Toyota Yaris Owner's Manual page 172

Total trailer weight Tongue load
SY31001a
The trailer cargo load should be
D
distributed so that the tongue load
is more than 25 kg (55.1 lb.) and
more than 4% of the towing capac-
ity. However the tongue load must
not exceed 50 kg (110 lb.).
Never load the trailer with more
weight in the back than in the
front. About 60% of the trailer load
should be in the front half of the
trailer and the remaining 40% in the
rear.
HITCHES
Use only a hitch which is recom-
D
mended by the hitch manufacturer and
conforms to the total trailer weight re-
quirement.
Follow the directions supplied by the
D
hitch manufacturer, and bolt the hitch
securely to the vehicle. Lubricate the
hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
Toyota recommends removing
D
tongue whenever you are not towing a
trailer to reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage caused if your vehicle is
struck from behind.
If removing the hitch assembly, seal
D
any mounting holes in the vehicle body
to prevent entry of pollutants such as
exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc.
NOTICE
Do not use axle−mounted hitches as
they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels of
tires.
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
Toyota recommends
D
brakes that conform to any applica-
ble state law.
Safety chains must always be used
D
between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chains for turns. The chains should
cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping to
the
the ground in case it becomes dam-
aged or the trailer separates from
the vehicle. For correct safety chains
procedures, follow the hitch or trail-
er manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds
D
550 kg (1212 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
Never tap into your vehicle's hy-
D
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
trailers with
165