towing TOYOTA AURIS HYBRID 2014 User Guide

2504-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
Gross vehicle mass
Vehicle category M1 models*
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the
gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this
weight is dangerous.
Vehicle category N1 models*
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, cargo, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load must not exceed the gross vehi-
cle mass. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
Vehicle category M1 models*
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum
permissible rear axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this
weight is dangerous.
Vehicle category N1 models*
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum
permissible rear axle capacity. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at
sea level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be
reduced at high altitudes.
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2514-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
4
Driving
*: To distinguish the vehicle category, ask any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
Vehicle category M1 models*: When the gross vehicle mass limit or
maximum permissible axle capacity is exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is the lower.
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.

2524-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
838 mm (33.0 in.)
509 mm (20.0 in.)
374 mm (14.7 in.)
308 mm (12.1 in.)
371 mm (14.6 in.)
35 mm (1.4 in.)
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
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2534-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
4
Driving
Tire information
Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 3 psi)
greater than the recommended value when towing. (P. 750)
Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
Trailer lights
Please consult at any authorized dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installa-
tion may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take care to comply
with your state’s laws when installing trailer lights.
Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
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. 249)
Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
Supplementary outside rear view mirrors 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.
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to
normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).

2554-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
4
Driving
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:
Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between
the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before
starting off.
Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little
at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of an accident.
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This
is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching
turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.
Guidance

2564-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying
the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.
Transmission information
Multidrive:
To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not use the transmission in
D, must be in M and select gear step 4 or lower. (P. 293)
Multi-mode manual transmission:
Select an appropriate gear in M position to maintain the effective-
ness of engine braking and to maintain charging system perfor-
mance.
Manual transmission:
Refrain from driving in 6th gear to maintain the effectiveness of
engine braking and to maintain charging system performance.
If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 720)

2574-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
4
Driving
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P
(Multidrive), E, M or R (multi-mode manual transmission) and 1 or R
(manual transmission).
CAUTION
Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
(P. 249)
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, 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 overheating or reduce braking effects.
To avoid accident or injury
Vehicles with a cruise control: Do not use cruise control when you are tow-
ing.
Vehicles with a compact spare tire: Do not tow a trailer when the compact
spare tire is installed on your vehicle.
Vehicles with an emergency tire puncture repair kit: Do not tow the vehicle
when the tire installed is repaired with the emergency tire puncture repair
kit.
NOTICE
Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle's electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

2584-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
Trailer towing (hybrid model)
For this model, only vehicles with a towing package can tow
another vehicle. Before towing, check the gross combination
vehicle mass and gross vehicle mass described on the informa-
tion tag (manufacturer's label) to see whether or not your vehicle
can tow another vehicle. (P. 261)
If the gross combination vehicle mass is greater than the gross
vehicle mass, your vehicle is equipped with a towing package
and can tow another vehicle. On the other hand, if the gross
combination vehicle mass is the same as the gross vehicle
mass, your vehicle is not equipped with a towing package and
cannot tow another vehicle.
Vehicles without a towing package
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch
or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicy-
cle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing or for the
use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

2594-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
4
Driving
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, gross vehicle mass, maximum
permissible axle capacity, and permissible drawbar load before tow-
ing. (P. 732)
Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable quality
may also be used.
Vehicles with a towing package
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety
and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of
others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating con-
ditions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional for further details
before towing, as there are additional legal requirements in
some countries.

2604-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12G88E)
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus
the trailer load should be within
the maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (P. 732)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that
the drawbar load is greater than
25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the tow-
ing capacity. Do not let the draw-
bar load exceed the indicated
weight. (P. 732)
Important points regarding trailer loads
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