Hitches; Brakes And Safety Chains; Tires; Trailer Lights - Toyota 1997 Corolla Owner's Manual

HITCHES

S Use only a hitch which is recom-
mended by the hitch manufacturer and
conforms to the total trailer weight re-
quirement.
S Follow the directions supplied by the
hitch manufacturer, and bolt the hitch
securely to the rear bumper. Lubricate
the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
S Toyota recommends that the trailer
hitch be removed when not towing to
reduce the possibility of additional
damage caused by the hitch if your ve-
hicle is struck from behind. After re-
moving the hitch, seal any mounting
holes in the vehicle body to prevent
entry of pollutants such as exhaust
fumes, dirt, water, etc.
NOTICE
Do not use an axle−mounting
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.
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BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS

S Toyota recommends trailers with
brakes that conform to any applica-
ble federal and state/provincial reg-
ulations.
S 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 seperated. For correct
safety chain procedures, follow the
hitch or trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendations.
!
CAUTION
S If the total trailer weight exceeds
453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
S Never tap into your vehicle's hy-
draulic system as it would lower
its braking effectiveness.
S 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

S Ensure that your vehicle's tires are
properly inflated. See Chapter 7−2 for
instructions.
S The trailer tires should be inflated to
the pressure recommended by the
trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.

TRAILER LIGHTS

S 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.