TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2010 J200 Owners Manual

231
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U
Trailer towing
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.
For your safety and the safety of others, do not overload the vehi-
cle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating condi-
tions.
The vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by
trailer stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused
by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.

232 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U
Weight limitsConfirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combined weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within
the limits.
● The gross trailer weight must never exceed 8500 lb. (3856 kg).
● The gross combined weight must never exceed 14550 lb. (6600
kg).
●The gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the GVWR indi-
cated the Certification Label.
● The gross axle weight on each
axle must never exceed the
GAWR indicated the Certifica-
tion Label.
ITY61C002

233
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U
Towing related term
Towing related termMeaning
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) The maximum allowable gross vehicle
weight. The gross vehicle weight is the
total weight of the vehicle. When towing
a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment installed on
the vehicle) and the tongue load.
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).
GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating) The maximum allowable gross combi-
nation 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).
Gross trailer weight The sum of the trailer weight and the
weight of the cargo in the trailer.
Towing capacity The maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. Towing capacity is calculated
considering base vehicle with neces-
sary vehicle equipment and occupants.
Additional optional equipment, passen-
gers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce
the towing capacity, gross trailer weight
includes the trailer, cargo and neces-
sary equipment for towing.
Tongue load The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.

234 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U
Trailer tongue load● A recommended tongue load varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● In order to ensure the recommended values shown below, the
trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11 %.
(Tongue load / Gross trailer weight  100 = 9 to 11 %)
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (900 kg), it is necessary
to use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lbs. (2268 kg), it is neces-
sary to use a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity.
If using a weight distributing hitc h when towing, keep your vehicle
level with the ground.
The gross trailer weight and tongue l oad can be measured with plat-
form scales found at a highway we ighing station, building supply
company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load

235
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U
Removing hitch cover
Remove the clip.
Grasp the lower edge of the hitch
cover and raise the cover.
When reattaching the cover,
reverse the steps listed.
STEP1
ITY25C047
STEP2

236 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U
Selecting trailer ballUse 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 under body.
ITY25C009

237
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The 3 main
causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep the following in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights 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 right. (This is 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 especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing turns.

238 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U●
Note that when making a turn, th e 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 v ehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehi cle, 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 when driving on a
long steep downgrade, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift
range position must be in “4”, in “S” mode.
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatur es over 85°F [30°C] when driv-
ing up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(  P. 537)

239
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U
●
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”. 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 blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in pl ace, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the “P ” position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into “3”, “2”, “1”, or “R” position (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

240 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
● The vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom-
mendation.
● All trailer lights work.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the t\
railer.
● The 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.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable 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 bear-
ings, 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 after approximately 600 miles
(1000 km) of trailer towing.