2011 TOYOTA RAV4 tow

166 2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Turning on the high beam headlightsWith the headlights on, push
the lever forward to turn on the
high beams.
Pull the lever back to the center
position to turn the high beams
off.
Pull the lever toward you to
turn on the high beams.
Release the lever to turn them off.
You can flash the high beams
with the headlights on or off.
■Daytime running light system (if equipped)
●To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on
automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the engine is started and
the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for
use at night.
● Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system
offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help
improve fuel economy.
■ Headlight control sensor (with au tomatic light control system)
The sensor may not function properly if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing that blocks the sensor is affixed to
the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight sys-
tem to malfunction.

170 2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
■The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked and if there is washer fluid in
the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■ When a nozzle is blocked
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Wash/wipe operation
Wipers operate automatically.

173
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in D or 3 (4-speed models), or D or 4 (5-speed models).
● Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
■ Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.
■ Adjusting the set speed
Increase the speed
Decrease the speed
Hold the lever until the desired
speed setting is obtained.
Fine adjustment of the set
speed can be made by lightly
pushing the lever up or down
and releasing it.
■Canceling and resuming the constant speed control
Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the constant speed
control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied.
Pushing the lever up
resumes the constant
speed control.

175
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.
■ Situations 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.
●In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● On steep hills
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing

202
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Adjusting the cross rail positionsTurn the knobs counterclockwise
to release the cross rails.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible. Be sure all item s are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.
■ Roof luggage carrier (if equipped)
Roof rails
Cross rails
STEP 1

204 2-5. Driving information
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Cons ult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, the ava ilable amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity will be as follows:
Without third seat
Total load capacity: 825 lb. (370 kg)
825 lb. - 366 lb. = 459 lb. (370 kg - 166 kg = 204 kg)
With third seat
Total load capacity: 1155 lb. (520 kg)
1155 lb. - 366 lb. = 789 lb. (520 kg - 166 kg = 354 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more pa ssengers with the combined weight of
388 lb. (176 kg) get on , the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
Without third seat
459 lb. - 388 lb. = 71 lb. (204 kg - 176 kg = 28 kg)
With third seat
789 lb. - 388 lb. = 401 lb. (354 kg - 176 kg = 178 kg)

208
2-5. Driving information
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 380)
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: Without third seat
825 lb. (370 kg)
With third seat
1155 lb. (520 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■Seating capacity: Without third seat
5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
With third seat
7 occupants (Front 2, Rear 5)
Seating capacity means the maxi mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■ Towing capacity
2.5 L 4-cylinder (2AR-FE) engine: 1500 lb. (680 kg)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine: Without towing package
2000 lb. (905 kg)
With towing package 3500 lb. (1585 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximu m gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
■Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

214
2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability, and fu el consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others , do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
■ Weight limits
Confirm that the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight, gross
axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
■ Gross vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The
gross vehicle weight is the sum weight of the unloaded vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. Also
included is the weight of any sp ecial equipment installed on your
vehicle.
■ Gross axle weight
The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribu-
tion of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification
Label.
Certification label