2021 TOYOTA HILUX Owners Manual (in English)

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4
4-1. Before driving
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K513E_(EE)
Trailer towing (with towing hitch)
XWeight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible
drawbar load before towing. ( P. 622)
XTowing 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.
For vehicles where the towing device blocks any of the lights or
license plate, the following shall be observed:
O Do not use towing devices that cannot be easily removed or
repositioned.
O Towing devices must be removed or repositioned when not in
use.
: For Kazakhstan, and 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]).
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.

2084-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K513E_(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.)
Except for Kazakhstan (with
225/70R17C tires):
380 mm (15.0 in.)
Except for Kazakhstan (with
265/65R17 or 265/60R18 tires):
365 mm (14.4 in.)
For Kazakhstan:
382 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

2094-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K513E_(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:
QChecking 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.
QPracticing driving with a coupled trailer
O Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
O 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.
QIncreasing 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.
QSudden 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.
QImportant 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

2104-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K513E_(EE)
QImportant 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.
QPassing 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.
QTransmission 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.
QIf 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. 610)
QWhen 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.

2114-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K513E_(EE)
WARNING
Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Q Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
( P. 2 1 2 )
Q Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Q Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long down hill grades.
Q 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.
Q To avoid accident or injury
O 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
6000 kg (13228 lb.): 4WD models
Smart-cab models
6200 kg (13669 lb.): 4WD models
Double-cab models
6000 kg (13228 lb.): Pre Runner
6300 kg (13889 lb.): 4WD models except for Kazakhstan
O Do not use the following systems when trailer towing.
• Cruise control (if equipped)
• Dynamic radar cruise control (if equipped)

2124-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K513E_(EE)
QTotal 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. 622)
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. 622)
Important points regarding trailer loads (4WD models for
Kazakhstan and Pre Runner)
1
2

2134-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K513E_(EE)
QInformation 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 AType B
WARNING
Q 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.
O Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) to the recommended
tire inflation pressure value. ( P. 639)
O Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower.

2144-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K513E_(EE)
QTire information
O 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. 639)
O 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.
Q 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.
Q 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).
Q Safety checks before towing
O 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. 212)
O Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
O 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.
Q Maintenance
O 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.
O Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).