Toyota Hilux (2017 year). Manual — part 54

223

4

4-1. Before driving

D

riv

in

g

Trailer towing (models for model code

destination W

∗

)

◆

Weight limits

Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible
drawbar load before towing. (

→P. 621)

◆

Towing 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.

∗

: See “Checking your vehicle’s model” if you are not sure of which model your vehicle is.

(

→P. 11)

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 dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional for further details
before towing, as there are additional legal requirements in
some countries.

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4-1. Before driving

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.)
225/70R17C tires:
382 mm (15.0 in.)
265/65R17 or 265/60R18 tires:
381 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

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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:

■

Checking 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.

■

Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
● Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer

coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.

● 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.

■

Increasing 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.

■

Sudden 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.

■

Important 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

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4-1. Before driving

■

Important 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.

■

Passing 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.

■

Transmission 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.

■

If 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. 613)

■

When 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.