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240
4-1. Before driving
Safety checks before towing
Check that the maximum load limit for
the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the
coupling weight of the trailer will add
to the load exerted on the vehicle.
Also make sure that the total load
exerted on the vehicle is within the
range of the weight limits. (P.241)
Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
Supplementary outside rear view mir-
rors should be added to the vehicle if
the traffic behind cannot be clearly
seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the
extending arms of these mirrors on
both sides of the vehicle so that they
always provide maximum visibility of
the road behind.
The trailer ball is set up at the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more
frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight bur-
den placed on the vehicle compared
to normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitch-
ing ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
WARNING
Follow all the instructions described in
this section.
Failure to do so could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious
injury.
Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of
the weight limits are exceeded.
(P.241)
To avoid accident or injury
Do not use cruise control (if
equipped), dynamic radar cruise con-
trol (if equipped) or dynamic radar
cruise control with full-speed range (if
equipped) when trailer towing.
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds
for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long
declines
Reduce speed and downshift. How-
ever, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill
grades.
Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal
depressed often or for long periods of
time.
Doing so may result in the brake over-
heating or reduce braking effects.
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capac-
ity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle
Capacity), and permissible drawbar
load before towing. (P.744)
Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the
Toyota hitch/bracket for your vehi-
cle. Other products of a suitable
nature and comparable quality may
also be used.
When using the Toyota
hitch/bracket, use the reinforce-
ment patch. Contact your Toyota
dealer for details.
For vehicles where the towing
device blocks any of the lights or
license plate, the following shall be
observed:
Do not use towing devices that
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