2012 TOYOTA AVENSIS towing

348
2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Trailer towing
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the run-
ning performance, handling, fuel consumption and endurance 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 per-
formed for commercial purposes are not covered by the Toyota war-
ranty.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, for further details before tow-
ing, as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle
Mass), MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and per-
missible drawbar load before towing. (P. 720)
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.

349 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Important points regarding trailer loads
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. 720)
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight,
we recommend the use of a fric-
tion 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. 720)

350 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load
should not exceed the gross vehi-
cle mass by more than 100 kg
(220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight
is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle
should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity by 15%
or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity
were derived from testing con-
ducted at sea level. Take note
that engine output and towing
capacity will be reduced at high
altitudes.
CAUTION
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 80 km/h (50 mph), whichever is the lower.

351 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
Sedan: 1111.1 mm (43.7 in.)
Wagon: 1175.5 mm (46.2 in.)
36.2 mm (1.4 in.)

352 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Tire information
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 739)
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.
Trailer lights
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
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).
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle
for towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle com-
pared to normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).

353 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
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 you will
not be towing a load that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capac-
ity.
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.
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 which may result in
damage. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attach-
ing a steel bracket.

354 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Guidance
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 setting 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 right. Always rotate gradu-
ally to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you when
reversing to lessen the risk of 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 sur-
faces.

355 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer collid-
ing with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approach-
ing 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.
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 apply-
ing the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while brak-
ing.
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.