Toyota Rav4 Operation Manual page 152

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Total trailer weight
Tongue load
Tongue load
 100=9 to 11 %
Total trailer weight
"
The trailer cargo load should be
distributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11 % of the total trailer
weight, not exceeding 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.
152
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HITCHES
"
Use only a weight carrying
designed for the total trailer weight.
Toyota does not recommend using a
weight distribution (load equalizing)
hitch.
"
The hitch must be bolted securely to
the vehicle frame and installed accord-
ing to the hitch manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
"
The hitch ball should have a light coat
of grease.
"
Toyota recommends that the
hitch be removed when not towing to
prevent injury and/or damage by the
hitch in event of a rear end collision.
After removing the hitch, the installa-
tion area should be sealed to prevent
entry of exhaust fumes and mud.
NOTICE
Do not use an axle- mounting hitch as
it may cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels and/
or tires.
'98 Rav4U
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
"
hitch Toyota recommends trailers with brakes
that conform to any applicable federal
and state/provincial regulations.
"
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 sepa-
rated. For correct safety chain proce-
dures, follow the hitch
trailer
manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION
"
If the total trailer weight exceeds
272 kg (600 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
"
Never tap into your vehicle's hy-
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
or trailer