Toyota Sequoia (2018 year). Instruction

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Vehicle load limits

◆

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): (

→P. 493)

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.

◆

Seating capacity
Vehicles with separated type second seats: 7 occupants
(Front 2, Rear 5)
Vehicles with bench type second seat: 8 occupants (Front 2,
Rear 6)

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.

◆

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating): (

→P. 183, 493)

TWR means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.

◆

Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.
(

→P. 416)

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) and cargo capacity.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering
and braking ability, resulting in an accident.

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Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-car-
rying vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on
handling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consump-
tion. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. You must also ensure that you are
using appropriate towing equipment, that the towing equipment
has been installed correctly and used properly, and that you
employ the requisite driving habits.

Vehicle-trailer stability and braking 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
conditions.

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 addi-
tional requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

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■

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 Vehicle Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross
vehicle weight. The gross vehi-
cle weight is the total weight of
the vehicle. When towing a
trailer, it is the sum of the vehi-
cle weight (including the occu-
pants, cargo and any optional
equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the tongue weight.

Towing related terms

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■

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).

■

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.

Front GAWR

Rear GAWR

(With brakes)

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● The gross trailer weight must never exceed the TWR described in

the table. (

→P. 183)

● The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR

described in the table. (

→P. 183)

● The gross vehicle weight must

never exceed the GVWR indi-
cated on the Certification Label.

● The gross axle weight on each

axle must never exceed the
GAWR indicated on the Certifi-
cation Label.

● If the gross trailer weight is over

the unbraked TWR, trailer ser-
vice brakes are required.

● If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control

device with sufficient capacity is required.

● If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb. (2268 kg), a weight distrib-

uting hitch with sufficient capacity is required.

Weight limits

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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

: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (

→

P. 494)

■

Unbraked TWR

1000 lb. (453 kg)

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR

Model code

Engine

Driving

system

GCWR

TWR

USK60L-
GKTSKA

5.7L V8

(3UR-

FE)

engine

2WD

13600 lb.

(6169 kg)

7400 lb.

(3357 kg)

USK60L-

GKTLKA

13500 lb.

(6124 kg)

7200 lb.

(3266 kg)

USK60L-

GKTZKA

13400 lb.

(6078 kg)

USK65L-
GKTSKA

4WD

13600 lb.

(6169 kg)

7100 lb.

(3220 kg)

USK65L-

GKTLKA

13500 lb.

(6124 kg)

USK65L-

GKTZKA

7000 lb.

(3175 kg)

USK65L-

GKTSGA

5.7L V8

(3UR-

FBE)

engine

13600 lb.

(6169 kg)

7100 lb.

(3220 kg)

USK65L-
GKTLGA

13500 lb.

(6124 kg)

USK65L-
GKTZGA

7000 lb.

(3175 kg)

: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of

SAE International per SAE J2807

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● 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 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 scales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk
yard, etc.

Trailer Tongue Weight

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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 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.

Hitch

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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.

Selecting trailer ball

Trailer class

Typical trailer ball size

2 5/16 in.

II and III

2 in.

1 7/8 in.

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Hitch receiver pin hole position:
46.2 in. (1172.3 mm)

Use the wire harness stored in the
rear end under the vehicle body.

The tow lighting system is
designed for 64 watts/5 amps of
electrical current per side (right
and left) for the trailer brake/turn
light functions.

Please contact your Toyota dealer
with any questions or concerns.

■

Service connector for towing brake controller (with towing package)

Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball

Connecting trailer lights

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.

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If a height control system is installed in your vehicle, you have to con-
nect and disconnect your trailer more carefully.
● Connecting

Set the height control of electronically modulated air suspension
system to “N” mode.

Turn off the engine, or set the electronically modulated air suspen-
sion system to manual mode. (

→P. 291)

Connect the trailer.

Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start the
engine.

Press the height control mode select switch to cancel the manual
mode condition that was set on step

Check that the “OFF” indicator turns off.
Set the height control of electronically modulated air suspension
system to “N” mode.

● Disconnecting

Set the height control of electronically modulated air suspension
system to “N” mode.

Set the electronically modulated air suspension system to manual
mode.

Turn off the engine.

Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise the
hitch by 4 in. (100 mm).

Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start the
engine.

Press the height control mode select switch to cancel the manual
mode condition that was set on step

Check that the “OFF” indicator turns off.

Wait until vehicle height is stabilized.

Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If the hitch does not discon-
nect, raise the hitch higher and repeat steps

through

Move the vehicle forward in “LO” mode where the hitch does not touch
anything in “N” mode.

Set the height control of electronically modulated air suspension system to
“N” mode.

Connecting and disconnecting a trailer (vehicles with electroni-
cally modulated air suspension)

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Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to 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 towing speed limit.

● Toyota recommends that the vehicle-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 speed 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 trailer 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 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.

Trailer towing tips

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● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making

turns.

● 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.

● Slow down before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery

surfaces, etc.
Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.

● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider-

able distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you have plenty of room before changing
lanes.

● To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-

mance when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in
D.

● Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long

downhill grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do
not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long down-
hill grades.

● 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.

● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may over-

heat on hot days (at temperatures over 85 °F [30 °C]) when driving
up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge
indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(

→P. 485)

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● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s

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’s and
trailer’s wheels.

When the wheel blocks are in place, 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 P, start the engine. Be sure to keep the
brake pedal pressed.

Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.

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.

■

Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height

No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a safer trailer hookup, the
trailer ball setup must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.

Coupler

Trailer ball

STO41ADU06

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■

Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:

●

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (

→P. 501)

●

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 “TOW/HAUL” button (if equipped)

■

AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for improvement in drivability. (

→P. 295)

■

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 “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”.)

●

Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

Toyota Sequoia (2018 year). Instruction - part 12