Toyota Land Cruiser 1996 Owner's Manual page 129

HITCHES
D Use only a weight carrying hitch de-
signed for the total trailer weight. Toyo-
ta does not recommend using a weight
distribution (load equalizing) hitch.
D The hitch must be bolted securely to
the vehicle frame and installed accord-
ing to the hitch manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
D The hitch ball and king pin should have
a light coat of grease.
D Toyota recommends removing the
hitch when not towing to prevent injury
and/or damage due to the hitch in
event of a rear end collision. After re-
moval of the hitch, seal the installation
area 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.
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
S Toyota recommends trailers with
brakes that conform to any applica-
ble federal and state/provincial reg-
ulations.
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D 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 separated. For correct
safety chain procedures, follow the
hitch or trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendations.
!
D If the total trailer weight exceeds
453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
D Never tap into your vehicle's hy-
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
D 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.
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CAUTION
TIRES
D Ensure that your vehicle's tires are
properly inflated. See Chapter 7-2 for
instructions.
D The trailer tires should be inflated to
the pressure recommended by the
trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
TRAILER LIGHTS
D 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.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
D Toyota recommends that you do not
tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a ve-
hicle with any new power train compo-
nent (engine, transmission, differen-
tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first
800 km (500 miles) of driving.
127