- [Announcer] Ready to tow?
For certain Toyota vehicles,
the capability can provide added convenience
when there's a need to bring more along for the ride,
like gear for an extended camping trip
or off-road adventure.
Before hitching up and heading down the road,
however, there are a handful of things
to know that can help ensure a safe and secure experience.
Here are ten quick and easy pointers to help tow like a pro.
When it's time to tow,
the first consideration is the added weight it will bring.
A heavy trailer can have a big impact
on vehicle performance while towing,
like how it accelerates, brakes, and even steers.
Before hitching up, be prepared to operate a vehicle
that won't respond the same way it did without a load,
which means decreased speeds and increased caution.
There are several ratings related to a vehicle's ability
to tow, but towing capacity is arguably the most crucial.
That's because this figure represents the maximum amount
of weight a vehicle can tow when pulling a trailer.
This shouldn't be confused with payload,
which is how much weight the vehicle can carry on its own.
it's also important to remember
that an increased payload
will impact the vehicle's towing capacity,
which factors in the weight of the truck and any cargo.
While setting up to tow,
don't overlook the weight of the trailer ball
pressing down on the rear end of the vehicle.
This is called the tongue weight,
and it should be accounted for as vehicle payload,
to avoid exceeding capacity and creating unsafe conditions.
When the time comes to hook the trailer up to the vehicle,
ensure that both the proper mechanical
and electrical connections are made.
This means confirming the ball hitch is the correct size
for the trailer before attaching it to the vehicle.
Once coupled, it's also important to hook up
and cross the trailer safety chains.
Then, hook up the electrical connector
and emergency brake cable.
Vehicles and trailers
have different types of electrical connectors.
Most commonly, Toyota vehicles
use either a 4-pin flat connector for lighter duty towing,
or a 7-pin round blade connector
for vehicles designed for pulling heavier loads.
It's essential the vehicle
and trailer connector be compatible
with each other for proper operation,
and never try to tow a trailer
without making this crucial connection.
Trailers equipped with trailer brakes
are usually identified by having a seven-pin connector.
There are a few common options for trailer brakes,
including electric, electric-over-hydraulic,
and surge brakes.
If the vehicle has a trailer brake controller,
it's important to know what kind of brakes
are equipped on a trailer,
so the braking force can be adjusted
for the appropriate setup.
The trailer brake controller on select Toyota vehicles
allows the driver to activate, adjust,
and monitor trailer braking force
from the cab of the vehicle.
This feature requires some setup before each tow,
like indicating what type of trailer brakes are equipped,
and it helps dial in the braking force
between the vehicle and the trailer.
When set properly,
the system can help prevent the tires from locking up
and squealing when maximum braking force is required.
A weight distribution hitch
can be a driver's best friend when towing heavier loads.
That's because it helps distribute weight more evenly
between the vehicle that's towing and the trailer axle,
which helps improves stability and handling while towing.
Toyota recommends using a weight distribution hitch
for trailers over 5,000 pounds.
This driving mode available on select Toyota models
is purpose-built to tow.
Once selected, it changes the vehicle's shift points,
holding it in a lower gear to provide more power
and torque while towing.
It also utilizes engine braking when heading downhill,
to help add extra stopping power before applying the brakes.
Toyota provides precise specs
on vehicle capability in several places,
usually just within arm's reach.
First, there's the information sticker located
inside the driver's door jamb on the vehicle.
Additionally, this information can also be found
in the vehicle's owner's manual.
Finally, for additional towing equipment,
weight ratings are normally stamped directly onto the part.
For more information about Toyota vehicle towing capability,
visit toyota.com.