2001 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 163

If your vehicle needs to be towed- (a) Towing with wheel lift type truck -From front If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your EV service station or a commercial tow truck service. In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using either (a) or (b). Only when you cannot receive a towing service from an EV service station or commercial tow truck service, tow your vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions given in "-Emergency towing" in this section. Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws pertaining to towing. TOWING PRECAUTIONS: Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a towing dolly. (a) Towing with wheel lift type truck From front -Release the parking brake. NOTICE When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged during towing. From rear -Use a towing dolly under the front wheels. -From rear (b) Using flat bed truck Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure the following precautions are observed. If necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver. NOTICE Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission from the rear with the front wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious damage to the transmission. (b) Using flat bed truck 155