Get Starting and driving -> Trailer towing Guide for Toyota Rav4 SUV Third Generation (2006-2012)

’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a

WEIGHT LIMITS

D The gross combination weight (sum

of your vehicle weight plus its load

and the total trailer weight) must

not exceed the following.

passenger−carrying vehicle. Towing

a

Before towing, make sure the total trail-

er weight, gross combination weight,

gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight

and trailer tongue load are all within

the limits.

trailer will have an adverse effect on

handling, performance, braking, durability

and driving economy (fuel consumption,

etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend

on the proper use of correct equipment

and cautious driving habits. For your

safety and the safety of others, you must

not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota

warranties do not apply to damage or

malfunction caused by towing a trailer for

commercial purposes. Ask your local

Toyota dealer for further details before

towing.

2.4 L 4−cylinder (2AZ−FE) engine

Two−wheel drive models

Without third seat

2689 kg (5930 lb.)

With third seat

2825 kg (6230 lb.)

Four−wheel drive models

Without third seat

The total trailer weight and tongue load

can be measured with platform scales

found at a highway weighing station, build-

ing supply company, trucking company,

junk yard, etc.

CAUTION

2737 kg (6035 lb.)

With third seat

D The total trailer weight (trailer

weight plus its cargo load) must

not exceed the following. Exceeding

this weight is dangerous.

2887 kg (6365 lb.)

NOTICE

3.5 L V6 (2GR−FE) engine

Two−wheel drive models

Without third seat

When towing a trailer, be sure to con-

sult your Toyota dealer for further in-

formation on additional requirements

such as a towing kit, etc.

2.4 L 4−cylinder (2AZ−FE) engine

680 kg (1500 lb.)

3.5 L V6 (2GR−FE) engine

Without towing package

907 kg (2000 lb.)

Without towing package

3048 kg (6720 lb.)

With towing package

3729 kg (8220 lb.)

With third seat

Without towing package

3182 kg (7015 lb.)

With towing package

1588 kg (3500 lb.)

If towing a trailer and cargo weigh-

ing over 907 kg (2000 lb.), it is

With towing package

3862 kg (8515 lb.)

necessary to use

a

sway control

device with sufficient capacity.

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’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

Four−wheel drive models

Without third seat

D The gross vehicle weight must not

exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating (GVWR) indicated on the

Certification Label. The gross ve-

hicle weight is the sum of weights

of the unloaded vehicle, driver, pas-

sengers, luggage, hitch and trailer

tongue load. It also includes the

weight of any special equipment

installed on your vehicle.

Without towing package

2994 kg (6600 lb.)

With towing package

3674 kg (8100 lb.)

With third seat

Without towing package

3128 kg (6895 lb.)

With towing package

3808 kg (8395 lb.)

D The load on either the front or rear

axle resulting from distribution of

the gross vehicle weight on both

axles must not exceed the Gross

Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed

on the Certification Label.

D Trailer hitch assemblies have differ-

ent weight capacities established by

the hitch manufacturer. Even though

the vehicle may be physically capa-

ble of towing a higher weight, the

operator must determine the maxi-

mum weight rating of the particular

hitch assembly and never exceed

the maximum weight rating speci-

fied for the trailer−hitch. Exceeding

the maximum weight rating set by

the trailer hitch manufacturer can

cause an accident resulting in seri-

ous personal injuries.

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NOTICE

Never load the trailer with more

Total trailer weight

Tongue load

weight in the back than in the

front. About 60% of the trailer load

should be in the front half of the

trailer and the remaining 40% in the

rear.

Do not use an axle−mounting hitch as

it may cause damage to the axle

housing, wheel bearings, wheels and/

or tires.

BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS

HITCHES

D Use only

D Toyota recommends trailers with

brakes that conform to any applica-

ble federal and state/provincial regu-

lations.

a

weight carrying hitch

Tongue load

designed for the total trailer weight.

Toyota does not recommend using a

weight distribution (load equalizing)

hitch.

100 = 9 to 11%

Total trailer weight

D 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 case it becomes dam-

aged or separated. For correct safety

chain procedures, follow the hitch or

trailer manufacturer’s recommenda-

tions.

D The trailer cargo load should be

distributed so that the tongue load

D The hitch must be bolted securely to

the vehicle frame and installed accord-

ing to the hitch manufacturer’s instruc-

tions.

is

9

to 11% of the total trailer

weight, not exceed the following.

D The hitch ball should have a light coat

2.4 L 4−cylinder (2AZ−FE) engine

68 kg (150 lb.)

3.5 L V6 (2GR−FE) engine

Without towing package

90 kg (200 lb.)

of grease.

D Toyota recommends that the trailer

hitch be removed when not towing to

prevent injury and/or damage by the

hitch in event of a rear end collision.

After removing the hitch, the installa-

tion area should be sealed to prevent

entry of exhaust fumes and mud.

With towing package

158 kg (350 lb.)

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’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

TRAILER LIGHTS

PRE−TOWING SAFETY CHECK

CAUTION

D Trailer lights must comply with federal,

state/provincial and local regulations.

See your local recreational vehicle

dealer or rental agency for the correct

type of wiring and relays for your trail-

er. Check for correct operation of the

turn signals and stop lights each time

you hitch up. Direct splicing may dam-

age your vehicle’s electrical system

and cause a malfunction of your lights.

D Check that your vehicle remains level

when a loaded or unloaded trailer is

hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has

an abnormal nose−up or nose−down

condition, and check for improper

tongue load, overload, worn suspension

or other possible causes.

D If the total trailer weight exceeds

272 kg (600 lb.), trailer brakes are

required.

D Never tap into your vehicle’s hy-

draulic system as it would lower its

braking effectiveness.

D Make sure the trailer cargo is securely

D 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 over into another

lane.

loaded so that it cannot shift.

D Check that your rear view mirrors con-

form to any applicable federal, state/

provincial or local regulations. If not,

install the rear view mirrors required

for towing purpose.

BREAK−IN SCHEDULE

D Toyota recommends that you do not

tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a

vehicle with any new power train com-

ponent (engine, transmission, differen-

tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first

800 km (500 miles) of driving.

TRAILER TOWING TIPS

When towing a trailer, your vehicle will

handle differently than when not tow-

ing. The three main causes of vehicle−

trailer accidents are driver error, exces-

sive speed and improper trailer loading.

Keep these in mind when towing:

TIRES

D Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are

MAINTENANCE

properly inflated. See page 402 Section

D If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will

require more frequent maintenance due

to the additional load. For this informa-

tion, please refer to the scheduled

maintenance information in the “Sched-

uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s

Manual Supplement”.

7−2 and page 427 in Section

8

for

instructions.

D The trailer tires should be inflated to

the pressure recommended by the trail-

er manufacturer in respect to the total

trailer weight.

D Before starting out, check operation of

the lights and all vehicle−trailer connec-

tions. After driving

a

short distance,

stop and recheck the lights and con-

nections. Before actually towing a trail-

er, practice turning, stopping and back-

ing with a trailer in an area away from

traffic until you learn the feel.

D Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing

ball and bracket after approximately

1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.

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’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

D Because stopping distance may be in-

creased, vehicle−to−vehicle distance

D Remember that when making a turn,

D Because of the added load of the trail-

er, your vehicle’s engine may overheat

on hot days (at temperatures over

30_C [85_F]) when going up a long or

steep grade with a trailer. If the engine

coolant temperature gauge indicates

overheating, immediately turn off the air

conditioning (if in use), pull off the road

and stop in a safe spot. Refer to “If

your vehicle overheats” on page 354 in

Section 4.

the trailer wheels will be closer than

the vehicle wheels to the inside of the

turn. Therefore, compensate for this by

should be increased when towing

a

trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of

speed, allow at least one vehicle and

trailer length between you and the ve-

hicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as

you may skid, resulting in jackknifing

and loss of control. This is especially

true on wet or slippery surfaces.

making

a

larger than normal turning

radius with your vehicle.

D Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-

versely affect handling of your vehicle

and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention

to the rear from time to time to pre-

pare yourself for being passed by large

trucks or buses, which may cause your

vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying

happens, firmly grip the steering wheel

and reduce speed immediately but

gradually. Never increase speed. Steer

straight ahead. If you make no extreme

correction with the steering or brakes,

the vehicle and trailer will stabilize.

D Avoid jerky starts or sudden accelera-

tion.

D Always place wheel blocks under both

the vehicle and trailer wheels when

parking. Apply the parking brake firmly.

Put the transmission in “P”. Avoid park-

ing on a slope with a trailer, but if it

cannot be avoided, do so only after

performing the following:

D Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns.

The trailer could hit your vehicle in a

tight turn. Slow down before making a

turn to avoid the necessity of sudden

braking.

D Backing with a trailer 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 the right. (This pro-

cedure is generally opposite to that

when backing without a trailer.) Also,

just turn the steering wheel a little at

1. Apply the brakes and hold.

D Be careful when passing other ve-

hicles. Passing requires considerable

distance. After passing a vehicle, do

not forget the length of your trailer and

be sure you have plenty of room be-

fore changing lanes.

2. Have someone place wheel blocks un-

der both the vehicle and trailer wheels.

3. When the wheel blocks are in place,

release your brakes slowly until the

blocks absorb the load.

4. Apply the parking brake firmly.

D In order to maintain engine braking effi-

ciency, do not place the transmission

in “D”.

a

time, avoiding sharp or prolonged

5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.

turning. Have someone guide you when

backing to reduce the risk of an acci-

dent.

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’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

How to save fuel and make

your vehicle last longer

When restarting out after parking on a

slope:

Improving fuel economy is easy—just take

it easy. It will help make your vehicle last

longer, too. Here are some specific tips

on how to save money on both fuel and

repairs:

D Slow down and downshift before

descending steep or long downhill

grades. Do not make sudden down-

shifts.

1. With the transmission in “P” position,

start the engine. Be sure to keep the

brake pedal depressed.

D Avoid holding the brake pedal down

too long or too frequently. This

could cause the brakes to overheat

and result in reduced braking effi-

ciency.

D Keep your tires inflated at the cor-

rect pressure. Underinflation causes

tire wear and wastes fuel. See page

402 in Section 7−2 for instructions.

2. Shift into gear.

3. Release the parking brake and brake

pedal. Slowly pull or back away from

the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your

brakes.

D Do not carry unneeded weight in

your vehicle. Excess weight puts

a

4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.

heavier load on the engine, causing

greater fuel consumption.

CAUTION

D Avoid lengthy warm−up idling. Once

the engine is running smoothly, begin

driving—but gently. Remember, howev-

er, that on cold winter days this may

take a little longer.

D Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or

the posted towing speed limit,

whichever is lower. Because insta-

bility (swaying) of a towing vehicle−

D Put the selector lever into the “D”

when engine braking is not required.

Driving with the select lever in “3”

(4−speed) or “4” (5−speed) will reduce

the fuel economy. (For details, see

“Automatic transmission” on page 141

or 145 in Section 1−7.)

trailer

combination

usually

in-

creases as the speed increases, ex-

ceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may

cause loss of control.

D Accelerate slowly and smoothly.

Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high

gear as quickly as possible.

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2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)

Starting and driving -> Trailer towing for Your Toyota Rav4 SUV Third Generation (2006-2012)

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