TOYOTA 2011 Rav4 - Manual (Page 244)

218
2-5. Driving information
Connecting trailer lights
Please consult your dealer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect
installation may cause damage to the vehicle's lights. Please take
care to comply with your state's laws when installing trailer lights.
■
Before towing
●
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (
→P. 484)
●
Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendation.
●
All trailer lights must work in order to be legal.
●
Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
●
The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
●
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■
Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■
Maintenance
●
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner's Manual Supplement”.)
●
Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.