Toyota Tacoma U 2001 Manual page 210

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 with brakes
that conform to any applicable federal
and state/provincial regulations.
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 damaged or sepa-
rated. For correct safety chain proce-
dures, follow the hitch or trailer
manufacturer's recommendations.
212
'01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009)
CAUTION
D
If the total trailer weight exceeds
453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
D
Never tap into your vehicle's hy-
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
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 Section 7–2 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.
2001 TACOMA (OM35766U)
TRAILER LIGHTS
D
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations.
See your local recreational vehicle
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".