Toyota Sienna (2019 year). Manual - part 14

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Vehicle load limits

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Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): 

P. 516

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

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Seating capacity
Without second center seat: 7 occupants (Front 2, Rear 5)
With second center 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. 

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TWR (Trailer Weight Rating): 

P. 214, 516

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

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Cargo capacity

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

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Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.

(

P. 429)

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

WARNING

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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 (with towing package)

Contact  your  Toyota  dealer  for  further  information  about  additional
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).

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.

Towing related terms

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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.

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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).

Front GAWR

Rear GAWR

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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  sys-
tems (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.

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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.

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Tongue Weight
The  load  placed  on  the  trailer
hitch ball. (

P. 215)

(With brakes)

(Without brakes)

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The gross trailer weight must never exceed 3500 lb. (1585 kg).



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The  gross  combination  weight  must  never  exceed  the  GCWR
described below.
2WD models: 8900 lb. (4037 kg)



AWD models: 8990 lb. (4078 kg)



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The  gross  vehicle  weight  must
never  exceed  the  GVWR  indi-
cated on the Certification Label.

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The gross axle weight on each
axle  must  never  exceed  the
GAWR indicated on the Certifi-
cation Label.

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If the gross trailer weight is over the unbraked TWR, trailer service
brakes are required.

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If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (907 kg), a sway control
device with sufficient capacity is required.

Weight limits



: The towing package is required.

Toyota  does  not  recommend  towing  with  this  vehicle  without  the  towing
package.

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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.

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GCWR



2WD models: 8900 lb. (4037 kg)
AWD models: 8990 lb. (4078 kg)

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TWR



3500 lb. (1585 kg)

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Unbraked TWR



1000 lb. (450 kg)

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR 



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

tional per SAE J2807.
The towing package is required.
Toyota  does  not  recommend  towing  with  this  vehicle  without  the  towing
package.

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A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.

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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 

 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 weighing sta-
tion, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

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.

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If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.

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Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment of your vehicle.

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Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.

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Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.

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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.

Trailer Tongue Weight

1

2

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.

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Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height

Selecting trailer ball

Trailer class

Typical  trailer  ball
size

IV

2 5/16 in.

II and III

2 in.

I

1 7/8 in.

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2

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

Coupler
Trailer ball

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4

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Hitch receiver pin hole position:
37.3 in. (949.8 mm)

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.

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:

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Speed limits for towing a  trailer  vary  by  state  or  province. Do not
exceed the posted towing speed limit.

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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.

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Before  starting  out,  check  the  trailer  lights,  tires  and  the  vehicle-
trailer connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.

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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.

Positions for towing hitch receiver

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Connecting trailer lights

Trailer towing tips

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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 acci-
dent.

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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.

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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.

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Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

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Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making
a turn.

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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.

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Slow down before making a turn, in crosswinds, on wet or slippery
surfaces, etc. 
Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.

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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.

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To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in
D. If in the S mode, transmission shift range position must be in 6 or
lower.

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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.

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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.

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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
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull
your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. (

P. 509)

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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.

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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.

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Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:

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

P. 522)

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Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommen-
dation.

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All trailer lights work as required by law.

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All lights work each time you connect them.

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The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.

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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.

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The trailer cargo is securely loaded.

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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.

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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.

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Maintenance

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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”.)

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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WARNING

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Trailer towing precautions
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance
with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions. Failure to do  so
could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle stability
and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake setting and
performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently when towing
a trailer.

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To avoid accident or injury

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Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.

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

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Adjust the tongue weight within the appropriate range. Place heavier loads
as close to the trailer axle as possible.

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Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit or the
speed  limit  for  your  trailer  as  set  forth  in  your  trailer  owner’s  manual,
whichever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently before making a turn, in cross-
winds,  on  wet  or  slippery  surface,  etc.  to  help  avoid  an  accident.  If  you
experience a vehicle-trailer instability from reducing a certain speed, slow
down  and  make  sure  you  keep  your  vehicle  speed  under  the  speed  of
which you experience the instability.

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Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp turns.

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Do not apply the brakes suddenly as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing
and loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery sur-
faces.

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Do  not  exceed  the  trailer  hitch  assembly  weight,  gross  vehicle  weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue weight capacities.

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WARNING

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To avoid accident or injury

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Do not use cruise control when towing.

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Slow  down  and  downshift  before  descending  steep  or  long  downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long
downhill grades.

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Vehicle-trailer  instability  is  more  likely  on  steep  long  downhills.  Before
descending steep or long downhill grades, slow down and downshift. Do
not  make  sudden  downshifts  when  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.

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Vehicles with compact spare tire: Do not tow a trailer when the compact
spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

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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.

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When towing a trailer
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.

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If  the  gross  trailer  weight  exceeds  unbraked  TWR,  trailer  brakes  are
required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all appli-
cable federal and state/provincial regulations.

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Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle’s braking effectiveness.

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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.

NOTICE

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When installing a trailer hitch
Use  only  the  position  recommended  by  your Toyota  dealer.  Do  not  install
the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.

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Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage
your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

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SIENNA_OM_OM08025U_(U)

4-1. Before driving

Dinghy towing

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

NOTICE

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To avoid serious damage to your vehicle

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To prevent causing serious damage to the transaxle and Active Torque
Control 4WD system (AWD models)

Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels
on the ground.

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2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from
the  rear  with  the  front  wheels  on  the
ground. This may cause serious damage
to the transaxle.

AWD models: Never tow this vehicle with
any  of  the  wheels  on  the  ground.  This
may  cause  serious  damage  to  the  tran-
saxle  and  Active  Torque  Control  4WD
system.

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