Toyota RAV4 (2018 year). Instruction - part 12
4-1. Before driving
187
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the
limits.
■ GCWR*
Without towing package
2WD models: 6025 lb. (2735 kg)
AWD models: 6140 lb. (2785 kg)
With towing package
2WD models: 7425 lb. (3370 kg)
AWD models: 8140 lb. (3695 kg)
■ TWR*
Without towing package
4
1500 lb. (680 kg)
With towing package
2WD models: 2900 lb. (1315 kg)
AWD models: 3500 lb. (1590 kg)
■ Unbraked TWR*
1000 lb. (450 kg)
*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE Interna-
tional per SAE J2807.
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4-1. Before driving
Trailer Tongue Weight
● A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must
be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue
weight is 9% to 11%.
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)
1
Gross trailer weight
2
Tongue weight
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight
can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk
yard, etc.
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189
Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toyota hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For details,
contact your Toyota dealer.
● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment of your vehicle.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After
removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to
prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.
Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball
4
Weight carrying ball position:
1
45.2 in. (1147 mm)
2
Hitch receiver pin hole position:
38.9 in. (988 mm)
Connecting trailer lights
Please consult your dealer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect
installation may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take
care to comply with your state’s laws when installing trailer lights.
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4-1. Before driving
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid
an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when
towing:
● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not
exceed the posted towing speed limit.
● Toyota recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph
(104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the
posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set
forth in your trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Instability
of the towing vehicle-trailer combination (trailer sway) increases as
speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of control.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicle-
trailer connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle-trailer combination.
● Reversing with a trailer attached 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 right. (This is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
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191
● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jack-
knifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or
slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making
turn.
● Note that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a wider than normal turning radius.
● Slow down before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery
surfaces, etc.
Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.
4
● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you have plenty of room before changing
lanes.
● To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in
D. If in the S mode, the transmission shift range position must be in
4 or lower.
● Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long
downhill grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do
not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long down-
hill grades.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes
too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.
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4-1. Before driving
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may over-
heat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving
up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge
indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(→P. 666)
● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do
so only after performing the following:
1
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and
trailer’s wheels.
3
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
4
Apply the parking brake firmly.
5
Shift into P and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
1
With the transmission in P, start the engine. Be sure to keep the
brake pedal pressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.
2
Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or
3
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
4
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193
■Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,
the trailer ball setup must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.
1
Coupler
2
Trailer ball
4
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
● Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (→P. 679)
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommen-
dation.
● All trailer lights work as required by law.
● All lights work each time you connect 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/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for tow-
ing purposes.
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4-1. Before driving
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing), Toyota rec-
ommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for
over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start
towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed
of less than 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle
acceleration.
■Maintenance
● If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■ If trailer sway occurs (if equipped)
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 swaying by turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually 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 occupants 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 overloaded 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 combination. Drive at a
lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer increases as speed increases.
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195
WARNING
■ Trailer towing precautions
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance
with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions. Failure to do so
could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle stability
and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake setting and
performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently when towing
a trailer.
■ To avoid accident or injury
● Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.
● Adjust the tongue weight within the appropriate range. Place heavier loads
as close to the trailer axle as possible.
● Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit or the
speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s manual,
whichever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently before making a turn, in cross
winds, on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help avoid an accident. If you
4
experience a vehicle-trailer instability from reducing a certain speed, slow
down and make sure you keep your vehicle speed under the speed of
which you experience the instability.
● Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp turns.
● Do not apply the brakes suddenly as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing
and loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery sur-
faces.
● Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue weight capacities.
● Do not use cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control (if equipped)
when towing.
● Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long
downhill grades.
● Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely on steep long downhills. Before
descending steep or long downhill grades, slow down and downshift. Do
not make sudden downshifts when descending steep or long downhill
grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the
brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result
in reduced braking efficiency.
● Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehi-
cle.
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4-1. Before driving
WARNING
■Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the
hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight
rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum
weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight
rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting
in death or serious personal injuries.
■ When towing a trailer
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.
● If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are
required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all appli-
cable federal and state/provincial regulations.
● Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle’s braking effectiveness.
● Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both
the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch
ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.
NOTICE
■ When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install
the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage
your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.
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197
Dinghy towing
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels
on the ground) behind a motor home.
NOTICE
■ To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with 4 wheels on
the ground.
4
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and Dynamic
Torque Control AWD system (AWD models)
2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from
the rear with the front wheels on the
ground. This may cause serious damage
to the transmission.
AWD models: Never tow this vehicle with
any of the wheels on the ground. This
may cause serious damage to the trans-
mission and Dynamic Torque Control
AWD system.
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4-2. Driving procedures
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without
smart key system)
Starting the engine
1
Check that the parking brake is set.
2
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
3
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position to start the engine.
4
Changing the engine switch positions
1
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked and
the key can be removed. (The key
can be removed only when the
shift lever is in P.)
2
“ACC”
Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
3
“ON”
All electrical components can be used.
4
“START”
For starting the engine.
■ Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
1
Shift the shift lever to P.
2
Push in the key and turn it to the
“LOCK” position.
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199
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (→P. 73)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly left and
right.
■Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.
WARNING
4
■ When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn
the engine switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the engine. An accident
may result if the engine is stopped while driving. (→P. 609)
NOTICE
■ To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long peri-
ods of time without the engine running.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may
overheat the starter and wiring system.
● Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-
cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.
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4-2. Driving procedures
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with
smart key system)
Performing the following operations when carrying the elec-
tronic key on your person starts the engine or changes engine
switch modes.
Starting the engine
1
Check that the parking brake is set.
2
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
3
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.
Press the engine switch shortly
4
and firmly.
When operating the engine switch,
one short, firm press is enough. It
is not necessary to press and hold
the switch.
The engine will crank until it starts
or for up to 30 seconds, whichever
is less.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the engine is completely
started.
The engine can be started from
any engine switch mode.
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201
Stopping the engine
1
Stop the vehicle completely.
2
Set the parking brake (→P. 214), and shift the shift lever to P.
3
Press the engine switch.
4
Release the brake pedal and check that the display on the instru-
ment cluster is off.
Changing engine switch modes
Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with the brake
pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)
1
Off*
The emergency flashers can be
used.
The multi-information display will
4
not be displayed.
ACCESSORY mode
2
Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
IGNITION ON mode
3
All electrical components can be
used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine,
the engine switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.
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4-2. Driving procedures
When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other
than P
If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P,
the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to
ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the
switch off:
1
Check that the parking brake is set.
2
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is displayed on the multi-information
3
display and then press the engine switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the multi-information display is off.
4
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNI-
TION ON mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the
shift lever in P, the engine switch will automatically turn off. However, this
function cannot entirely prevent battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle
with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long peri-
ods of time when the engine is not running.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
→P. 135
■ Conditions affecting operation
→P. 132
■Notes for the entry function
→P. 133
■ If the engine does not start
● The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (→P. 73)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
● Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the
shift lever is displaced out of P. A message will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
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203
■Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
engine switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
A message will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the engine switch while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.
■ Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time.
4
In this case, refrain from running the engine. After about 10 seconds, the
steering lock motor will resume functioning.
■ When “Check Access System with Elec. Key” is displayed on the multi-
information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer immediately.
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
→P. 589
■ Operation of the engine switch
If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may
not change or the engine may not start.
■ If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting
→P. 660
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