towing TOYOTA CAMRY 2008 XV40 / 8.G Owners Manual

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2-3. Operating the lights and wipers .............................. 152
Headlight switch .................. 152
Fog light switch ................... 156
Windshield wipers and washer .............................. 157
2-4. Using other driving systems ........................... 159
Cruise control ...................... 159
Driving assist systems ........ 162
2-5. Driving information ........... 165 Cargo and luggage ............. 165
Vehicle load limits ............... 168
Winter driving tips ............... 169
Trailer towing ...................... 173
Dinghy towing (automatic
transmission) .................... 181
Dinghy towing (manual transmission) ...... 182
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger...... 186
Automatic air conditioning system .............................. 186
Manual air conditioning system .............................. 194
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers ....... 199 3-2. Using the audio system ... 201
Audio system types ............ 201
Using the radio ................... 204
Using the CD player ........... 210
Playing MP3 and WMA discs ....................... 217
Optimal use of the audio system .............................. 225
Using the AUX adapter....... 228
Using the steering wheel audio switches.................. 229
3-3. Using the hands-free phone system
(for cellular phone)......... 232
Hands-free phone system (for cellular phone) features
(CD player with changer
only) ................................. 232
Using the hands-free phone system
(for cellular phone) ........... 235
Making a phone call ........... 244
Setting a cellular phone ...... 248
Security and system setup ................................ 253
Using the phone book ........ 257
3-4. Using the interior lights ... 264 Interior lights list ................. 264
• Interior light ...................... 265
• Personal lights.................. 266
3Interior features

When driving2
115
2-1. Driving procedures ........ 116Driving the vehicle............ 116
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with smart key
system) .......................... 126
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart
key system).................... 130
Automatic transmission .... 133
Manual transmission ........ 137
Turn signal lever .............. 138
Parking brake ................... 139
2-2. Instrument cluster.......... 141 Gauges and meters ......... 141
Indicators and warning lights .............................. 145
Multi-information display............................ 149
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers ........................... 152
Headlight switch ............... 152
Fog light switch ................ 156
Windshield wipers and washer ........................... 157 2-4. Using other driving
systems ........................ 159
Cruise control ................... 159
Driving assist systems ..... 162
2-5. Driving information ........ 165 Cargo and luggage .......... 165
Vehicle load limits ............ 168
Winter driving tips ............ 169
Trailer towing ................... 173
Dinghy towing (automatic
transmission) ................. 181
Dinghy towing (manual transmission) ... 182

166 2-5. Driving information
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will betransferred to your vehicle. Cons ult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available ca rgo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. ( P. 173)
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 900 lb. (410
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be
as follows:
900 lb. - 366 lb. = 534 lb. (410 kg -166 kg = 244 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more pa ssengers with the combined weight of
388 lb. (176 kg) get on , the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
534 lb. - 388 lb. = 146 lb. (244 kg - 176 kg = 68 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount
that equals the increased weight du e to the additional occupants. In
other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus
cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle.

168
2-5. Driving information
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 344)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 900 lb. (410 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maxi mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■ Towing capacity: 1000 lb. (453 kg)
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

173
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others , do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
■ Weight limits
Confirm that the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight, gross
axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
■ Gross vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The
gross vehicle weight is the sum weight of the unloaded vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. Also
included is the weight of any sp ecial equipment installed on your
vehicle.
■ Gross axle weight
The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribu-
tion of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification
Label.
Certification label

174 2-5. Driving information
Towing a trailerContact your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established
by the hitch manufacturer. Even th ough the vehicle may be rated for
towing a higher weight, the operat or must never exceed the maxi-
mum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.
■ Trailer tongue load
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue
load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the
maximum 100 lb. (45 kg). (Tongue load / Total trailer weight x
100 = 9 to 11%)
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at high way weighing stations, building
supply companies, trucking co mpanies, junk yards, etc.
Total trailer weight
Tongue load

175
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 344)
● 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.
● 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 c onform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, inst all 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.

176 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not
exceed 1000 lb. (453 kg).
● Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
● Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About
60% of the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining
40% in the rear.
■ Hitches
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After
removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent
entry of any substances into the vehicle.
■ When towing a trailer
●Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle's braking effectiveness.
● 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 into another lane.

177
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The 3 main
causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep the following in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
NOTICE
■ When installing a trailer hitch
●Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install
the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
● Do not use axle-mounted hitches, as they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■ Brakes
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.
■ Safety chain
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
the case that it becomes damaged or separated. For the correct safety chain
installation procedure, ask your Toyota dealer.
■ Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle's electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

178 2-5. Driving information
●Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to right. (This is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least o ne vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing turns.
● Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other v ehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehi cle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.