trailer TOYOTA AVENSIS 2012 User Guide

350 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load
should not exceed the gross vehi-
cle mass by more than 100 kg
(220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight
is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle
should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity by 15%
or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity
were derived from testing con-
ducted at sea level. Take note
that engine output and towing
capacity will be reduced at high
altitudes.
CAUTION
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 80 km/h (50 mph), whichever is the lower.

352 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Tire information
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 739)
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
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
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).
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle
for towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle com-
pared to normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).

353 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
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 you will
not be towing a load that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capac-
ity.
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.
NOTICE
When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned which may result in
damage. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attach-
ing a steel bracket.

354 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Guidance
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 setting 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 right. Always rotate gradu-
ally to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you when
reversing to lessen the risk of 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 sur-
faces.

355 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer collid-
ing with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approach-
ing 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.
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 apply-
ing the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while brak-
ing.
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.

356 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Transmission information
Multidrive or automatic transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “D”. Select an appropriate
gear in “M” mode.
Manual transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “6”.
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
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 710)
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” for Multidrive or automatic transmission, and “1” or “R” for man-
ual transmission.

357 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
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
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.

764 Alphabetical index
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Spark plug ................................ 734
Specifications .......................... 720
Speech command switch
*...... 451
Speed limiter ............................ 300
Speedometer ............................ 242
Steering
Adjustment ............................ 116
Column lock release ..... 213, 217
Steering wheel
audio switches .................... 439
Steering wheel position
memory............................... 103
Storage feature ........................ 481
Storage precautions ................ 342
Stuck
If your vehicle becomes
stuck ................................... 714
Sun visors ................................ 489
Sunshade
Panoramic roof...................... 498
Rear ...................................... 501
Rear side............................... 502
Switch
Emergency flasher switch ..... 604
Engine switch ................ 210, 215
Fog light switch ..................... 267
Hazard light switch ................ 604
Ignition switch ............... 210, 215
Light switches ....................... 262
Power window switch ............ 125
Rear window wiper and
washer switch ..................... 274
“SPORT” switch ............ 220, 226
Steering wheel
switches .............. 250, 439, 451
Window lock switch ............... 125
Wipers and washer
switch.......................... 269, 274Tachometer .............................. 242
Tail lights
Switch ................................... 262
Talk switch
*............................. 451
Telephone switch
*.................. 451
Theft deterrent system
Alarm .................................... 146
Engine immobilizer system ... 135
Tire inflation pressure ............. 556
Tires
Chains................................... 346
Checking ............................... 552
If you have a flat
tire ...................... 648, 662, 676
Inflation pressure .................. 556
Replacing .............. 648, 662, 676
Rotating tires......................... 552
Size ....................................... 739
Snow tires ............................. 344
Spare tire .............................. 648
Tools ......................... 648, 662, 676
“touch screen”
*...................... 383
Towing
Emergency towing ................ 606
Trailer towing ........................ 348
Toyota parking
assist-sensor ......................... 303
Traction control ....................... 327
TRC ........................................... 327
Trip information display.......... 251
Trip meter ................................. 242
Trunk
Extending a space ................ 497
Trunk handle ........................... 89
Trunk light ............................... 89
Trunk opener .......................... 88
Turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs............. 585
Switch ................................... 236
Wattage ................................ 744
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