Toyota 2009 Tundra, Manual

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2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
n To avoid accident or injury
l Speed limit for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not exceed the
posted towing speed limit.
l Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
l Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
l Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.
l 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.
l Do not tow the vehicle with the temporary spare tire installed.
n
Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the
hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight
rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum
weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight
rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in
death or serious personal injuries.
n When towing a trailer
l If the gross trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (453 kg), trailer brakes are
required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all appli-
cable federal and state/provincial regulations.
l Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle’s braking effectiveness.
l
Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both
the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch
ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.