Toyota 2004 Matrix Owner's Manual page 213

HITCHES
Use only a weight carrying
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designed for the total trailer weight.
Toyota does not recommend using a
weight distribution (load equalizing)
hitch.
The hitch must be bolted securely to
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the vehicle frame and installed accord-
ing to the hitch manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
The hitch ball should have a light coat
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of grease.
Toyota recommends that the
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hitch be removed when not towing to
prevent injury and/or damage by the
hitch in event of a rear end collision.
After removing the hitch, the installa-
tion area should be sealed to prevent
entry of exhaust fumes and mud.
NOTICE
Do not use an axle−mounting hitch as
it may cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels and/
or tires.
'04 MATRIX_U (L/O 0307)
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
hitch Toyota recommends
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brakes that conform to any applica-
ble federal and state/provincial regu-
lations.
A safety chain must always be used
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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
trailer
chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer's
tions.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds
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453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
Never tap into your vehicle's hy-
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draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
Never tow a trailer without using a
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trailers with
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
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are
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properly inflated. See page 264 in Sec-
tion 7−2 and page 294 in Section 8 for
instructions.
recommenda-
The trailer tires should be inflated to
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the pressure recommended by the trail-
er manufacturer in respect to the total
trailer weight.
TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
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state/provincial and local regulations.
See your local
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.
2004 MATRIX from Oct. '03 Prod. (OM12861U)
recreational vehicle
205