Toyota 1998 Sienna, Owner'S Manual

Page: 184 / 261

name. SIENNA (U)
184
Weight carrying hitch
Without towing package
90 kg (200 lb.)
With towing package
158 kg (350 lb.)
Weight distributing hitch
With towing package
238 kg (525 lb.)
Never load the trailer with more
weight in the back than in the
front. About 60% of the trailer load
should be in the front half of the
trailer and the remaining 40% in the
rear.
HITCHES
D
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, you
should consult with your Toyota dealer.
D
Use only a hitch recommended by the
hitch manufacturer and the one which
conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
D
The hitch must be bolted securely to
the vehicle frame and installed accord-
ing to the hitch manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
D
The hitch ball and king pin should have
a light coat of grease.
D
Toyota recommends removing the trail-
er hitch whenever you are not towing
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.
NOTICE
Do not use axle − mounted hitches as
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, if so
equipped.
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
D
Toyota recommends trailers with
brakes that conform to any applica-
ble federal and state/provincial regu-
lations.
D
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 dam-
aged or separated. For correct safety
chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer’s recommenda-
tions.
CAUTION
D
If the total trailer weight exceeds
453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
D
Never tap into your vehicle’s hy-
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
D
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.