towing TOYOTA TACOMA 2010 Owners Manual (in English)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ...................... 170
Rear view monitor system
(vehicles with auto
anti-glare inside rear
view mirror) ....................... 173
Four-wheel drive system ..... 177
Active traction control
system .............................. 181
AUTO LSD system.............. 183
Rear differential lock
system .............................. 185
Downhill Assist Control
system .............................. 188
Clutch start cancel switch ... 190
Driving assist systems ........ 191
2-5. Driving information
Off-road precautions
(4WD models and
PreRunner) ....................... 197
Cargo and luggage ............. 202
Vehicle load limits ............... 207
Winter driving tips ............... 209
Trailer towing ...................... 213
Dinghy towing ..................... 226
3-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Air conditioning system ....... 2283-2. Using the audio system
Audio system types ............ 236
Using the radio ................... 239
Using the CD player ........... 245
Playing back MP3 and
WMA discs ....................... 251
Optimal use of the audio
system .............................. 259
Operating the sub woofer
(on some Access Cab
models) ............................ 262
Using the AUX adapter....... 263
Using the steering wheel
audio switches.................. 265
3-3. Using the hands-free phone
system (for cellular phone)
Hands-free phone system
(for cellular phone) ........... 268
Using the hands-free
phone system ................... 272
Making a phone call ........... 280
Setting a cellular phone ...... 285
Security and system
setup ................................ 290
Using the phone book ........ 293
3-4. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list ................. 300
• Interior light ...................... 301
• Personal lights.................. 301
3Interior and exterior
features

When driving2
133
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle............ 134
Engine (ignition) switch .... 144
Automatic
Transmission.... 147
Manual Transmission ....... 150
Turn signal lever .............. 153
Parking brake ................... 154
Horn ................................. 156
2-2. Gauges and meters
Gauges and meters ......... 157
Indicators and warning
lights .............................. 160
Accessory meter .............. 163
2-3. Operating the lights and
wipers
Headlight switch ............... 164
Fog light switch ................ 166
Windshield wipers and
washer ........................... 1672-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ................... 170
Rear view monitor system
(vehicles with auto
anti-glare inside rear
view mirror) .................... 173
Four-wheel drive
system ........................... 177
Active traction control
system ........................... 181
AUTO LSD system........... 183
Rear differential lock
system ........................... 185
Downhill Assist Control
system ........................... 188
Clutch start cancel
switch ............................. 190
Driving assist systems ..... 191
2-5. Driving information
Off-road precautions
(4WD models and
PreRunner) .................... 197
Cargo and luggage .......... 202
Vehicle load limits ............ 207
Winter driving tips ............ 209
Trailer towing ................... 213
Dinghy towing .................. 226

172 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Automatic cruise control cancellation
The set speed is automatically canceled in any of the following situations.
●Actual vehicle speed falls more than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h)
below the preset vehicle speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
●Actual vehicle speed is below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
●VSC is activated.
■If the cruise control indicator light flashes
Press the ON-OFF button to turn the cruise control off, and then reactivate
the system.
If the cruise control speed cannot be set or if the cruise control cancels
immediately after being activated, there may be a malfunction in the cruise
control system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Keep the ON-OFF button off when not in use.
■Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in control of the vehicle being lost and could cause an
accident resulting in death or serious injury.
●In heavy traffic
●On roads with sharp bends
●On winding roads
●On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
●On steep hills
●When towing a trailer or emergency towing

204 2-5. Driving information
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in
your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of B lb. (kg), the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:
B lb. (kg)  A lb. (kg) = C lb. (kg)
In this condition, if 3 more passengers 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)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage 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 number 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.

207
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■Total load capacity: (P. 471)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■Seating capacity:
Regular Cab models
3 occupants
Access Cab models
4 occupants (Front 2, Rear 2)
Double Cab models
5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
■Towing capacity:
Without towing package
3500 lb. (1587 kg)
With towing package
6500 lb. (2948 kg)
Towing capacity 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 occupants.

213
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load carrying
vehicle, and thus towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on han-
dling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For
your safety and the safety of others, do not overload the vehicle or
trailer.
We recommend you use a weight distributing hitch when towing to
keep your vehicle level with the ground.
■Weight limits
Confirm that the total trailer weight, gross combination weight,
gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight, and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
■Gross vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The
gross vehicle weight is the sum of the weights of the unloaded
vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, hitch, and the trailer
tongue load. It also includes the weight of any special equipment
installed on your vehicle.

215 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■Trailer tongue load
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue
load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the
maximum load of the following.
Without towing package
350 lb. (158 kg)
With towing package
650 lb. (294 kg)
However, if towing with a fifth wheel trailer, the cargo load must
be distributed so that the tongue load is 19 to 21% of the total
trailer weight.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing stations, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yards, etc.
Total trailer weight
Tongue load

216 2-5. Driving information
Towing a trailer
Consult your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.
Hitch and tow hitch receiver
■Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities estab-
lished by the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be
rated for towing a higher weight, the operator must never exceed
the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.

218 2-5. Driving information
Bumper towing
The rear bumper of your vehicle
is equipped with a hole to install
a trailer ball.
The maximum gross trailer
weight: 3500 lb. (1587 kg)
The gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) when
towing with the bumper must never exceed 3500 lb. (1587 kg).
Fifth wheel trailer
When towing a fifth wheel trailer,
be careful not to hit the cabin or
deck by the trailer while making
a sharp turn.
Service connector for towing brake controller
Your vehicle is equipped with a
service connector for the trailer
brake controller as shown.

219 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Connecting trailer lights
Use the wire harness stored in
the rear end under body.
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 484)
●Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
●All trailer lights work to be legal.
●Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
●The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
●Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■Break-in schedule
●Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with
any new power train components (engine, transmission, differential,
wheel bearings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of
driving.