Toyota Hilux (2017 year). Manual - part 56

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4-1. Before driving

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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 wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually 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 swaying of the
towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases.

NOTICE

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When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in dam-
age. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a
steel bracket.

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4-1. Before driving

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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 (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.

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X

Type A

X

Type B

WARNING

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When the total trailer weight exceeds 3200kg (7055 lb.)
Do not exceed the legal speed limit for towing a trailer or 90 km/h (56 mph),
whichever is lower.
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.

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4-1. Before driving

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Tire information

●

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

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 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.

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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.

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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).

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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. 232)

●

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.

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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).