Toyota 4Runner (2020 year). Instruction — part 12

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NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain the engine output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if
the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for
an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering pump.

●

When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-
cle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will behave abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (



P. 492)

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NOTICE

■

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, transfer (4WD models), differentials, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.

●

Be sure all items are secured in place.

●

To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage evenly
within the luggage compartment.

●

For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

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Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) — (Total weight of occupants)

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit —

(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and

cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s
placard.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that

will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from

XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-

gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400



750 (5



150) =

650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded

on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult this instruction to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.

(



P. 522)

Capacity and distribution

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Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (



P. 522)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in
your vehicle, which has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)
of B lb. (kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity
will be C lb. (kg) as follows:
B

*

2

lb. (kg) - A

*

1

lb. (kg) = C

*

3

lb. (kg)

*

1

: A =Weight of people

*

2

: B =Total load capacity

*

3

: C =Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of D

lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced E

lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D

*

4

lb. (kg) = E

*

5

lb. (kg)

*

4

: D =Additional weight of people

*

5

: E =Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount
that equals the increased weight due 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.

Calculation formula for your vehicle

1

2

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■

When using the roof rails (if equipped)

●

To use the roof rails as a roof luggage

carrier, you must fit the roof rails with

two or more genuine Toyota cross rails

or their equivalent.

●

When there is no luggage on the roof

luggage carrier Toyota recommends

that the front and rear cross rails be

secured in the positions indicated in

the illustration. This may reduce wind

noise while driving.

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-
ment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or
passengers, possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-
ble.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher
than the seatbacks.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

●

When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer
death or serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden
swerving or an accident.

Roof rails

Cross rails

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WARNING

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.

■

When loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier

Observe the following precautions:

●

Place the cargo so that its weight is distributed evenly between the
front and rear axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo, never exceed the vehicle overall length
or width. (



P. 522

)

●

Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof
luggage carrier.

●

Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of grav-
ity of the vehicle higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,
sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of
control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly
and result in death or serious injury.

●

If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop
the vehicle now and then during the trip to make sure the cross rails
are fixed securely and that the cargo remains in its place.

●

Do not exceed 120 lb. (54 kg) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier.

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier

Be careful not to scratch the surface of the moon roof (if equipped).

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◆

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): (



P. 522)

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

◆

Seating capacity
Vehicle without third seats: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Vehicle with third seats: 7 occupants (Front 2, Rear 5)

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

◆

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating): (



P. 197, 522)

TWR means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo weight) that you 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. 434)

Vehicle load limits

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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■

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. 197)

(Without brakes)

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●

The gross trailer weight must never exceed the TWR described in
the table. (



P. 197)

●

The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR
described in the table. (



P. 197)

●

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 service
brakes are required.

●

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

*

■

Unbraked TWR

*

1655 lb. (750 kg)

*

: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE Interna-

tional per SAE J2807.

●

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

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.

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR

Driving system

Trailer Weight

Rating

GCWR

2WD

5000 lb.

(2270 kg)

11100 lb. (5035 kg)

4WD

11300 lb. (5125 kg)

Trailer Tongue Weight

1

2

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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 hitch ball whenever you are not towing a trailer.
Remove the trailer hitch if you do not need it. 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

1

2

Trailer class

Typical trailer ball size

IV

2 5/16 in.

II and III

2 in.

I

1 7/8 in.

3

4