Get STARTINGANDDRIVING -> Trailer towing Guide for Toyota 4 Runner SUV Fourth Generation (2003-2009)

07 12.25

Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a

passenger−and−load−carrying vehicle. Tow-

ing a trailer will have an adverse effect on

handling, performance, braking, durability

and driving economy (fuel consumption,

etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend

on the proper use of correct equipment

and cautious driving habits. For your safe-

ty and the safety of others, you must not

overload your vehicle or trailer. Ask your

local Toyota dealer for further details be-

fore towing.

WEIGHT LIMITS

Before towing, make sure the total trail-

er weight, gross combination weight,

gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight

and trailer tongue load are all within

the limits.

CY30023

The total trailer weight and tongue load

can be measured with platform scales

found at a highway weighing station, build-

ing supply company, trucking company,

junk yard, etc.

CAUTION

For weight carrying hitch

Vehicles with rear height control air

suspension: When disconnecting

a

trailer, put the vehicle height in the

“LO” (low) mode and push the

“HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch to

turn off the rear height control air

suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle

height may be changed in the auto-

matic leveling function, resulting in

accident. For details see “Rear height

control air suspension” on page 191

in Section 1−7.

CY30024

Also for weight distributing hitch

377

07 12.25

If towing a trailer and cargo weigh-

ing over 2268 kg (5000 lb.), Toyota

recommends to use a weight dis-

tributing hitch.

CAUTION

D The maximum gross trailer weight

(trailer weight plus cargo weight)

must never exceed the following for

vehicle with equipped. For details,

contact your Toyota dealer.

If towing a trailer and cargo weigh-

ing over 907 kg (2000 lb.), it is

CY30015

necessary to use

a

sway control

D According to the hitch receiver

type, the maximum gross trailer

weight and hitch that can be used

differs. Refer to the above illustra-

tions to confirm the hitch receiver

type for your vehicle.

device with sufficient capacity. The

combination of the gross trailer

weight added to the total weight of

the vehicle, occupants and vehicle

cargo must never exceed a total of

the following.

For weight carrying hitch

2268 kg (5000 lb.)

For weight carrying hitch

4.0 L V6 (1GR−FE) engine

4354 kg (9600 lb.)

4.7 L V8 (2UZ−FE) engine

4422 kg (9750 lb.)

D Trailer hitch assemblies have differ-

ent weight capacities established by

the hitch manufacturer. Even though

the vehicle may be physically capa-

ble of towing a higher weight, the

operator must determine the maxi-

mum weight rating of the particular

hitch assembly and never exceed

the maximum weight rating speci-

fied for the trailer−hitch. Exceeding

the maximum weight rating set by

the trailer hitch manufacturer can

cause an accident resulting in seri-

ous personal injuries.

Also for weight distributing hitch

(4.7 L V8 [2UZ−FE] engine only)

Two−wheel drive models

3311 kg (7300 lb.)

Four−wheel drive models

Also for weight distributing hitch

(4.7 L V8 [2UZ−FE] engine only)

5443 kg (12000 lb.)

3175 kg (7000 lb.)

Exceeding the maximum weight of

the trailer, the vehicle, or the ve-

hicle and trailer combination, can

cause an accident resulting in seri-

ous personal injuries.

378

07 12.25

D The gross vehicle weight must not

exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating (GVWR) indicated on the

Certification Label. The gross vehi-

cle weight is the sum of weights of

the unloaded vehicle, driver, pas-

sengers, luggage, hitch and trailer

tongue load. It also includes the

weight of any special equipment

installed on your vehicle.

Also for weight distributing hitch

(4.7 L V8 [2UZ−FE] engine only)

Total trailer weight

Tongue load

Two−wheel drive models

331 kg (730 lb.)

Four−wheel drive models

317 kg (700 lb.)

CY30001

Never load the trailer with more

weight in the back than in the

front. About 60% of the trailer load

should be in the front half of the

trailer and the remaining 40% in the

rear.

Tongue load

100 = 10%

D The load on either the front or rear

axle resulting from distribution of

the gross vehicle weight on both

axles must not exceed the front and

rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings

(GAWR) listed on the Certification

Label.

Total trailer weight

D The trailer cargo load should be

distributed so that the tongue load

is 10% of the total trailer weight,

not exceeding the maximum load of

the following.

For weight carrying hitch

227 kg (500 lb.)

379

07 12.25

HITCHES

CAUTION

D If you wish to install a trailer hitch, you

should consult with your Toyota dealer.

Do not tow the vehicle using the

hooked portion of the weight carrying

hitch. The hooked portion may break

and cause serious injury or damage

to the vehicle.

D Use only a hitch recommended by the

hitch manufacturer and the one which

conforms to the total trailer weight re-

quirement.

CY30003

D According to the hitch receiver type,

the maximum gross trailer weight and

hitch that can be used differs. Refer to

the above illustrations to confirm the

hitch receiver type for your vehicle.

NOTICE

z Do not install weight distributing

hitch to weight carrying hitch re-

ceiver because it will be damaged

your vehicle.

D If you wish to install an aftermarket

hitch, the hitch must be bolted securely

to the vehicle frame and installed ac-

cording to the hitch manufactures’ in-

structions.

1 Trailer ball load rating

2 Ball diameter

3 Shank length

z Do not use axle−mounted hitches as

they can cause damage to the axle

housing, wheel bearings, wheels or

4 Shank diameter

tires. Also, never install

a

hitch

D The hitch ball and king pin should have

which may interfere with the normal

function of an Energy Absorbing

Bumper, if so equipped.

a light coat of grease.

D Toyota recommends the ball mount as-

sembly be removed when not towing to

prevent injury and to prevent damage

in the event of a rear end collision.

After removing the ball mount assem-

bly, install the grommet to the hitch to

prevent entry of dirt and mud.

380

07 12.25

TRAILER BALL

MATCHING TRAILER BALL HEIGHT TO

TRAILER COUPLER HEIGHT

Follow these easy steps to properly deter-

mine the correct trailer ball for your ap-

plication:

No matter which class of tow hitch ap-

plies, for a safe trailer hookup, the trailer

ball setup on must be the proper height

for the coupler on the trailer.

1. Determine the correct trailer ball size

for the trailer coupler. Most couplers

are stamped with the required trailer

ball size. The sizes you will most likely

find stamped on the coupler are:

CY30004

CY30005

BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS

D Toyota recommends trailers with

brakes that conform to any applica-

ble federal and state/provincial regu-

lations.

Trailer class Typical trailer ball size

IV

2 5/16 in.

2 in.

D A safety chain must always be used

between the towing vehicle and the

trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the

chain for turns. The chain should

cross under the trailer tongue to

prevent the tongue from dropping to

the ground in case it becomes dam-

aged or separated. For correct safety

chain procedures, follow the hitch or

trailer manufacturer’s recommenda-

tions.

II and III

I

1 7/8 in.

2. Select the appropriate trailer ball to

match or exceed the gross trailer

weight rating of the trailer. The trailer

ball load rating should be printed on

the top of the ball.

3. When mounted in the ball mount, the

threaded ball shank must protrude be-

yond the bottom of the lock washer

and nut at least 2 threads. The trailer

ball shank must be matched to the ball

mount hole diameter size.

NOTICE

Only use

a

ball mount attachment

1 Coupler

2 Trailer ball

specified for the Toyota 4runner.

3 Ball mount attachment

381

07 12.25

TIRES

CAUTION

D Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are

properly inflated. See page 441 in Sec-

tion 7−2 and page 467 in Section 8 for

instructions.

D If the total trailer weight exceeds

453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are

required.

D The trailer tires should be inflated to

the pressure recommended by the trail-

er manufacturer in respect to the total

trailer weight.

D Never tap into your vehicle’s hy-

draulic system as it would lower its

braking effectiveness.

CY30008

D Never tow a trailer without using a

safety chain securely attached to

both the trailer and the vehicle. If

damage occurs to the coupling unit

or hitch ball, there is danger of the

trailer wandering over into another

lane.

SERVICE CONNECTOR FOR TOWING

BRAKE CONTROLLER

Your vehicle is equipped with a service

connector for the towing brake controller

as shown. Link the connector to the tow-

ing brake controller via the sub wire har-

ness stored in the glove box. The detailed

explanation of the sub wire harness circuit

is packed together with the sub wire har-

ness.

Be sure to position the towing brake con-

troller where it does not prevent the driver

from operating the pedal.

Toyota recommends that the sub wire har-

ness be stored in the glove box when it

is not in use.

382

07 12.25

D Your vehicle is equipped with a wire

harness stored in the rear end under

body. Some models are fitted with a

socket for trailer lights under the rear

bumper. Use either of them to connect

and operate the trailer lights. However,

the trailer lights must comply with fed-

eral, state/provincial and local regula-

tions. See your local recreational ve-

hicle dealer or rental agency for the

correct type of wiring and relays for

your trailer. Check for correct operation

of the turn signals and stop lights each

time you hitch up. Direct splicing may

damage your vehicle’s electrical system

and cause a malfunction of your lights.

MAINTENANCE

D If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will

require more frequent maintenance due

to the additional load. For this

information,

please

refer

to

the

scheduled maintenance information in

the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or

“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

CY30025

D Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing

ball and bracket after approximately

1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.

CONNECTING A TRAILER (models with

rear height control air suspension)

TOWING CONNECTOR FOR TRAILER

LIGHTS

Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and

perform the following:

The towing connector can be also con-

nected to the trailer brake and trailer

sub battery.

1. Put the rear height control air suspen-

sion in the “LO” (low) mode. Turn the

engine switch off or push the “HEIGHT

CONTROL OFF” switch to turn off the

rear height control air suspension.

BREAK−IN SCHEDULE

D Toyota recommends that you do not

tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a

vehicle with any new power train com-

ponent (engine, transmission, differen-

tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first

800 km (500 miles) of driving.

2. Connect a trailer.

3. Turn the engine switch on or push the

“HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch to

turn on the rear height control air sus-

pension. Select the “N” (normal) mode

with the height select switch.

383

07 12.25

DISCONNECTING

with rear height control air suspension)

A

TRAILER (models

7. Move the vehicle forward in the “LO”

(low) mode where the hitch does not

touch anything in the “N” (normal)

mode.

TRAILER TOWING TIPS

When towing a trailer, your vehicle will

handle differently than when not tow-

ing. The three main causes of vehicle−

trailer accidents are driver error, exces-

sive speed and improper trailer loading.

Keep these in mind when towing:

Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and

perform the following:

8. Put the rear height control air suspen-

sion in the “N” (normal) mode.

1. Put the rear height control air suspen-

sion in the “LO” (low) mode. (Make

sure the vehicle height is in the “LO”

(low) mode by pushing the height se-

lect switch on the “Ɲ” side.)

PRE−TOWING SAFETY CHECK

D Before starting out, check operation of

the lights and all vehicle−trailer connec-

D Check that your vehicle remains level

when a loaded or unloaded trailer is

hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has

an abnormal nose−up or nose−down

condition, and check for improper

tongue load, overload, worn suspension

or other possible causes.

tions. After driving

a

short distance,

2. Turn the engine switch off or push the

“HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch to

turn off the rear height control air sus-

pension.

stop and recheck the lights and con-

nections. Before actually towing a trail-

er, practice turning, stopping and back-

ing with a trailer in an area away from

traffic until you learn the feel.

3. Set the supporting leg of a trailer on

the ground and raise the hitch by 100

mm (4 in.).

D Make sure the trailer cargo is securely

D Backing with a trailer is difficult and

requires practice. 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 right to

move the trailer to the right. (This pro-

cedure is generally opposite to that

when backing without a trailer.) Also,

just turn the steering wheel a little at

loaded so that it cannot shift.

4. Turn the engine switch on or push the

“HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch to

turn on the rear height control air sus-

pension.

D Check that your rear view mirrors con-

form to any applicable federal, state/

provincial or local regulations. If not,

install the rear view mirrors required

for towing purpose.

5. Wait for about 20 seconds until the

rear vehicle height is lowered by the

automatic leveling function.

a

time, avoiding sharp or prolonged

6. Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If

not, raise the hitch higher and repeat

steps 2 through 5.

turning. Have someone guide you when

backing to reduce the risk of an acci-

dent.

384

07 12.25

D Because stopping distance may be in-

creased, vehicle−to−vehicle distance

D Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-

versely affect handling of your vehicle

and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention

to the rear from time to time to pre-

pare yourself for being passed by large

trucks or buses, which may cause your

vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying

happens, firmly grip the steering wheel

and reduce speed immediately but

gradually. Never increase speed. Steer

straight ahead. If you make no extreme

correction with the steering or brakes,

the vehicle and trailer will stabilize.

D Because of the added load of the trail-

er, your vehicle’s engine may overheat

on hot days (at temperatures over

30_C [85_F]) when going up a long or

steep grade with a trailer. If the engine

coolant temperature gauge indicates

overheating, immediately turn off the air

conditioning (if in use), pull off the road

and stop in a safe spot. Refer to “If

your vehicle overheats” on page 394 in

Section 4.

should be increased when towing

a

trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of

speed, allow at least one vehicle and

trailer length between you and the ve-

hicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as

you may skid, resulting in jackknifing

and loss of control. This is especially

true on wet or slippery surfaces.

D Avoid jerky starts or sudden accelera-

tion.

D Always place wheel blocks under both

the vehicle and trailer wheels when

parking. Apply the parking brake firmly.

Put the transmission in “P”. Avoid park-

ing on a slope with a trailer, but if it

cannot be avoided, do so only after

performing the following:

D Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns.

The trailer could hit your vehicle in a

tight turn. Slow down before making a

turn to avoid the necessity of sudden

braking.

D Be careful when passing other ve-

hicles. Passing requires considerable

distance. After passing a vehicle, do

not forget the length of your trailer and

be sure you have plenty of room befo-

re changing lanes.

D Remember that when making a turn,

the trailer wheels will be closer than

the vehicle wheels to the inside of the

turn. Therefore, compensate for this by

1. Apply the brakes and hold.

D In order to maintain engine braking effi-

ciency, do not put the transmission in

“D”.

2. Have someone place wheel blocks un-

der both the vehicle and trailer wheels.

making

a

larger than normal turning

3. When the wheel blocks are in place,

release your brakes slowly until the

blocks absorb the load.

radius with your vehicle.

4. Apply the parking brake firmly.

5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.

385

STARTINGANDDRIVING -> Trailer towing for Your Toyota 4 Runner SUV Fourth Generation (2003-2009)

Related Topics

STARTINGANDDRIVING

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals