TOYOTA HILUX 2020 Owners Manual (in English)

2714-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
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

2724-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■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. 678)
■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.

2734-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
WARNING
Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
( P. 2 7 4 )
■ Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
■ Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long down hill grades.
■ Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
■ To avoid accident or injury
● The gross combination mass (sum of your vehicle mass plus its load and
the total trailer mass) must not exceed the following:
Single-cab models
5530 kg (12192 lb.): Pre Runner
5850 kg (12897 lb.): 4WD models
Smart-cab models
5850 kg (12897 lb.)
Double-cab models
5850 kg (12897 lb.): Models for model code destination W* except Pre
Runner for Israel and Turkey
*: See “Checking your vehicle’s model” if you are not sure of which model
your vehicle is. ( P. 1 2 ) .
● Do not use the following systems when trailer towing.
• Cruise control (if equipped)
• Dynamic radar cruise control (if equipped)

2744-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■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. 688)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
When the total trailer weight is ov er 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 c apacity. Do not let the drawbar load
exceed the indicated weight. ( P. 688)
Important points regarding trailer loads (except for single-cab
4WD models, smart-cab 4WD models without rear seat cushion,
GUN125R-CNFSXW3 and GUN125L-CNFSXW3 model*)
*: The model code is indicated on the manufacturer’s plate or label. ( P. 6 9 1 )
1
2

2754-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■Information tag (manufacturer’s label) (if equipped)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the
gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). 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 by 15% or more. 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.
1
2
Ty pe AType B
WARNING
■ When the gross vehicle mass or maximum permissible axle capacity is
exceeded
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.
● Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) to the recommended
tire inflation pressure value. ( P. 711)
● Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower.

2764-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■Tire information
● Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi)
greater than the recommended value when towing. ( P. 711)
● 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.
■ Tr a i l e r l i g h ts
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Direct ly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
■ 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).
■ 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. 274)
● 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.
■ 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).

2774-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■ 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
■ 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.

2784-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■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. 688)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
When the total trailer weight is ov er 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 c apacity. Do not let the drawbar load
exceed the indicated weight. ( P. 688)
Important points regarding trailer loads (for single-cab 4WD
models, smart-cab 4WD models without rear seat cushion,
GUN125R-CNFSXW3 and GUN125L-CNFSXW3 model*)
*: The model code is indicated on the manufacturer’s plate or label. ( P. 6 9 1 )
1
2

2794-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the
gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). 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 by 15 % or more. 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.
1
2
Ty pe AType B
WARNING
■ 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.
■ When the gross vehicle mass or maximum permissible axle capacity is
exceeded
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.
● Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) to the recommended
tire inflation pressure value. ( P. 711)
● Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower.

2804-1. Before driving
HILUX_OM_OM0K321E_(EE)
■Tire information
● Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi)
greater than the recommended value when towing. ( P. 711)
● 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.
■ Tr a i l e r l i g h ts
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Direct ly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
■ 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).
■ 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. 278)
● 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.
■ 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).