2003 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 141

Luggage stowage precautions When stowing luggage or cargo in the vehicle, observe the following: Your Toyota's identification- -Vehicle identification number D Do not place anything on the flattened seat, or it may slide forward during braking. D Put luggage or cargo in the luggage compartment when at all possible. Be sure all items are secured in place. D Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument panel. They may interfere with the driver's field of view. Or they may move during sharp vehicle acceleration or turning, and impair the driver's control of the vehicle. In an accident they may injure the vehicle occupants. D Be careful to keep the vehicle balanced. Locating the weight as far forward as possible helps maintain balance. D For better power saving, do not carry unneeded weight. CAUTION NOTICE D To prevent luggage or packages from sliding forward during braking, do not stack anything in the luggage compartment higher than the seatbacks. Keep luggage or packages low, as close to the floor as possible. Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity weight specified on page 204 in Section 9. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal identifier for your vehicle. This number is on the left top of the instrument panel, and can be seen through the windshield from outside. This is the primary identification number for your Toyota. It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle. D Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking or a collision. 132