Toyota Hilux (2017 year). Manual - part 55

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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. 228)

■

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:

X

Single-cab models

5530 kg (12191 lb.): Pre Runner
5850 kg (12897 lb.): 4WD models

X

Smart-cab models

5850 kg (12897 lb.)

X

Double-cab models

5850 kg (12897 lb.): Except Pre Runner for EURO V

*

 models for Turkey

*

: EURO V is an emission standard. If it is not clear that your vehicle meets

relevant standards, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.

●

Do not use cruise control (if equipped) when trailer towing.

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4-1. Before driving

■

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. 621)

When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
When the total trailer weight is over 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 capacity. Do not let the drawbar load
exceed the indicated weight. (

→P. 621)

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. 623)

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Information tag (manufacturer’s label)

Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, cargo, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load must not exceed the
gross vehicle mass. 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. 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

X

Type A

X

Type B

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■

Tire information

●

Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm

2

 or bar, 3 psi)

greater than the recommended value when towing. (

→P. 642)

●

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.

■

Trailer lights
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly 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. 228)

●

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).