Page 260 of 660

260 2-5. Driving information
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 615)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights work to be legal.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the t\
railer.
● 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 all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
● Depress TOW/HAUL button (if equipped)
■ When connecting and disconnecting a trailer
Set the electronically modulated air suspension system to MAN., or turn off
the engine, when the system is in N mode. (if equipped)
■ AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for improvement in driveability. ( P. 221)
■ 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).
Page 558 of 660

558 5-1. Essential information
■Emergency towin g procedure
The engine switch must be in the ACC (engine off) or the ON
(engine running) position.
4WD models: Put the front wheel drive control switch in 2WD.
Put the shift lever in N.
Release the parking brake.
CAUTION
■ Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cables or chains.
● If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
■ Emergency towing eyelet precautions
● Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not broken or damaged
and that the installation bolts are not loose.
● Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the eyelet.
● Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady and even force.
● To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not pull from the side or at a vertical
angle. Always pull straight ahead.
Page 588 of 660

588 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■Replacing a flat tire
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury.
●Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel nuts to be excessively tightened,
leading to bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can
cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing a
serious accident. Remove any oil or grease form the wheel bolts or
wheel nuts.
●Have the wheel nuts tightened with a torque wrench as soon as possi-
ble after changing wheels.
Steel wheel: 154 ft·lbf (209 N·m, 21.3 kgf·m)
Aluminum wheel: 97 ft·lbf (131 N·m, 13.4 kgf·m)
Failure to follow these precautions could cause the nuts to loosen and
the wheels may fall off, which could lead to an accident causing death
or serious injury.
●Do not attach a heavily damaged wheel ornament, as it may fly off the
wheel while the vehicle is moving.
■When using the temporary spare tire
●Remember that your temporary spare tire is specifically designed for
use with your vehicle. Do not use your temporary spare tire on another
vehicle.
●Do not use two temporary spare tires simultaneously.
●Replace the temporary spare tire with a standard tire as soon as possi-
ble.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, deceleration and braking, as well as sharp
cornering.
■Speed limit when using the temporary spare tire
Do not drive at speeds in excess of 50 mph (80 km/h) when a temporary
spare tire is installed on the vehicle.
The temporary spare tire is not designed for driving at high speeds. Fail-
ing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.