towing TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2009 2.G User Guide

243
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
*1: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (P. 558)
*2: Without towing package
*3: With towing package
●
The gross trailer weight must never exceed towing capacity
described in the table above.
● The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR in the
table above.
●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.
Model code*1EngineDriving
systemGCWRTowing capacity
USK65L-GKTLGA 5.7L V8
(3UR-FBE) engine
4WD 14000 lb. (6350 kg)
*27900 lb. (3580 kg)*2
16000 lb. (7255 kg)*39100 lb. (4125 kg)*3
USK65L-GKTZGA14000 lb. (6350 kg)*27800 lb. (3535 kg)*2
16000 lb. (7255 kg)*38800 lb. (3990kg)*3

244 2-5. Driving information
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 combination 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 weightThe 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
necessary vehicle equipment and 150 pound driver.
Additional optional equipment, passengers and
cargo in the vehicle will reduce the towing capacity,
gross trailer weight includes the trailer, cargo and
necessary equipment for towing.
Tongue loadThe load placed on the trailer hitch ball.

245
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 di stributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11% of the gross trailer weight, not exceeding the following.
(Tongue load /Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%)
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (907 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 hitch 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 weighing station, building supply
company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load

246 2-5. Driving information
Hitch● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that c onforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer.
After removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle
body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.

249
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 the following in mind when
towing.
● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not
exceed the posted towing speed limit.
● 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. (Thi s 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 a turn.
● 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.

251
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Shift into P and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P, start the engine. Be sure to keep
the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into D or R (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.
■ Service connector for towing br ake controller (with towing package)
Your vehicle is equipped with a service
connector for the trailer brake controller
as shown.
Access the service connector.
Remove the scuff plate.
Remove the clip (screw type)
and trim board.

252 2-5. Driving information
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 567)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights work to be legal.
● 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.
● Depress TOW/HAUL button (if equipped)
■ When connecting and disconnecting a trailer
Set the electronically modulated air suspension system to MAN., or turn off
the engine, when the system is in N mode. (if equipped)
■ AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for improvement in driveability. ( P. 213)
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Toyota
recommends that you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500
miles (800 km).
However, avoid full throttle acceleration.
■ 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).

253
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Trailer towing precautions
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance
with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions.
The vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stability,
brake setting and performance, and the hitch.
Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Weight limit precautions
●The gross trailer weight must never exceed towing capacity described in
the table above. ( P. 242)
● The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR in the table
above. ( P. 242)
● Exceeding the towing capacity, GVWR, GCWR or GAWR can cause an
accident resulting in death or serious injuries.
●The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the GVWR indicated Certifica-
tion Label.
● The gross axle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated the Certification Label.

254 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Tongue load weight
●A recommended tongue load varies in accordance with the types of trail-
ers 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% of the gross trailer weight, not exceeding the following.
(Tongue load /Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%)
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (907 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 necessary \
to use
a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity.
If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, keep your vehicle level
with the ground.
■ To avoid accident or injury
●Speed limit for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not exceed the
posted towing speed limit.
● 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.
● Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
● Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load

255
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
To avoid accident or injury
●Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Do not tow the vehicle with the temporary spare tire installed.
■ Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the
hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight
rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum
weight rating specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum wei\
ght
rating set by the trailer hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in
death or serious personal injuries.
■ When towing a trailer
●If the gross trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (453 kg), trailer brakes are
required. Toyota recommends trailers wi th brakes that conform to all appli-
cable federal and state/provincial regulations.
● 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.