2015 Toyota Land Cruiser Owners Manual - Driving information

Driving information

Off-road precautions

This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications.

Off-road vehicle feature

• Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
•  An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road allowing you to anticipate problems.
•  It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.

Off-road driving

When driving your vehicle off-road, please observe the following precautions to ensure your driving enjoyment and to help prevent the closure of areas to off-road vehicles.

•  Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permitted to travel.
•  Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering private property.
•  Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that restrict travel.
•  Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving techniques should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to roads.

• Additional information for off-road driving

   

• For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:

To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road, consult the following organizations.

• State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
• State Motor Vehicle Bureau
• Recreational Vehicle Clubs
• U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo capacity and load.

•  Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
•  Be sure all items are secured in place.
•  Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
•  For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

•  Roof luggage carrier (if equipped)

   

1. Roof rails
2. Cross rails

Adjusting the position of cross rails (if equipped)

Turn the knobs counterclockwise to release the cross rails.

Slide the cross rails to the appropriate position for loading luggage and turn the knobs clockwise to tighten the cross rails securely.

Capacity and distribution

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

Calculation formula for your vehicle

1. Cargo capacity
2. Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)

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 equaling the combined weight of the occupants who got on later, by an amount. 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.

Vehicle load limits

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

•  Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight):

   

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

•  Seating capacity: 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.

Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity, do not exceed the total load capacity.

•  TWR (Trailer Weight Rating): , 668

   

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. (→

Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.

•  Pre-winter preparations

   

•  Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.

•  Engine oil
•  Engine coolant
•  Washer fluid

•  Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
•  Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for the rear tires.

Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match the size of the tires.

• Before driving the vehicle

   

Perform the following according to the driving conditions.

•  Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.

  Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.

•  To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield.
•  Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes.
•  Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the vehicle.

•  When driving the vehicle

   

Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.

•  When parking the vehicle

   

Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.

Selection tire chains

Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.

Chain size is regulated for each tire size.

1. Side chain (0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
2. Cross chain (0.25 in. [6.3 mm] in diameter)

Regulations on the use of tire chains

• Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
•  Retighten the chains after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).

• Tire chains

   

Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.

• Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
• Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install the chains on the front tires.
• Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying manual.

Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload 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 additional requirements such as towing kits, etc.

Towing related terms

• 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 vehicle weight is the total weight of the vehicle. When towing a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle weight (including the occupants, cargo and any optional equipment installed on the vehicle) and the tongue weight.

• 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, 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.

• Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)

   

The trailer weight rating for towing a trailer without a trailer service brake system.

• Tongue Weight

   

The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.

Weight limits

• The gross trailer weight must never exceed 8100 lb. (3670 kg)
•  The gross combination weight must never exceed 14400 lb.

  (6532 kg)

• The gross vehicle weight must never exceed the GVWR indicated on the Certification Label.
•  The gross axle weight on each axle must never exceed the GAWR indicated on the Certification 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.
•  If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb. (2268 kg), a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity is required.

GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWR, Fifth wheel and Gooseneck towing TWR

Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the limits.

• GCWR*

   

14400 lb. (6532 kg)

•  TWR*

   

8100 lb. (3670 kg)

•  Unbraked TWR*

   

1000 lb. (454 kg)

*: This model meets the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per SAE J2807.

Trailer Tongue Weight

• 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%)

1. Gross trailer weight
2. 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 weighing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota recommends 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 requirement 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.

Removing hitch cover

Remove the clip.

Grasp the lower edge of the hitch cover and raise the cover.

When reattaching the cover, reverse the steps listed.

Selecting trailer ball

Use the correct trailer ball for your application.

1. Trailer ball load rating

Matches or exceeds the gross trailer weight rating of the trailer.

Ball diameter

2. Matches the size of the trailer

coupler. Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.

3. Shank length

Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2 threads.

4. Shank diameter

Matches the ball mount hole diameter size.

Positions for towing hitch receiver

1. Hitch receiver pin hole position: 45.3 in. (1151 mm)

Connecting trailer lights

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

Please consult your dealer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installation may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights.

Please take care to comply with your state’s laws when installing trailer lights.

Trailer towing tips

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 vehicletrailer 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 the 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 accident.

•  As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-tovehicle 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 jackknifing and loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
• Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
•  Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making a turn.
•  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 crosswinds, on wet or slippery surfaces, etc.

  Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.

•  Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable 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 performance, when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in “D”. If in the S mode, the transmission shift range position must be in 5 or lower.
•  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 downhill 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 overheat 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.
• 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:

STEP 1

Apply the brakes and keep them applied.

STEP 2

Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s wheels.

STEP 3

When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load.

STEP 4

Apply the parking brake firmly.

STEP 5

Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.

•  When restarting after parking on a slope:

STEP 1

With the transmission in “P”, start the engine. Be sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.

STEP 2

Shift into “D” or “R” (if reversing).

STEP 3

Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.

STEP 4

Have someone retrieve the blocks.

• Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height

   

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

1. Coupler
2. Trailer ball

• Before towing

   

Check that the following conditions are met:

• Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
• Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.
• 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 towing purposes.

• 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 recommends 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 “Owner’s Warranty Information Booklet” or “Scheduled Maintenance Guide/Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
• Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

• If trailer sway occurs

   

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.

• If trailer swaying occurs:

•  Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead. Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
•  Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce speed. Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also help to stabilize the vehicle and trailer.)

• After the trailer swaying has stopped:

•  Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.
•  Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
•  Check the load in the trailer.

   

  Make sure the load has not shifted.

  Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.

•  Check the load in the vehicle.

   

  Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination.

Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases.

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.