Cargo And Luggage - Toyota RAV4 Owner's Manual

208
4-1. Before driving

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following
information about storage pre-
cautions, cargo capacity and
load.
WARNING
■ Things that must not be carried
in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire
if loaded in the luggage compartment:
● Receptacles containing gasoline
● Aerosol cans
■ Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the ped-
als from being depressed properly,
may block the driver's vision, or may
result in items hitting the driver or
passengers, possibly causing an acci-
dent.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the lug-
gage compartment whenever pos-
sible.
●
Do not stack anything in the lug-
gage compartment higher than the
seatbacks.
● When you fold down the rear seats,
long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
● Never allow anyone to ride in the
luggage compartment. It is not
designed for passengers. They
should ride in their seats with their
seat belts properly fastened. Other-
wise, they are much more likely to
suffer death or serious bodily injury,
in the event of sudden braking, sud-
den swerving or an accident.
●
Do not place cargo or luggage in or
on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear
seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover (if equipped)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
● Secure all items in the occupant
compartment.
■
Load and distribution
● Do not overload your vehicle.
●
Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterio-
ration of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious
injury.
■
When loading cargo on the roof
luggage carrier (if equipped)
Observe the following precautions:
● Place the cargo so that its weight is
distributed evenly between the front
and rear axles.
● If loading long or wide cargo, never
exceed the vehicle overall length or
width. (P.596)
●
Before driving, make sure the cargo
is securely fastened on the roof lug-
gage carrier.
● Loading cargo on the roof luggage
carrier will make the center of grav-
ity of the vehicle higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,
sudden braking or abrupt maneu-
vers, otherwise it may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover due to
failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly and result in death or serious
injury.
● If driving for a long distance, on
rough roads, or at high speeds,
stop the vehicle now and then
during the trip to make sure the
cargo remains in its place.