Towing Precautions - Toyota RAV4 1997 Owner's Manual

TOWING PRECAUTIONS:

Use a safety chain system for all towing,
and abide by the state/provincial and local
laws. The wheels and axle on the ground
must be in good condition. If they are
damaged, use a towing dolly.
Two-wheel drive models—
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck
From front—Release the parking brake.
NOTICE
When lifting wheels, take care to
ensure adequate ground clearance
for towing at the opposite end of the
raised vehicle. Otherwise, the
bumper and/or underbody of the
towed vehicle will be damaged
during towing.
From rear—
D Manual transmission:
We recommend using a towing dolly
under the front wheels. If you do not
use a towing dolly, place the ignition
key in the "ACC" position and put the
transmission in neutral.
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NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or
in the "LOCK" position when
towing from the rear without a
towing dolly. The steering lock
mechanism is not strong enough to
hold the front wheels straight.
D Automatic transmission:
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an
automatic transmission from the
rear with the front wheels on the
ground, as this may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
(b) Using a flat bed truck
Four-wheel drive models—
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
Using a towing dolly under the wheels not
lifted by the truck.
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(b) Using flat bed truck
All models—
(c) Towing with sling type truck
NOTICE
Do not tow with sling type truck,
either from the front or rear. This
may cause body damage.