2005 Toyota Tacoma Owners Manual - Page 287

05 02.25 Dinghy towing NOTICE Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle's paint. Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze. When parking, put the transmission into "P" (automatic) or into first or reverse (manual) and block the front wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze, making it hard to release. Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders. Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally. Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry some emergency equipment. Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains, window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper cables, etc. Trailer towing Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger- and- load- carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Ask your local Toyota dealer for further details before towing. We recommend you use a weight distributing hitch when towing to keep your vehicle level with the ground. LS30001a Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome. NOTICE When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Toyota dealer for further information on additional requirements such as a towing kit, etc. WEIGHT LIMITS Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits. NOTICE Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground. This may cause serious damage to your vehicle. 2005 TACOMA from Mar. '05 Prod. (OM35862U) 287