1998 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 161

'98 AVALON (USA/CANADA) −U HITCHES BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS D Use only a hitch which is recommended by the hitch manufacturer and conforms to the total trailer weight requirement. D Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations. 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. TIRES D 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. 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 damaged or separated. For correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or trailer manufacturer's recommendations. D Toyota recommends removing the trailer 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 exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc. D Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated. See Chapter 7 −2 for instructions. D The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight. TRAILER LIGHTS CAUTION D If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are required. D 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 trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a malfunction of your lights. 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. D Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system as it would lower its braking effectiveness. 161