towing TOYOTA VERSO S 2012 User Guide

253 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VERSO-S_EE
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 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 lit-
tle at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of an accident.
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 and may result in dam-
age. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a
steel bracket.

254 2-5. Driving information
VERSO-S_EE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.
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 do.
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.

255 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VERSO-S_EETransmission information
Vehicles with a Multidrive and multi-mode manual transmis-
sion
Select an appropriate gear in M mode to maintain the effectiveness
of engine braking and to maintain charging system performance.
Vehicles with a 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
high engine coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes
on, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 489)
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 Multidrives, E, M or R for multi-mode manual transmissions,
and 1 or R for manual transmissions.

256 2-5. Driving information
VERSO-S_EE
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. 248)
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. Never downshift abruptly 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 the compact spare tire)
Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.

323 3-4. Using the storage features
3
Interior features
VERSO-S_EE
Tray (if equipped)
Lift the tray and pull it forward.
NOTICE
Items that should not be stowed in the bottle holders
Put the cap on before stowing a bottle. Do not place open bottles in the bot-
tle holders, or glasses and paper cups containing liquid. The contents may
spill and glasses may break.
CAUTION
Caution while driving
Keep the tray to its stowed position. In the event of sudden braking, an acci-
dent may occur due to an occupant being struck by an open tray or the items
stored inside.
Bottle holders and tray

5
419
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
VERSO-S_EE
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional before towing.
The engine is running but the vehicle will not move.
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional, such as a commercial towing service,
using a lift-type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.

420 5-1. Essential information
VERSO-S_EE
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available in
an emergency, your vehicle may
be temporarily towed using a
cable or chain secured to the
emergency towing eyelet(s).
This should only be attempted
on hard surfaced roads for short
distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer and operate the brakes.
The vehicle’s wheels, drive train,
axles, steering and brakes must
be in good condition.
For vehicles with a Multidrive,
only the front towing eyelet may
be used.

5
421 5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
VERSO-S_EE
Installing towing eyelet
Press and hold the left side of
the eyelet cover while removing
the cover with a flathead screw-
driver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

422 5-1. Essential information
VERSO-S_EE
Towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the front
Release the parking brake.

5
423 5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
VERSO-S_EEFrom the rear
Vehicles with a Multidrive: Use a
towing dolly under the front
wheels.
Except vehicles with a Multidrive:
We recommend using a towing
dolly under the front wheels.
Vehicles without a smart entry &
start system: When not using a
towing dolly, turn the engine
switch to the “ON” position (vehi-
cles with a multi-mode manual
transmission) or the “ACC” posi-
tion (vehicles with a manual
transmission) and shift the shift
lever to N.
Vehicles with a smart entry & start
system: When not using a towing
dolly, turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to IGNITION ON
mode (vehicles with a multi-mode
manual transmission) or ACCES-
SORY mode (vehicles with a
manual transmission) and shift
the shift lever to N.