TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

173
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
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.  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 500 lb. (227 kg) (Tongue load / Total trailer weight
100 = 9 to 11%)
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

174 2−5. Driving information
Selecting trailer ball
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
coupler. 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
diameter size.
Connecting trailer lights
Use the wire harness stored in
the rear end underbody.

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2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
 Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 370)
 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, in
stall rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
Breakin 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.
 Maintenance
 If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner ’s Manual Supplement”.)
 Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi−
mately 600 miles (1000 km).

176 2−5. Driving information
CAUTION
 To avoid accident or injury
 The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not
exceed 5000 lb. (2265 kg)
If a trailer and cargo weight over 2000 lb. (907 kg), use a sway control
device with sufficient capacity.
 The gross combined weight (sum of your vehicle weight plus its load and
the total trailer weight) must not exceed the following.
2WD models
9200 lb. (4173 kg)
4WD models
9500 lb. (4309 kg)
Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
 Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About
60% of the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining
40% in the rear.
 The tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on
another vehicle.
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Toyota dealer should be consulted.
Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.

Remove the trailer hitch whenever y ou are not towing a trailer to reduce
the possibility of additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind.

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2−5. Driving information
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When driving
CAUTION
 When towing a trailer
 If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (453 kg), trailer brakes are
required.
Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi−
cle’s braking effectiveness.
 Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both
the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch
ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.
NOTICE
 When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
 Brakes
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed−
eral and state/provincial regulations.
 Safety chain
A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should cross
under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in
the case that it becomes damaged or separated. For the correct safety chain
installation procedure, ask your Toyota dealer.
 Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

178 2−5. Driving information
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The three
main causes of vehicle−trailer ac cidents are driver error, excessive
speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing.

Before starting out, check the trailer ’s light and the vehicle−trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
 Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
 Reversing with a trailer attached is
difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to the right. (This generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci−
dent.
 As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle−to−
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least o
ne vehicle and trailer length.
 Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. Vehicles with a manual
transmission, prevent excessive cl
utch slippage by keeping engine
rpm low and not racing the engine. Always start out in first gear.
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak−
ing a turn.

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2−5. Driving information
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When driving
 Note that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.
 Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider−
able distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav
e plenty of room before changing
lanes.

In order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use the trans−
mission in D (automatic transmiss
ion) or 6 (manual transmission).
 Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immedi
ately turn off the air condition−
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(
P. 356)

180 2−5. Driving information
 Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P (automatic transmission) or in 1 or R (manual
transmission). Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel bloc
ks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into 1 or R (manual transmission) or P (automatic trans−
mission) and turn off the engine.
 When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P (automatic transmission) or the
clutch pedal (manual transmission) depressed, start the
engine. On vehicles with an au tomatic transmission, be sure
to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.
Release the parking brake (also
brake pedal on vehicles with
an automatic transmission), and slowly pull or back away from
the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.

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2−5. Driving information
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When driving
CAUTION
 To avoid an accident
 Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or posted towing speed limit, whichever
is lower. As instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle−trailer combination
increases as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause
loss of control.
 Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could
cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.

182
2−5. Driving information
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
 To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.