Page 257 of 720

2574-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
WARNING
Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could 
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. 
■ Trailer towing precautions 
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.  
( P.  2 5 8 ) 
■ Vehicle speed in towing 
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing. 
■ Before descending hills or long declines 
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while 
descending steep or long down hill grades. 
■ Operation of the brake pedal 
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.  
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects. 
■ To avoid accident or injury 
● The gross combination mass (sum of your vehicle mass plus its load and 
the total trailer mass) must not exceed the following:
Single-cab models 
5530 kg (12192 lb.): Pre Runner 
5850 kg (12897 lb.): 4WD models
Smart-cab models 
5850 kg (12897 lb.)
Double-cab models 
5850 kg (12897 lb.): Except Pre Runner for EURO VI model* for Israel, 
and EURO V and VI models* for Turkey
*: EURO V and VI are emission standards. If  it is not clear that your vehicle 
meets relevant standards, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or
Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. 
● Do not use cruise control (if equipped) when trailer towing. 
     
        
        Page 258 of 720
2584-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE) 
■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. 663) 
When towing a trailer, use a fric- 
tion coupler or friction stabilizer 
(sway control device). 
When the total trailer weight is ov er 2000 kg (4409 lb.), a friction stabi- 
lizer (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 towing c apacity. Do not let the drawbar load 
exceed the indicated weight. ( P. 663)
Important points regarding trailer loads (except for single-cab 
4WD models, smart-cab 4WD models without rear seat cushion 
and GUN125L-CNFSHW3 model*)
*: The model code is indicated on the manufacturer’s plate or label. ( P.  6 6 6 )
1
2 
     
        
        Page 259 of 720

2594-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE) 
■Information tag (manufacturer’s label) 
Gross vehicle mass 
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing 
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the 
gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding 
this weight is dangerous. 
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity 
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maxi- 
mum permissible rear axle capacity by 15 % or more. Exceeding 
this weight is dangerous. 
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing con- 
ducted at sea level. Take note that engine output and towing 
capacity will be reduced at high altitudes.
1
2
Ty pe  AType B
WARNING
■ When the gross vehicle mass or maximum permissible axle capacity is 
exceeded 
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or 
serious injury. 
● Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) to the recommended 
tire inflation pressure value. ( P. 689) 
● Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up 
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower. 
     
        
        Page 260 of 720

2604-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
■Tire information 
● Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) 
greater than the recommended value when towing. ( P. 689) 
● 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. 
■ Tr a i l e r l i g h ts 
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every 
time you hitch up the trailer. Direct ly 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 and 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. 258) 
● 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. 
■ Maintenance 
● Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for 
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to 
normal driving. 
● Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for 
approximately 1000 km (600 miles). 
     
        
        Page 261 of 720

2614-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE) 
■ If trailer sway occurs 
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can 
adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability. 
● If trailer swaying occurs: 
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead. 
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to 
reduce speed. 
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with  the steering or brakes, your vehicle 
and trailer should stabilize (if enabled,  Trailer Sway Control can also help to 
stabilize the vehicle and trailer.). 
● After the trailer swaying has stopped: 
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle. 
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer. 
Make sure the load has not shifted. 
Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.
• Check the load in the vehicle. 
Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in. 
If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying
occurred is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination. 
Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the 
towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases.
NOTICE
■ When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum 
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that 
area. 
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in dam- 
age. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a 
steel bracket. 
     
        
        Page 262 of 720
2624-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE) 
■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. 663) 
When towing a trailer, use a fric- 
tion coupler or friction stabilizer 
(sway control device). 
When the total trailer weight is ov er 2000 kg (4409 lb.), a friction stabi- 
lizer (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 towing c apacity. Do not let the drawbar load 
exceed the indicated weight. ( P. 663)
Important points regarding trailer loads (for single-cab 4WD 
models, smart-cab 4WD models without rear seat cushion and 
GUN125L-CNFSHW3 model*)
*: The model code is indicated on the manufacturer’s plate or label. ( P.  6 6 6 )
1
2 
     
        
        Page 263 of 720

2634-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE) 
■Information tag (manufacturer’s label) 
Gross vehicle mass 
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing 
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the 
gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding 
this weight is dangerous. 
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity 
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maxi- 
mum permissible rear axle capacity by 15 % or more. Exceeding 
this weight is dangerous. 
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing con- 
ducted at sea level. Take note that engine output and towing 
capacity will be reduced at high altitudes.
1
2
Ty pe  AType B
WARNING
■ When the total trailer weight exceeds 3200kg (7055 lb.) 
Do not exceed the legal speed limit for towing a trailer or 90 km/h (56 mph), 
whichever is lower. 
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or 
serious injury. 
■ When the gross vehicle mass or maximum permissible axle capacity is 
exceeded 
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or 
serious injury. 
● Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) to the recommended 
tire inflation pressure value. ( P. 689) 
● Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up 
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower. 
     
        
        Page 264 of 720

2644-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
■Tire information 
● Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) 
greater than the recommended value when towing. ( P. 689) 
● 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. 
■ Tr a i l e r l i g h ts 
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every 
time you hitch up the trailer. Direct ly 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 and 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. 262) 
● 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. 
■ Maintenance 
● Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for 
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to 
normal driving. 
● Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for 
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).