Toyota Highlander (2023 year). Manual in english

177

4-1. Before driving

ing

WARNING

●

Do not drive across a river or

through other bodies of

water.This may cause elec-

tric/electronic components to

short circuit, damage the engine

or cause other serious damage

to the vehicle.

●

Do not drive in excess of the

speed limit. Even if the legal

speed limit permits it, do not

drive over 85 mph (140 km/h)

unless your vehicle has

high-speed capability tires. Driv-

ing over 85 mph (140 km/h)

may result in tire failure, loss of

control and possible injury. Be

sure to consult a tire dealer to

determine whether the tires on

your vehicle are high-speed

capability tires or not before

driving at such speeds.

■

When driving on slippery

road surfaces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration

and steering may cause tire

slippage and reduce your ability

to control the vehicle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine

braking due to shifting, or

changes in engine speed could

cause the vehicle to skid.

●

After driving through a puddle,

lightly depress the brake pedal

to make sure that the brakes

are functioning properly. Wet

brake pads may prevent the

brakes from functioning prop-

erly. If the brakes on only one

side are wet and not functioning

properly, steering control may

be affected.

■

When shifting the shift lever

●

Do not let the vehicle roll back-

ward while the shift lever is in a

driving position, or roll forward

while the shift lever is in

R.Doing so may cause the

engine to stall or lead to poor

brake and steering perfor-

mance, resulting in an accident

or damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to P

while the vehicle is mov-

ing.Doing so can damage the

transmission and may result in a

loss of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R

while the vehicle is moving for-

ward.Doing so can damage the

transmission and may result in a

loss of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a

driving position while the vehicle

is moving backward.Doing so

can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehi-

cle control.

●

Shifting the shift lever to N while

the vehicle is moving will disen-

gage the engine. Engine brak-

ing is not available when N is

selected.

●

Be careful not to shift the shift

lever with the accelerator pedal

depressed. Shifting the shift

lever to any position other than

P or N may lead to unexpected

rapid acceleration of the vehicle

that may cause an accident and

result in death or serious injury.

178

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■

If you hear a squealing or

scraping noise (brake pad

wear limit indicators)

Have the brake pads checked and

replaced by your Toyota dealer as

soon as possible.Rotor damage

may result if the pads are not

replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle

when the wear limits of the brake

pads and/or those of the brake

discs are exceeded.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not race the engine.If the

shift lever is in any position

other than P or N, the vehicle

may accelerate suddenly and

unexpectedly, causing an acci-

dent.

●

In order to prevent accidents

due to the vehicle rolling away,

always keep depressing the

brake pedal while the engine is

running, and apply the parking

brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an

incline, in order to prevent acci-

dents caused by the vehicle roll-

ing forward or backward, always

depress the brake pedal and

securely apply the parking

brake as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the

engine.Running the engine at

high speed while the vehicle is

stopped may cause the exhaust

system to overheat, which could

result in a fire if combustible

material is nearby.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette

lighters, spray cans, or soft

drink cans in the vehicle when it

is in the sun.Doing so may

result in the following:

• Gas may leak from a cigarette

lighter or spray can, and may

lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the

vehicle may cause the plastic

lenses and plastic material of

glasses to deform or crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture,

causing the contents to spray

over the interior of the vehicle,

and may also cause a short cir-

cuit in the vehicle’s electrical

components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in

the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter

is in a place such as the glove

box or on the floor, it may be lit

accidentally when luggage is

loaded or the seat is adjusted,

causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to

the windshield or windows. Do

not place containers such as air

fresheners on the instrument

panel or dashboard. Adhesive

discs or containers may act as

lenses, causing a fire in the

vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window

open if the curved glass is

coated with a metallized film

such as a silver-colored one.

Reflected sunlight may cause

the glass to act as a lens, caus-

ing a fire.

179

4-1. Before driving

ing

WARNING

●

Always apply the parking brake,

shift the shift lever to P, stop the

engine and lock the vehicle.Do

not leave the vehicle unat-

tended while the engine is run-

ning.If the vehicle is parked with

the shift lever in P but the park-

ing brake is not set, the vehicle

may start to move, possibly

leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes

while the engine is running or

immediately after turning the

engine off.Doing so may cause

burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehi-

cle

Always turn the engine off. Other-

wise, if you accidentally move the

shift lever or depress the acceler-

ator pedal, this could cause an

accident or fire due to engine

overheating. Additionally, if the

vehicle is parked in a poorly venti-

lated area, exhaust gases may

collect and enter the vehicle, lead-

ing to death or a serious health

hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive

more cautiously.Braking dis-

tance increases when the

brakes are wet, and this may

cause one side of the vehicle to

brake differently than the other

side. Also, the parking brake

may not securely hold the vehi-

cle.

●

If the brake booster device does

not operate, do not follow other

vehicles closely and avoid hills

or sharp turns that require brak-

ing.In this case, braking is still

possible, but the brake pedal

should be depressed more

firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have

your brakes fixed immediately.

●

Do not pump the brake pedal if

the engine stalls.Each push on

the brake pedal uses up the

reserve for the power-assisted

brakes.

●

The brake system consists of 2

individual hydraulic systems; if

one of the systems fails, the

other will still operate. In this

case, the brake pedal should be

depressed more firmly than

usual and the braking distance

will increase. Have your brakes

fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck

(AWD models)

Do not spin the wheels exces-

sively when any of the tires is up

in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in

sand, mud, etc. This may damage

the driveline components or pro-

pel the vehicle forward or back-

ward, causing an accident.

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator

and brake pedals at the same

time during driving, as this may

restrain the engine output.

●

Do not use the accelerator

pedal or depress the accelera-

tor and brake pedals at the

same time to hold the vehicle on

a hill.

180

4-1. Before driving

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake and

shift the shift lever to P. Failure to

do so may cause the vehicle to

move or the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly if the accelerator

pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle

parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel

fully in either direction and hold

it there for an extended period

of time.Doing so may damage

the power steering.

●

When driving over bumps on

the road, drive as slowly as pos-

sible to avoid damaging the

wheels, underside of the vehi-

cle, etc.

■

If you get a flat tire while driv-

ing

A flat or damaged tire may cause

the following situations. Hold the

steering wheel firmly and gradu-

ally depress the brake pedal to

slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your

vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal

sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnor-

mally.

Information on what to do in case

of a flat tire (



P.446)

■

When encountering flooded

roads

Do not drive on a road that has

flooded after heavy rain etc.

Doing so may cause the following

serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by

water immersion

In the event that you drive on a

flooded road and the vehicle is

flooded, be sure to have your Toy-

ota dealer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality

of oil and fluid used for the

engine, transaxle, transfer

(AWD models), rear differential

(AWD models), etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the pro-

peller shaft (AWD models),

bearings and suspension joints

(where possible), and the func-

tion of all joints, bearings, etc.

181

4-1. Before driving

ing

Cargo capacity depends on the
total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load
capacity) — (Total weight of
occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit —
(1) Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined
weight of the driver and passen-
gers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and passen-
gers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 −

750 (5



150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
(



P.184)

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (



P.474)

When 2 people with the com-
bined weight of A lb. (kg) are rid-
ing in your vehicle, which has a
total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity will

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following
information about storage
precautions, cargo capacity
and load.

Capacity and distribution

Calculation formula for
your vehicle

182

4-1. Before driving

be C lb. (kg) as follows:

lb. (kg) - A

lb. (kg) = C

lb.

(kg)

:A =Weight of people

:B =Total load capacity

:C =Available cargo and luggage

load

In this condition, if 3 more passen-
gers with the combined weight of D
lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo
and luggage load will be reduced E
lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D

lb. (kg) = E

lb.

(kg)

:D =Additional weight of people

:E =Available cargo and luggage

load

As shown in the example above,
if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and lug-
gage load will be reduced by an
amount that equals the
increased weight due to the
additional occupants. In other
words, if an increase in the num-
ber of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity
(combined weight of occupants
plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and
luggage on your vehicle.

WARNING

■

Things that must not be car-

ried in the luggage compart-

ment

The following things may cause a

fire if loaded in the luggage com-

partment:

●

Receptacles containing gaso-

line

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may prevent the

pedals from being depressed

properly, may block the driver’s

vision, or may result in items hit-

ting the driver or passengers, pos-

sibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the

luggage compartment when-

ever possible.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage

in the luggage compartment

higher than the seatbacks.

●

When you fold down the rear

seats, long items should not be

placed directly behind the front

seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in

the luggage compartment. It is

not designed for passengers.

They should ride in their seats

with their seat belts properly

fastened.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage

in or on the following locations.

• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear

seats (when stacking items)

• On the luggage cover

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant

compartment.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum

axle weight rating or the total

vehicle weight rating.

183

4-1. Before driving

ing

WARNING

●

Even if the total load of occu-

pant’s weight and the cargo

load is less than the total load

capacity, do not apply the load

unevenly. Improper loading may

cause deterioration of steering

or braking control which may

cause death or serious injury.

■

When using a roof luggage

carrier (vehicles with roof

rails)

Observe the following precau-

tions:

●

Place the cargo so that its

weight is distributed evenly

between the front and rear

axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo,

never exceed the vehicle overall

length or width. (



P.474)

●

Before driving, make sure the

cargo is securely fastened on

the roof luggage carrier.

●

Loading cargo on the roof lug-

gage carrier will make the cen-

ter of gravity of the vehicle

higher. Avoid high speeds, sud-

den starts, sharp turns, sudden

braking or abrupt maneuvers,

otherwise it may result in loss of

control or vehicle rollover due to

failure to operate this vehicle

correctly and result in death or

serious injury.

●

If driving for a long distance, on

rough roads, or at high speeds,

stop the vehicle now and then

during the trip to make sure the

cargo remains in its place.

●

Do not exceed 165 lb. (75 kg)

cargo weight on the roof lug-

gage carrier.

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo

Be careful not to scratch the sur-

face of the moon roof or pan-

oramic moon roof.

184

4-1. Before driving

■

Total load capacity and seating

capacity

These details are also described on

the tire and loading information

label. (



P.405)

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include
total load capacity, seating
capacity, trailer weight rat-
ing and cargo capacity.



Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight):



P.474

Total load capacity means the
combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.



Seating capacity:



P.474

Seating capacity means the max-
imum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight
is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.



TWR (Trailer Weight Rat-
ing):



P.190, 474

TWR means the maximum gross
trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo weight) that your vehicle
is able to tow.



Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occu-
pants.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to

the tires, but also degrade steer-

ing and braking ability, resulting in

an accident.

185

4-1. Before driving

ing

■

Matching trailer ball height to

trailer coupler height

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

■

Before towing

Check that the following conditions

are met:

●

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires

are properly inflated. (



P.479)

●

Trailer tires are inflated according

to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-

ommendation.

Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed pri-
marily as a passen-
ger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can
have an adverse impact on
handling, performance,
braking, durability, and fuel
consumption. For your
safety and the safety of oth-
ers, you must not overload
your vehicle or trailer. You
must also ensure that you
are using appropriate tow-
ing equipment, that the tow-
ing equipment has been
installed correctly and used
properly, and that you
employ the requisite driv-
ing habits.

Vehicle-trailer stability and
braking performance are
affected by trailer stability,
brake performance and set-
ting, trailer brakes, the hitch
and hitch systems (if
equipped).

To tow a trailer safely, use
extreme care and drive the
vehicle in accordance with
your trailer’s characteris-
tics and operating condi-
tions.

Toyota warranties do not
apply to damage or mal-
function caused by towing a
trailer for commercial pur-
poses.

Contact your Toyota dealer
for further information
about additional require-
ments such as a towing kit,
etc.

186

4-1. Before driving

●

All trailer lights work as required

by law.

●

All lights work each time you con-

nect 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 improper

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/provin-

cial or local regulations. If they do

not, install rear view mirrors

appropriate for towing purposes.

■

Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped

with any new power train compo-

nents (such as an engine, transaxle,

transfer [AWD models], rear differ-

ential [AWD models] or wheel bear-

ing), Toyota recommends that you

do not tow a trailer until the vehicle

has been 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 vehi-

cle at a speed of less than 50 mph

(80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and

avoid full throttle acceleration.

■

Maintenance

●

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 sway-

ing by turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator

pedal immediately but very gradu-

ally 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 occu-

pants 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 over-

loaded 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 combina-

tion. Drive at a lower speed to pre-

vent instability. Remember that

swaying of the towing vehicle-trailer

increases as speed increases.

187

4-1. Before driving

ing

WARNING

■

Trailer towing precautions

To tow a trailer safely, use

extreme care and drive the vehi-

cle in accordance with the trailer’s

characteristics and operating con-

ditions. Failure to do so could

cause an accident resulting in

death or serious injury. Vehicle

stability and braking performance

are affected by trailer stability,

brake setting and performance,

and the hitch. Your vehicle will

handle differently when towing a

trailer.

■

To avoid accident or injury

●

Do not exceed the TWR,

unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR

or GAWR.

●

If the gross trailer weight is over

2000 lb. (900 kg), a sway con-

trol device with sufficient capac-

ity is required.

●

If the gross trailer weight is over

5000 lb. (2200 kg), a weight dis-

tributing hitch with sufficient

capacity is required.

●

Adjust the tongue weight within

the appropriate range. Place

heavier loads as close to the

trailer axle as possible.

●

Do not exceed 65 mph (104

km/h), the posted towing speed

limit or the speed limit for your

trailer as set forth in your trailer

owner’s manual, whichever is

lowest. Slow down sufficiently

before making a turn, in cross

winds, on wet or slippery sur-

face, etc. to help avoid an acci-

dent. If you experience a

vehicle-trailer instability from

reducing a certain speed, slow

down and make sure you keep

your vehicle speed under the

speed of which you experience

the instability.

●

Do not make jerky, abrupt or

sharp turns.

●

Do not apply the brakes sud-

denly as you may skid, resulting

in jackknifing and loss of vehicle

control. This is especially true

on wet or slippery surfaces.

●

Do not exceed the trailer hitch

assembly weight, gross vehicle

weight, gross axle weight and

trailer tongue weight capacities.

●

Do not use the following sys-

tems when trailer towing.

• Dynamic radar cruise control

with full-speed range

• LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)

• PCS (Pre-Collision System)

• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if

equipped)

• PKSB (Parking Support Brake)

(if equipped)

• RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)

function (if equipped)

• Intuitive parking assist (if

equipped)

●

Slow down and downshift

before descending steep or long

downhill grades. Do not make

sudden downshifts while

descending steep or long down-

hill grades.

●

Vehicle-trailer instability is more

likely on steep long downhills.

Before descending steep or

long downhill grades, slow

down and downshift. Do not

make sudden downshifts when

descending steep or long down-

hill grades. Avoid holding the

brake pedal down too long or

applying the brakes too fre-

quently. This could cause the

brakes to overheat and result in

reduced braking efficiency.

188

4-1. Before 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 vehicle
weight (including the occu-
pants, cargo and any optional
equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the tongue weight.

■

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).

WARNING

●

Vehicles with a compact spare

tire: Do not tow a trailer when

the compact spare tire is

installed on your vehicle.

■

When towing a trailer

Toyota recommends trailers with

brakes that conform to any appli-

cable federal and state/provincial

regulations.

●

If the gross trailer weight

exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer

brakes are required. Toyota rec-

ommends trailers with brakes

that conform to all applicable

federal and state/provincial reg-

ulations.

●

Never tap into your vehicle’s

hydraulic system, as this will

lower the vehicle’s braking

effectiveness.

●

Never tow a trailer without using

a safety chain securely attached

to both the trailer and the vehi-

cle. If damage occurs to the

coupling unit or hitch ball, there

is danger of the trailer wander-

ing into another lane.

Towing related terms

189

4-1. Before driving

ing

Front GAWR
Rear GAWR

■

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, pas-
sengers 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 recom-
mended to use a trailer with 2 or
more axles.

With brakes

■

Unbraked TWR (Unbraked
Trailer Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for tow-
ing a trailer without a trailer ser-
vice brake system.

Without brakes

■

Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer
hitch ball. (



P.190)

190

4-1. Before driving



The gross trailer weight must
never exceed 5000 lb. (2200
kg).



The gross combination weight
must never exceed the follow-
ing:

• 2WD models: 10600 lb. (4805 kg)
• AWD models: 10600 lb. (4805 kg)



The gross vehicle weight
must never exceed the
GVWR indicated on the Certi-
fication Label. (



P.474)



The gross axle weight on
each axle must never exceed
the GAWR indicated on the
Certification Label. (



P.474)



If the gross trailer weight is
over the unbraked TWR,
trailer service brakes are
required.



If the gross trailer weight is
over 2000 lb. (900 kg), a sway
control device with sufficient
capacity is required.



If the gross trailer weight is
over 5000 lb. (2200 kg), a
weight distributing hitch with
sufficient capacity is required.

Confirm that the gross trailer
weight, gross combination
weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and tongue

weight are all within the limits.

■

GCWR

2WD models: 10600 lb. (4805
kg)
AWD models: 10600 lb. (4805
kg)

■

TWR

5000 lb. (2200 kg)

■

Unbraked TWR

1000 lb. (450 kg)

: These models meet the tow-vehi-

cle trailering requirement of SAE
International per SAE J2807.



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 the following
instructions.

• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be
distributed so that the tongue
weight is 9% to 11%.
(Tongue weight/Gross trailer weight
x 100 = 9% to 11%)

Weight limits

GCWR, TWR and
Unbraked TWR

Trailer Tongue Weight

191

4-1. Before driving

ing

Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight

If using a weight distributing hitch
when towing, return the front axle to
the same weight as before the
trailer connection.
If front axle weight cannot be mea-
sured 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 before connection.
The gross trailer weight, gross axle
weight and tongue weight can be
measured with platform scales
found at a highway weighing sta-
tion, building supply company,
trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Trailer hitch assemblies have
different weight capacities. Toy-
ota recommends the use of Toy-
ota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. For details, contact your
Toyota dealer.



If you wish to install a trailer
hitch, contact your Toyota
dealer.



Use only a hitch that con-

forms to the gross trailer
weight requirement of your
vehicle.



Follow the directions supplied
by the hitch manufacturer.



Lubricate the hitch ball with a
light coating of grease.



Remove the hitch ball when-
ever 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 vehi-
cle body to prevent entry of
any substances into the vehi-
cle.

Hitch

WARNING

■

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have dif-

ferent weight capacities estab-

lished by the hitch manufacturer.

Even though the vehicle may be

physically capable of towing a

higher weight, the operator must

determine the maximum weight

rating of the particular hitch

assembly and never exceed the

maximum weight rating specified

for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the

maximum weight rating set by the

trailer-hitch manufacturer can

cause an accident resulting in

death or serious personal injuries.

NOTICE

■

When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recom-

mended by your Toyota dealer.

Do not install the trailer hitch on

the bumper; this may cause body

damage.

192

4-1. Before driving

Use the correct trailer ball for
your application.

Trailer ball load rating

Matches or exceeds the gross
trailer weight rating of the trailer.

Ball diameter

Matches the size of the trailer cou-
pler. Most couplers are stamped
with the required trailer ball size.

Shank length

Protrudes beyond the bottom of the
lock washer and nut at least 2
threads.

Shank diameter

Matches the ball mount hole diame-
ter size.

Weight carrying ball position:
50.7 in. (1289 mm)

Use the wire harness stored in
the rear end under 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 install-
ing trailer lights.

■

Auto current cut-off function

In case of over current, the auto

cut-off function stops the power

flowing to the trailer lights to prevent

damage to the vehicle’s electrical

system.

Selecting trailer ball

Trailer class

Typical trailer ball

size

2 5/16 in.

II and III

2 in.

1 7/8 in.

Positions for towing hitch
ball

Connecting trailer lights

Toyota Highlander (2023 year). Manual in english - page 11