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191 4-1. Before driving 4 Dr iv ing ● All trailer lights work as required by law. ● All lights work each time you con- nect them. ● The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer. ● The trailer is level when it is hitched. Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes. ● The trailer cargo is securely loaded. ● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provin- cial or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes. ■ Break-in schedule If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train compo- nents (such as an engine, transaxle, transfer [AWD models], rear differ- ential [AWD models] or wheel bear- ing), Toyota recommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km). over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehi- cle at a speed of less than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle acceleration. ■ Maintenance ● If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent mainte- nance due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Sup- plement”.) ● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing. ■ If trailer sway occurs One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability. ● If trailer swaying occurs: • Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead. Do not try to control trailer sway- ing by turning the steering wheel. • Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradu- ally to reduce speed. Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes. If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also help to stabilize the vehicle and trailer.) ● After the trailer swaying has stopped: • Stop in a safe place. Get all occu- pants out of the vehicle. • Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer. • Check the load in the trailer. Make sure the load has not shifted. Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible. • Check the load in the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle is not over- loaded after occupants get in. If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combina- tion. Drive at a lower speed to pre- vent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases. |