Toyota 2006 Rav4 Owner's Manual page 324

NOTICE
Do not use an axle- mounting hitch as
it may cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels and/
or tires.
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
D
Toyota recommends trailers
brakes that conform to any applica-
ble federal and state/provincial regu-
lations.
D A safety chain must always be used
between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should
cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes dam-
aged or separated. For correct safety
chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer's recommenda-
tions.
314
'06 Rav4_U (L/O 0601)
CAUTION
D If the total trailer weight exceeds
272 kg (600 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
D Never tap into your vehicle's hy-
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
with
D 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 over into another
lane.
TIRES
D
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are
properly inflated. See page 372 Section
7- 2 and page 397 in Section 8 for
instructions.
D
The trailer tires should be inflated to
the pressure recommended by the trail-
er manufacturer in respect to the total
trailer weight.
TRAILER LIGHTS
D
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations.
See your local recreational
dealer or rental agency for the correct
type of wiring and relays for your trail-
er. Check for correct operation of the
turn signals and stop lights each time
you hitch up. Direct splicing may dam-
age your vehicle's electrical system
and cause a malfunction of your lights.
BREAK- IN SCHEDULE
D
Toyota recommends that you do not
tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a
vehicle with any new power train com-
ponent (engine, transmission, differen-
tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first
800 km (500 miles) of driving.
MAINTENANCE
D
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will
require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. For this informa-
tion, please refer to the scheduled
maintenance information in the "Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide" or "Owner's
Manual Supplement".
D Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing
ball and bracket after approximately
1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
2005 RAV4 from Jan. '06 Prod. (OM42620U)
vehicle