Page 185 of 632
1854-1. Before driving
Auris Touring Sports_EE (OM12G98E)
4
Driving
CAUTION
When installing cross bars (vehicles with roof rails)
Make sure the cross bars are installed securely by pushing them forward
and rearward.
Failure to do so may cause an unexpected accident.
Page 186 of 632

1864-1. Before driving
Auris Touring Sports_EE (OM12G98E)
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, gross vehicle mass, maximum
permissible axle capacity, and permissible drawbar load before tow-
ing. (P. 584)
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.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety
and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of
others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating con-
ditions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional for further details
before towing, as there are additional legal requirements in
some countries.
Page 187 of 632
1874-1. Before driving
Auris Touring Sports_EE (OM12G98E)
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. 584)
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. 584)
Important points regarding trailer loads
1
2
Page 188 of 632

1884-1. Before driving
Auris Touring Sports_EE (OM12G98E)
Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
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 danger-
ous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear
axle should not exceed the max-
imum permissible rear axle
capacity by 15% or more.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
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.
1
2
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 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is the lower.
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.
Page 189 of 632
1894-1. Before driving
Auris Touring Sports_EE (OM12G98E)
4
Driving
461 mm (18.1 in.)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
1121 mm (44.1 in.)
584 mm (23.0 in.)
394 mm (15.5 in.)
329 mm (13.0 in.)
386 mm (15.2 in.)
55 mm (2.2 in.)
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Page 190 of 632

1904-1. Before driving
Auris Touring Sports_EE (OM12G98E)
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. 599)
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
Please consult at any authorized dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installa-
tion may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take care to comply
with your state’s laws when installing trailer lights.
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. 187)
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).
Page 191 of 632
1914-1. Before driving
Auris Touring Sports_EE (OM12G98E)
4
Driving
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.
Page 192 of 632

1924-1. Before driving
Auris Touring Sports_EE (OM12G98E)
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