2003 Toyota 4Runner Owners Manual - Page 1373

'03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305) DISCONNECTING A TRAILER (models with rear height control air suspension) Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following: 1. Put the rear height control air suspension in the "LO" (low) mode. (Make sure the vehicle height is in the "LO" (low) mode by pushing the height select switch on the " Ɲ" side.) 2. Turn the ignition switch off or push the "HEIGHT CONTROL OFF" switch to turn off the rear height control air suspension. 3. Set the supporting leg of a trailer on the ground and raise the hitch by 100 mm (4 in.). 4. Turn the ignition switch on or push the "HEIGHT CONTROL OFF" switch to turn on the rear height control air suspension. 5. Wait for about 20 seconds until the rear vehicle height is lowered by the automatic leveling function. 6. Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If not, raise the hitch higher and repeat steps 2 through 5. 7. Move the vehicle forward in the "LO" (low) mode where the hitch does not touch anything in the "N" (normal) mode. 8. Put the rear height control air suspension in the "N" (normal) mode. PRE-TOWING SAFETY CHECK TRAILER TOWING TIPS When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently than when not towing. The three main causes of vehicle- trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing: D Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition, and check for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes. D Before starting out, check operation of the lights and all vehicle-trailer connections. After driving a short distance, stop and recheck the lights and connections. Before actually towing a trailer, practice turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away from traffic until you learn the feel. D Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it cannot shift. D Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing to reduce the risk of an accident. D Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any applicable federal, state/ provincial or local regulations. If not, install the rear view mirrors required for towing purpose. 273 2003 4RUNNER from Apr. '03 Prod. (OM35820U)