Toyota 1997 Avalon, Owner'S Manual, Page: 154 / 226

146
HITCHES
Use only a hitch which is recom-
mended by the hitch manufacturer and
conforms to the total trailer weight re-
quirment.
Follow the directions supplied by the
hitch manufacturer, and bolt the hitch
securely to the rear bumper. Lubricate
the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
Toyota recommends removing the
trailer
hitch whenever you are not tow-
ing a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch
if your vehicle is struck from behind.
After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting holes in the vehicle body to
prevent entry of pollutants such as ex-
haust fumes, dirt, water, etc.
Do not use axle-mounting hitches
they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires. Also, never install a hitch
which may interfere with the normal
function of an Energy Absorbing
Bumper.
NOTICE
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
Toyota recommends trailers with
brakes that conform to any applicable
federal and state/provincial regula-
tions.
A safety chain must always be used
between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross
under the trailer tongue to prevent the
tongue from dropping to the ground in
case it becomes damaged or seper-
ated. For correct safety chain proce-
dures, follow the hitch or trailer
manufacturer’s recommendations.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds
453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
Never tap into your vehicle’s hy-
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
!
Never tow a trailer without using a
safety chain securely attached to
both the trailer and the vehicle. If
damage occurs to the coupling
unit or hitch ball, there is danger of
the trailer wandering over into
another lane.
TIRES
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are
properly inflated. See Chapter 7-2 for
instructions.
The trailer tires should be inflated to
the pressure recommended by the
trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations.
See your local recreational vehicle
dealer or rental agency for the correct
type of wiring and relays for your trail-
er. Check for correct operation of the
turn signals and stop lights each time
you hitch up. Direct splicing may dam-
age your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction of your lights.