2012 TOYOTA AURIS towing

2444-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12E33E)
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible
drawbar load before towing. (P. 696)
Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable quality
may also be used.
To prevent an accident
The handling of the vehicle will feel different when towing a trailer.
Beware of the 3 most common causes of towing-related accidents:
driver error, excessive speed, and overloading.
Trailer towing (except hybrid model)
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the
running performance, handling, fuel consumption and endur-
ance of your vehicle. Use the vehicle features in the correct
manner and operate the vehicle with care for safer driving and
optimal comfort. Damage and/or malfunctions that occur as a
result of towing performed for commercial purposes are not
covered by the Toyota warranty.
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional for further information
about additional requirements such as towing kits, etc.

2454-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12E33E)
4
Driving
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus
the trailer load should be within
the maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (P. 696)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that
the drawbar load is greater than
25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the tow-
ing capacity. Do not let the draw-
bar load exceed the indicated
weight. (P. 696)
Important points regarding trailer loads
1
2

2464-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12E33E)
Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
Gross vehicle mass
Vehicle category M1 models*
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the
gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this
weight is dangerous.
Vehicle category N1 models*
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, cargo, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load must not exceed the gross vehi-
cle mass. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
Vehicle category M1 models*
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum
permissible rear axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this
weight is dangerous.
Vehicle category N1 models*
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum
permissible rear axle capacity. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at
sea level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be
reduced at high altitudes.
1
2

2474-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12E33E)
4
Driving
*: To distinguish the vehicle category, ask any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
Vehicle category M1 models*: When the gross vehicle mass limit or
maximum permissible axle capacity is exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is the lower.
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.

2484-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12E33E)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
838 mm (33.0 in.)
509 mm (20.0 in.)
374 mm (14.7 in.)
309 mm (12.2 in.)
369 mm (14.5 in.)
18 mm (0.7 in.)
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

2494-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12E33E)
4
Driving
Tire information
Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 3 psi)
greater than the recommended value when towing. (P. 714)
Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
Safety checks before towing
Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add
to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load exerted
on the vehicle is within the range of the weight limits. (P. 245)
Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if
the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the
extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they
always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to
normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
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.

2504-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12E33E)
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 little
at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of an accident.
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 surfaces.
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching
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.
Guidance

2514-1. Before driving
UK_AURIS/AURIS_HV_EE (OM12E33E)
4
Driving
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 applying
the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
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.
Transmission information
Multidrive:
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine braking,
do not use the transmission in D.
Multi-mode manual transmission:
Select an appropriate gear in M position to maintain the effective-
ness of engine braking and to maintain charging system perfor-
mance.
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
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 685)