Toyota RAV4 2019 Owner's Manual page 146

144
4-1. Before driving
WARNING
●
Depending on the type of trailer
coupler you use, the trailer ball may
need to be coated with grease. If
so, apply grease to the trailer ball in
accordance with the instructions of
the manufacturer of the trailer cou-
pler.
●
Remove the hitch ball whenever
you are not towing a trailer.
Remove the trailer hitch if you do
not need it. After removing the
hitch, seal any mounting holes in
the vehicle body to prevent entry of
any substances into the vehicle.
NOTICE
■
When installing a trailer hitch
●
Use only the position recom-
mended by your Toyota dealer. Do
not install the trailer hitch on the
bumper; this may cause body dam-
age.
●
Do not use axle-mounted hitches,
as they can cause damage to the
axle housing, wheel bearings,
wheels or tires.
Selecting a trailer ball
Use the correct trailer ball for your
application.
A
Trailer ball load rating
Matches or exceeds the gross trailer
weight rating of the trailer.
B
Shank length
Protrudes beyond the bottom of the
lock washer and nut at least 2 threads.
C Shank diameter
Matches the ball mount hole diameter
size.
D
Ball diameter
Matches the size of the trailer coupler.
Most couplers are stamped with the
required trailer ball size.
Connecting trailer lights
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.
NOTICE
■
Do not directly splice trailer
lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may
damage your vehicle's electrical sys-
tem and cause a malfunction.
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious
injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:
 Before starting out, check the
trailer lights and the vehicle-
trailer connections. Recheck