2000 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 248

'00 AVALON U (L/O 9908) Total trailer weight Tongue load 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 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. Tongue load Total trailer weight 100 = 9 to 11% 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 The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the maximum of 90 kg (200 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. CAUTION D If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are required. 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. 248