kg)
■Unbraked TWR*
1000 lb. (450 kg)
Weight limits
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR
*: This model meets the tow-vehicle tr ailering requirement of SAE Interna-
tional per SAE J2807.
Page 213 of 716
2134-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
●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
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight
can be measured with platform sc ales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk
yard, etc.
Trailer Tongue Weight
1
2
Page 214 of 716
2144-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
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 215 of 716
2154-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
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.
Selecting trailer ball
1
2
Trailer classTypical trailer ball size
IV2 5/16 in.
II and III2 in.
I1 7/8 in.
3
4
Page 216 of 716
2164-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
Weight carrying ball position:
49.73 in. (1263.1 mm)
Use the wire harness stored in the
rear end under body.
Positions for towing hitch ball
1
Connecting trailer lights
Page 220 of 716

2204-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
■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. 646)
● 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