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