towing TOYOTA TACOMA 2011 Owners Manual (in English)

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2-4. Using other driving systemsCruise 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 ..................... 233 3-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Air conditioning system ...... 236
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system types ............ 244
Using the radio ................... 247
Using the CD player ........... 253
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ....................... 259
Optimal use of the audio system .............................. 267
Operating the sub woofer (on some Access Cab
models) ............................ 270
Using the AUX port............. 271
Using the steering wheel audio switches.................. 273
3-3. Using the hands-free phone system (for cellular phone)
Hands-free phone system (for cellular phone) ........... 276
Using the hands-free phone system ................... 280
Making a phone call ........... 288
Setting a cellular phone ...... 293
Security and system setup ................................ 298
Using the phone book ........ 301
3Interior and exterior
features

When driving2
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2-1. Driving proceduresDriving 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 warninglights .............................. 160
Accessory meter .............. 163
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ............... 164
Fog light switch ................ 166
Windshield wipers and washer ........................... 167 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 .................. 233

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 carg o 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 du e 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.

213
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling,
performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your
safety and the safety of others, yo u must not overload your vehicle
or trailer. You must also ensure that you are using appropriate tow-
ing equipment, that the towing eq uipment has been installed cor-
rectly and used properly, and that you employ the requisite driving
habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and braki ng performance are affected by
trailer stability, brake performance and setting, trailer brakes, the
hitch and hitch systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with your trailer’s characteristics and operating condi-
tions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Contact your Toyota dealer for fu rther information about additional
requirements such as towing kits, etc.

214 2-5. Driving information
Towing related terms■ 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).
■ GVWR (Gross Vehi cle 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 weight.
■ 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).

215
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
trailer weight. The gross trailer
weight is the sum of the trailer
weight and the weight of the
cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming
base vehicle with one driver, one
front passenger, towing package
(if available), hitch and hitch sys-
tems (if required).
Additional optional equipment,
passengers and cargo in the vehi-
cle will reduce the trailer weight
rating so as not to exceed
GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.
■Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)
The trailer weight rating for tow-
ing a trailer without a trailer ser-
vice brake system.
■ Tongue Weight
The load placed on the trailer
hitch ball. (P. 221)
(With brakes)
(Without brakes)

220 2-5. Driving information
*1: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (P. 216489)*2: Without towing package*3: With towing package
■Unbraked TWR*
1000 lb. (453 kg)
■ Fifth wheel and gooseneck towing TWR
*
Toyota does not recommend fifth wheel and gooseneck towing.
GRN265L-
PRADKA 4.0 L V6
(1GR-FE) engine 2WD7810 lb.
(3542 kg)*23500 lb.
(1587 kg)*2
10940 lb.
(4962 kg)*36500 lb.
(2948 kg)*3
GRN270L- PRADKA 7860 lb.
(3565 kg)*23500 lb.
(1587 kg)*2
11000 lb.
(4989 kg)*36500 lb.
(2948 kg)*3
*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per SAE J2807.
Model code*1EngineDriving
systemGCWRTWR

221
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer Tongue Weight
● A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must
be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue
weight is 9% to 11%. (Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight
If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, return the front
axle to the same weight as before the trailer connection.
If front axle weight cannot be measured directly, measure the
front fender height above th e front axle before connection.
Adjust weight distributing hitch torque until front fender is
returned to the same height as before connection.
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight
can be measured with platform scales found at a highway
weighing station, building supply company, trucking company,
junk yard, etc.

222 2-5. Driving information
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toyota hitch/brac ket for your vehicle. For details,
contact your Toyota dealer.
● 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 of your vehicle.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating 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.
Bumper towing (vehicles with steel bumper only)
The rear bumper of your vehicle
is equipped with a hole to install
a trailer ball. If you have any
questions, contact your Toyota
dealer.
The gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus cargo weight) when
towing with the bumper must
never exceed the TWR (
P. 217,
487) or 3500 lb. (1587 kg) which-
ever is lower.