2020 TOYOTA HILUX tow

2574-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■When starting off on an uphill (vehicles with hill-start assist control sys-
tem)
The hill-start assist control will activate. ( P. 422)
■ Driving in the rain
● Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the win-
dows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
● Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
● Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road sur-
face, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.
■ Engine speed while driving (automatic transmission)
In the following conditions, the engine speed may become high while driving.
This is due to automatic up-shifting c ontrol or down-shifting implementation to
meet driving conditions. It does not indicate sudden acceleration.
● The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill or downhill
● When the accelerator pedal is released
■ Restraining the engine output (Brake Override System)
● When the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed at the same time, the
engine output may be restrained.
● Vehicles without multi-information display: A warning light comes on while
the system is operating. ( P. 637)
● Vehicles with multi-information display: A warning message is displayed on
the multi-information display while the system is operating. ( P. 645)
■ Breaking in your new Toyota
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recom-
mended:
● For the first 300 km (200 miles):
Avoid sudden stops.
● For the first 800 km (500 miles) (models for model code destination W*):
Do not tow a trailer. ( P. 269)
*: See “Checking your vehicle’s model” if you are not sure of which model
your vehicle is. ( P. 1 2 )
● For the first 1000 km (600 miles):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in the low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
• Do not drive slowly with the manual transmission in a high gear.

2584-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■ Idling time before engine stop (diesel engine only)
To prevent damage to the turbocharger, allow the engine to idle immediately
after high-load driving.
*: See “Checking your vehicle’s model” if you are not sure of which model
your vehicle is. ( P. 12)
■ Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. ( P. 695)
■ Eco-friendly driving
 P. 140
■ After driving on muddy roads in poor condition (for EURO VI models*)
Check the cooling fins of the urea injector and clear away any foreign objects
or substances such as leaves or mud. If any of the above parts is extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condition, have your vehicle inspected by any
authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.
*: EURO VI is an emission standard. If it is not clear that your vehicle meets
relevant standards, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Driving conditionIdling time
Normal city driving or high-speed driving (at the
highway speed limit or recommended speed)Not necessary
Steep hill driving, continuous driving (race track
driving etc.), or towing a trailer or another vehicle
(models for model code destination W*)
Approximately
1 minute

267
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4-1. Before driving
Driving
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Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
WARNING
■ Things that must not be carried in the rear deck
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the rear deck:
● Receptacles containing gasoline
● Aerosol cans
■ Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent t he pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may re sult in items hitting the driver or pas-
sengers, possibly causing an accident.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the rear deck whenever possible.
● Except for single-cab models: Do not stack anything behind the front seats
higher than the seatbacks.
● Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (if equipped) (when stacking
items)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
● Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
● Never allow anyone to ride in the rear deck. It is not designed for passen-
gers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened.
Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or serious bodily
injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■ Load and distribution
● Do not overload your vehicle.
● Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.

2684-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
Trailer towing (without towing hitch)
: For TGN126L-DTMSK and TGN126L-DTTMK models except for Kazakhstan and
Armenia, and GUN125L-DTFSH model.
The model code is indicated on the manufacturer’s plate or label. ( P. 6 9 1 )
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch
or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicy-
cle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing or for the
use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

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4
4-1. Before driving
Driving
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Trailer towing (with towing hitch)
◆Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible
drawbar load before towing. ( P. 688)
◆Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable quality
may also be used.
: Models for model code destination W (See “Checking your vehicle’s model”
if you are not sure of which model your vehicle is. [ P. 12]), and
TGN126L-DTMSK, TGN126L-DTTMK models for Kazakhstan and Armenia, and
TGN126L-DTMLK, GUN125L-DTFXH, GUN125L-DTFLH,
GUN125L-DTFMH models for Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The model code is indicated on the manufacturer’s plate or label. ( P. 6 9 1 )
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-car-
rying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on han-
dling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption.
Your safety and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct
equipment and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the
safety of others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating con-
ditions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer for further details before towing,
as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.

2704-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
570 mm (22.4 in.)
570 mm (22.4 in.)
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
1
2
178 mm (7.0 in.)
183 mm (7.2 in.)
183 mm (7.2 in.)
193 mm (7.6 in.)
225/70R17C tires:
379 mm (14.9 in.)
265/65R17 and 265/60R18
tires:
381 mm (15.0 in.)
373 mm (14.7 in.)
427 mm (16.8 in.)
576 mm (22.7 in.)
641 mm (25.2 in.)
1343 mm (52.9 in.)
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

2714-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident death or serious injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between
the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before
starting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
● Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
● When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little
at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This
is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.
■Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching
turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.
Guidance

2724-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying
the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.
■Transmission information
Vehicles with manual transmission: To maintain engine braking effi-
ciency when using engine braking, do not use 5th gear and 6th
gear.
Vehicles with automatic transmission: To maintain engine braking
efficiency when using engine braking, do not use the transmission
in D. Transmission shift range position must be in 4 or lower, in S
mode.
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30 C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. ( P. 678)
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P
for automatic transmissions, and 1 or R for manual transmissions.