Page 191 of 628
LC200_OM_OM60R53U_(U)
1914-1. Before driving
4
Driving
■GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
combination weight. The gross
combination weight is the sum
of the total vehicle weight
(including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment
installed on the vehicle) and the
weight of the trailer being towed
(including the cargo in the
trailer).
■GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
vehicle weight. The gross vehi-
cle weight is the total weight of
the vehicle. When towing a
trailer, it is the sum of the vehi-
cle weight (including the occu-
pants, cargo and any optional
equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the tongue weight.
Towing related terms
Page 192 of 628
192
LC200_OM_OM60R53U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
■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 r ecommended
to use a trailer with 2 or more axles.
Front GAWR
Rear GAWR
(With brakes)
Page 195 of 628

LC200_OM_OM60R53U_(U)
1954-1. Before driving
4
Driving
●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 t he following instructions.
• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tong ue
weight is 9 % to 11 %. (Tongue weight/Gross trailer weight 100
= 9 % to 11 %)
Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight
If using a weight distributing hi tch when towing, return the front
axle to the same weight as b efore 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 b efore connection.
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight
can be measured with platform sca les found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk
yard, etc.
Trailer Tongue Weight
1
2
Page 196 of 628
196
LC200_OM_OM60R53U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toy ota hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For d etails,
contact your Toyota dealer.
● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dea ler.
● Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requ ire-
ment of your vehicle.
● Follow the directions suppli ed by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.
● Remove the hitch ball whenever you are not towing a trailer.
Remove the trailer hitch if you do not need it. After removing the
hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent en try of
any substances into the vehicle.
Remove the clip.
Grasp the lower edge of the
hitch cover and raise the cover.
When reattaching the cover,
reverse the steps listed.
Hitch
Removing hitch cover
1
2
Page 198 of 628
198
LC200_OM_OM60R53U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
Hitch receiver pin hole position:
45.3 in. (1151 mm)
Use the wire harness stored in the
rear end under the vehicle body.
Please consult your dealer when
installing trailer lights, as incorrect
installation may cause damage to
the vehicle’s lights. Please take
care to comply with your state’s
laws when installing trailer lights.
■ Service connector for towing brake controller
Your vehicle is equipped with a service connector for the trail er brake control-
ler. Please consult your dealer when installing trailer brake s ystems to the
vehicle.
Positions for towing hitch receiver
1
Connecting trailer lights
Page 199 of 628

LC200_OM_OM60R53U_(U)
1994-1. Before driving
4
Driving
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid
an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in min d when
towing:
● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not
exceed the posted to wing speed limit.
● Toyota recommends that the vehicl e-trailer speed limit is 65 mph
(104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this li mit, the
posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set
forth in your trailer owner’s manu al, whichever is lowest. Instability
of the towing vehicle-trailer combination (trailer sway) increa ses as
speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of contr ol.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicle-
trailer connections. Recheck af ter driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attac hed in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the fe el
of the vehicle-trailer combination.
● Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires pra ctice.
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 rig ht to
move the trailer to the right. (This is generally opposite to r eversing
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, vehicl e-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least one v ehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jack-
knifing and loss of vehicle cont rol. This is especially true on wet or
slippery surfaces.
Trailer towing tips
Page 202 of 628

202
LC200_OM_OM60R53U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
■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. 574)
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacture r’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 imprope r 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 ap propriate for tow-
ing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train com ponents
(such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing ), Toyota rec-
ommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has bee n driven for
over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start
towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the veh icle at a speed
of less than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle
acceleration. 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
Page 203 of 628

LC200_OM_OM60R53U_(U)
2034-1. Before driving
4
Driving
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent m aintenance due
to the additional load. (See “Owner’s Guide”, “Warranty and Ser vices
Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■ 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 w heel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gra dually 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 sw aying of the
towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases.
WARNING
■ Trailer towing precautions
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance
with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions. Failure to do so
could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. V ehicle stability
and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brak e setting and
performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently when towing
a trailer.