towing TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID 2022 User Guide

267
5 5-1. Before driving
Driving
458 mm (18.0 in.)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
536 mm (21.1 in.)
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch
ball
A
B
C

2705-1. Before driving
34 mm (1.3 in.)
412 mm (16.2 in.)
332 mm (13.1 in.)
370 mm (14.6 in.)
570 mm (22.4 in.)
601 mm (23.7 in.)
1073 mm (42.2 in.)
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:
QChecking 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.
QPracticing driving with a cou-
pled 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.
QIncreasing 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.
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
NOTICE
QWhen the rear bumper strength-
ening 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 sec- tion concerned and may result in damage. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts
that will come in contact when attach- ing a steel bracket.
Guidance

271
5 5-1. Before driving
Driving
QSudden 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.
QImportant 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 nor-
mally do.
QImportant 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. Fre-
quently check behind when moving
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.
QPassing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length
of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance is sufficient before execut-
ing lane changes.
QTransmission information
To maintain engine braking effi-
ciency, when using engine braking,
do not use the transmission in D.
(P.277)
QIf the hybrid system overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long,
steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30°C (85°F) may result
in the hybrid system overheating. If
the high coolant temperature warn-
ing light indicates that the hybrid
system is overheating, turn the air
conditioning off immediately, leave
the road and stop the vehicle in a
safe place. (P.551)
QWhen 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.
QBreak-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).
QMaintenance
OMaintenance must be performed more
frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight bur-
den placed on the vehicle compared
to normal driving.
ORetighten all bolts securing the hitch-
ing ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
QIf trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, pass-
ing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can
adversely affect handling of your vehicle
and trailer, causing instability.

2725-1. Before driving
OIf trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer
straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by
turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal
immediately but very gradually to
reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply
vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with
the steering or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer should stabilize (if enabled, Trailer
Sway Control can also help to stabilize
the vehicle and trailer.).
OAfter the trailer swaying has stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants
out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the
trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer.
Make sure the load has not shifted.
Make sure the tongue weight is appro-
priate, if possible.
• Check the load in the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded
after occupants get in.
If you cannot find any problems, the
speed at which trailer swaying occurred
is beyond the limit of your particular
vehicle-trailer combination. Drive at a
lower speed to prevent instability.
Remember that swaying of the towing
vehicle-trailer increases as speed
increases.

3125-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
QLimitations of the pre-collision system
OThe driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to observe your sur-
roundings. Do not use the pre-collision system instead of normal braking opera-
tions under any circumstances. This system will not prevent colli-sions or lessen collision damage or
injury in every situation. Do not overly rely on this system. Failure to do so may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
OAlthough this system is designed to
help avoid a collision or help reduce the impact of the collision, its effec-tiveness may change according to
various conditions, therefore the system may not always be able to achieve the same level of perfor-
mance. Read the following conditions care-fully. Do not overly rely on this sys-
tem and always drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system may operate even if there is no pos-
sibility of a collision: P.315
• Conditions under which the system may not operate properly: P.316
ODo not attempt to test the operation of the pre-collision system yourself.
Depending on the objects used for testing (dummies, cardboard objects imitating detectable objects,
etc.), the system may not operate properly, possibly leading to an accident.
QPre-collision braking
OWhen the pre-collision braking
function is operating, a large amount of braking force will be applied.
OIf the vehicle is stopped by the operation of the pre-collision brak-ing function, the pre-collision brak-
ing function operation will be canceled after approximately 2 sec-onds. Depress the brake pedal as
necessary.
OThe pre-collision braking function
may not operate if certain opera- tions are performed by the driver. If the accelerator pedal is being
depressed strongly or the steering wheel is being turned, the system may determine that the driver is tak-
ing evasive action and possibly pre- vent the pre-collision braking function from operating.
OIn some situations, while the pre-collision braking function is operat-
ing, operation of the function may be canceled if the accelerator pedal is depressed strongly or the steer-
ing wheel is turned and the system determines that the driver is taking evasive action.
OIf the brake pedal is being depressed, the system may deter-
mine that the driver is taking eva- sive action and possibly delay the operation timing of the pre-collision
braking function.
QWhen to disable the pre-colli-
sion system
In the following situations, disable the system, as it may not operate prop-
erly, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:
OWhen the vehicle is being towed
OWhen your vehicle is towing another vehicle
OWhen transporting the vehicle via truck, boat, train or similar means of
transportation
OWhen the vehicle is raised on a lift
with the hybrid system on and the tires are allowed to rotate freely

319
5
5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
WARNING
QBefore using LTA system
ODo not rely solely upon the LTA
system. The LTA system does not automatically drive the vehicle or reduce the amount of attention that
must be paid to the area in front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full responsibility for driving
safely by paying careful attention to the surrounding conditions and operating the steering wheel to cor-
rect the path of the vehicle. Also, the driver must take adequate breaks when fatigued, such as from
driving for a long period of time.
OFailure to perform appropriate driv-
ing operations and pay careful attention may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
OWhen not using the LTA system, use the LTA switch to turn the sys-
tem off.
QSituations unsuitable for LTA
system
In the following situations, use the LTA switch to turn the system off.
Failure to do so may lead to an acci- dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
OVehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy
weather, fallen snow, freezing, etc.
OVehicle is driven on a snow-cov-
ered road.
OWhite (yellow) lines are difficult to
see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc.
OVehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to con-struction work.
OVehicle is driven in a construction zone.
OA spare tire, tire chains, etc. are equipped.
OWhen the tires have been exces-sively worn, or when the tire infla-tion pressure is low.
OWhen your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing
QPreventing LTA system malfunc-tions and operations performed
by mistake
ODo not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc. on the surface of
the lights.
ODo not modify the suspension etc. If
the suspension etc. needs to be replaced, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
ODo not install or place anything on
the hood or grille. Also, do not install a grille guard (bull bars, kan-garoo bar, etc.).
OIf your windshield needs repairs, contact any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
QConditions in which functions may not operate properly
In the following situations, the func-
tions may not operate properly and the vehicle may depart from its lane. Drive safely by always paying careful
attention to your surroundings and operate the steering wheel to correct the path of the vehicle without relying
solely on the functions.

335
5
5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
This mode employs a radar to detect the presence of vehicles up to approx-
imately 100 m (328 ft.) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-vehicle fol-
lowing distance, and operates to maintain a suitable following distance from
the vehicle ahead. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle distance can also be set
by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance switch.
When driving on downhill slopes, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance may become
shorter.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver.
Example of deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising
When a preceding vehicle driving slower than the set speed appears
WARNING
OWhen there is rain, snow, etc. on the front surface of the radar or
front camera
OIn traffic conditions that require fre-
quent repeated acceleration and deceleration
OWhen your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing
OWhen an approach warning buzzer is heard often
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
A
B

3445-5. Using the driving support systems
*: If equipped
QMeter display
Set speed
Indicators
QOperation switches
“+RES” switch
Cruise control main switch
“-SET” switch
Cancel switch
1 Press the cruise control main
switch to activate the cruise con-
trol.
Cruise control indicator will be dis- played.Press the switch again to deactivate the
Cruise control*
Use the cruise control to main-
tain a set speed without
depressing the accelerator
pedal.
System Components
A
B
A
B
C
D
WARNING
QTo avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Switch the cruise control off using the cruise control main switch when not in use.
QSituations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.Doing so may result in loss of control
and could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
OIn heavy traffic
OOn roads with sharp bends
OOn winding roads
OOn slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
OOn steep hillsVehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep
hill.
OWhen your vehicle is towing a
trailer or during emergency towing
Setting the vehicle speed

347
5
5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
*: If equipped
1 Press the switch to activate the
speed limiter.
Press the switch once more to deacti-
vate the speed limiter.
2 Accelerate or decelerate, with
accelerator pedal operation, to
the desired maximum speed
and press the “-SET” switch to
set the speed.
1 Increases the speed
2 Decreases the speed
Fine adjustment: Press the switch.
Large adjustment: Press and hold the
switch to change the speed, and
Speed limiter*
A desired maximum speed can
be set using the cruise control
switch. ( P.344)
The speed limiter prevents
vehicle speed from exceeding
the set speed.
WARNING
QTo avoid operating the speed
limiter by mistake
Keep the speed limiter switch off when not in use.
QSituations unsuitable for speed limiter
Do not use the speed limiter in either of the following situations. Doing so may result in control of the
vehicle being lost and could cause a serious or fatal accident.
OOn slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
OOn steep hills
OWhen your vehicle is towing a
trailer or during emergency towing
Setting the vehicle speed
Adjusting the set speed

3665-5. Using the driving support systems
QThe BSM function is operational
when
The BSM function is operational when
all of the following conditions are met:
OThe BSM function is on.
OThe shift lever is in a position other
than R.
OThe vehicle speed is greater than
approximately 16 km/h (10 mph).
QThe BSM function will detect a
vehicle when
The BSM function will detect a vehicle
present in the detection area in the fol-
lowing situations:
OA vehicle in an adjacent lane over-
takes your vehicle.
OYou overtake a vehicle in an adjacent
lane slowly.
OAnother vehicle enters the detection
area when it changes lanes.
QConditions under which the system
will not detect a vehicle
The BSM function is not designed to
detect the following types of vehicles
and/or objects:
OSmall motorcycles, bicycles, pedestri-
ans, etc.*
OVehicles traveling in the opposite
direction
OGuardrails, walls, signs, parked vehi-
cles and similar stationary objects*
OFollowing vehicles that are in the
same lane*
OVehicles traveling 2 lanes away from
your vehicle*
OVehicles which are being overtaken
rapidly by your vehicle
*: Depending on the conditions, detec-
tion of a vehicle and/or object may
occur.
QConditions under which the system
may not function correctly
OThe BSM function may not detect
vehicles correctly in the following situ-
ations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to
a strong impact to the sensor or its
surrounding area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc.,
is covering the sensor or surrounding
area on the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is
wet with standing water during bad
weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or
fog
• When multiple vehicles are approach-
ing with only a small gap between
each vehicle
• When the distance between your vehi-
cle and a following vehicle is short
• When there is a significant difference
in speed between your vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection
area
• When the difference in speed
between your vehicle and another
vehicle is changing
• When a vehicle enters a detection
area traveling at about the same
speed as your vehicle
• As your vehicle starts from a stop, a
vehicle remains in the detection area
• When driving up and down consecu-
tive steep inclines, such as hills, dips
in the road, etc.
• When driving on roads with sharp
bends, consecutive curves, or uneven
surfaces
• When vehicle lanes are wide, or when
driving on the edge of a lane, and the
vehicle in an adjacent lane is far away
from your vehicle
• When an accessory (such as a bicycle
carrier) is installed to the rear of the
vehicle
• When there is a significant difference
in height between your vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection
area
• Immediately after the BSM func-
tion/RCTA function are turned on
• When towing a trailer