Toyota RAV4 2001 Operating Manual page 176

HITCHES
"
Use only a weight carrying
designed for the total trailer weight.
Toyota does not recommend using a
weight distribution (load equalizing)
hitch.
"
The hitch must be bolted securely to
the vehicle frame and installed accord-
ing to the hitch manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
"
The hitch ball should have a light coat
of grease.
"
Toyota recommends that the trailer
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.
176
'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
"
hitch Toyota recommends trailers with brakes
that conform to any applicable federal
and state/provincial regulations.
"
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
manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION
"
If the total trailer weight exceeds
272 kg (600 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
"
Never tap into your vehicle's hy-
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
2001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
"
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
"
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are
properly inflated. See page 225 Section
7–2 for instructions.
or trailer
"
The trailer tires should be inflated to
the pressure recommended by the trail-
er manufacturer in respect to the total
trailer weight.
TRAILER LIGHTS
"
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.
vehicle