Toyota corolla 2004 Owner's Manual page 176

Total trailer weight Tongue load
Tongue load
100 = 9 to 11%
Total trailer weight
D
The trailer cargo load should be
distributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11% of the total trailer
weight, not exceeding the maximum
of 68 kg (150 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.
176
'04 Corolla_U (L/O 0306)
HITCHES
D
Use only a hitch which is recom-
mended by the hitch manufacturer and
conforms to the total trailer weight re-
quirement.
D
Follow the directions supplied by the
hitch manufacturer. Lubricate the hitch
ball with a light coat of grease.
D
Toyota recommends removing the trail-
er hitch whenever you are not towing
a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch
if your vehicle is struck from behind.
NOTICE
Do not use axle−mounted hitches as
they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires. Also, never install a hitch which
may interfere with the normal function
of an Energy Absorbing Bumper, if so
equipped.
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
D
Toyota recommends trailers
brakes that conform to any applica-
ble federal and state/provincial regu-
lations.
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 dam-
aged or separated. For correct safety
chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer's recommenda-
tions.
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
with
lane.
2004 COROLLA from Oct. '03 Prod. (OM12859U)