trailer TOYOTA YARIS HATCHBACK 2012 User Guide

182 2-5. Driving information
●Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or in 1
or R (vehicles with a manual transmission). Avoid parking on a
slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel bloc ks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into P (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or 1 or R
(vehicles with a manual transmission) and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P (vehi cles with an automatic trans-
mission) or the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual transmis-
sion) depressed, start the e ngine. On vehicles with an
automatic transmission, be su re to keep the brake pedal
pressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.
Release the parking brake (also brake pedal on vehicles with
an automatic transmission), and slowly pull or back away from
the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.

183
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( →P. 351)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights work as required by law.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trai\
ler.
● The 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.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or local
regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Toyota
recommends that you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500
miles (800 km).
However, avoid full throttle acceleration.
■ 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.

184 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Trailer towing precautions
●Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
● Exceeding the towing capacity, GVWR or GAWR can cause an accident
resulting in death or serious personal injuries.
■ To avoid accident or injury
●Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, which-
ever is lower. As instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combina-
tion increases as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may
cause loss of control.
● 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.
● Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
● Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long
downhill grades.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.

185
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Hitches
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the
hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be rated for towing a
higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum weight rating
specified for the trailer hitch.
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement.
● The towing capacity of 700 lb. (315 kg) can only be guaranteed when
using a genuine Toyota hitch assembly or equivalent.
● 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.

186 2-5. Driving information
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.
■ 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.

342
6-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.)
Dimensions and weights
*1: Unladen vehicles
*2: P175/65R15 tires
*3: P195/50R16 tires
*4: Canada only
Overall length153.5 in. (3900 mm)*2
154.7 in. (3930 mm)*3
Overall width
66.7 in. (1695 mm)
Overall height*159.4 in. (1510 mm)
Wheelbase98.8 in. (2510 mm)
Tread
Front58.5 in. (1485 mm)*2
57.5 in. (1460 mm)*3
Rear57.9 in. (1470 mm)*2
56.9 in. (1445 mm)*3
Vehicle capacity weight
(Occupants + luggage) 845 lb. (380 kg)
Towing capacity*4
(Trailer weight + cargo)700 lb. (315 kg)