2000 Toyota Corolla Owners Manual - Page 163

2000 Corolla(U) HITCHES 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. TIRES D Use only a hitch which is recommended by the hitch manufacturer and conforms to the total trailer weight requirement. D Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated. See Section 7- 2 for instructions. D Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer. Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease. D The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight. TRAILER LIGHTS 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. 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. BREAK- IN SCHEDULE CAUTION 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 If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are required. D Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic 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. D Toyota recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving. D Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations. 163