tow TOYOTA TACOMA 2017 (in English) Owner's Manual

1724-1. Before 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 systems (if required).
Additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle will
reduce the trailer weight rating so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR and
GAWR.
If the gross trailer weight exceeds 3000 lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended
to use a trailer with 2 or more axles.
■
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. 178)
(With brakes)
(Without brakes)

1744-1. Before driving
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the
limits.
■GCWR* and TWR*
Access Cab models
*1: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (→P. 571)
*2: Vehicles without a towing package
*3: Vehicles with a towing package
GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWR, Fifth wheel and Gooseneck towing
TWR
*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per SAE J2807.
Model code*1EngineDriving
systemGCWRTWR
TRN265L-CRTSKA 2TR-FE engine 2WD
7810 lb.
(3540 kg) 3500 lb.
(1590 kg)
TRN245L-CRMSKA 4WD8020 lb.
(3635 kg) 3500 lb.
(1590 kg)
TRN245L-CRTSKA 8050 lb.
(3650 kg) 3500 lb.
(1590 kg)
GRN325L-CRTSHA
2GR-FKS engine 2WD
7890 lb.
*2
(3590 kg) 3500 lb.*2
(1590 kg)
11310 lb.
*3
(5130 kg) 6800 lb.*3
(3085 kg)
GRN305L-CRFSHA 4WD8150 lb.
*2
(3695 kg) 3500 lb.*2
(1590 kg)
11280 lb.
*3
(5115 kg) 6500 lb.*3
(2950 kg)
GRN305L-CRTSHA 8130 lb.
*2
(3685 kg) 3500 lb.*2
(1590 kg)
11360 lb.
*2
(5150 kg) 6500 lb.*3
(2950 kg)

1764-1. Before driving
*1: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (→P. 571)
*2: Vehicles without a towing package
*3: Vehicles with a towing package
■
Unbraked TWR*
1000 lb. (450 kg)
■Fifth wheel and gooseneck towing TWR*
Toyota does not recommend fifth wheel and gooseneck towing.
Model code*1EngineDriving
systemGCWRTWR
GRN305L-PRFSHA
2GR-FKS engine 4WD8270 lb.
*2
(3750 kg)
3500 lb.
*2
(1590 kg)
11300 lb.
*3
(5125 kg) 6400 lb.
*3
(2900 kg)
GRN305L-PRTSHA 8250 lb.
*2
(3740 kg)
3500 lb.
*2
(1590 kg)
11280 lb.
*3
(5115 kg) 6400 lb.
*3
(2900 kg)
GRN305L-PRTLHA 8310 lb.
*2
(3765 kg)
3500 lb.
*2
(1590 kg)
11330 lb.
*3
(5135 kg) 6400 lb.
*3
(2900 kg)
GRN310L-PRTSHA 8310 lb.
*2
(3765 kg)
3500 lb.
*2
(1590 kg)
11330 lb.
*3
(5135 kg) 6400 lb.
*3
(2900 kg)
GRN310L-PRTLHA 8360 lb.
*2
(3790 kg)
3500 lb.
*2
(1590 kg)
11090 lb.
*3
(5030 kg) 6000 lb.
*3
(2720 kg)
*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE
International per SAE J2807.

1774-1. Before driving
4
Driving
●A recommended tongue weight or ki ngpin weight varies in accor-
dance 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 the 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 sc ales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk
yard, etc.
Trailer Tongue Weight
1
2

1784-1. Before driving
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toyota hitch/bracket 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 conforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment of your vehicle.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball and kingpin 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 subs tances into the vehicle.
The rear bumper of your vehicle is
equipped with a hole to install a
trailer ball. If you have any ques-
tions, contact your Toyota dealer.
The gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus cargo weight) when
towing with the bumper must never
exceed the TWR ( →P. 174) or
3500 lb. (1590 kg) whichever is
lower.
Hitch
Bumper towing (vehicles with steel bumper only)

1794-1. Before driving
4
Driving
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 cou-
pler. Most couplers are stamped
with the required trailer ball size.
Shank length
Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2
threads.
Shank diameter
Matches the ball mount hole diameter size.
Weight carrying ball position:
52.0 in. (1320.8 mm)
Hitch receiver pin hole position:
45.2 in. (1148.8 mm)
Selecting trailer ball
1
2
Trailer classIVII and IIII
Typical trailer ball size2 5/16 in.2 in.1 7/8 in.
Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball
3
4
1
2

1804-1. Before driving
Use the wire harness stored in the
rear end of the vehicle.
■Service connector for towing brake c ontroller (vehicles with a towing
package)
Connecting trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a service
connector for the trailer brake controller
as shown.

1814-1. Before driving
4
Driving
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. To help avoid
an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when
towing:
● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not
exceed the posted to wing speed limit.
● Toyota recommends that the vehi cle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph
(104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the
posted towing speed limit or the spe ed limit for your trailer as set
forth in your trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Instability
of the towing vehicle-trailer combination (trailer sway) increases as
speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of control.
● Before starting out, check the tr ailer lights, tires and the vehicle-
trailer connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle-trailer combination.
● 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 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 one vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jack-
knifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or
slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making
a turn.
● 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 wider than normal turning radius.
Trailer towing tips

1844-1. Before driving
■Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
■ Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( →P. 579)
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommen-
dation.
● All trailer lights work as required by law.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
● The trailer is level when it is hitched.
Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight,
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 tow-
ing purposes.
● Depress power mode button (vehicles with an automatic transmission).
( →P. 198)
No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,
the trailer ball setup must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.
Coupler
Trailer ball
1
2

1854-1. Before driving
4
Driving
■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing), Toyota rec-
ommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for
over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start
towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed
of less than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle
acceleration.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. (See “Owner’s Warranty Information Booklet” or
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide”/“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■ 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.