Before You Tow

There are many reasons to purchase a vehicle such as, a Toyota Sienna or Tacoma. However, when you purchase one of these vehicles know that you then have towing power. Yes you can tow smaller loads with more traditional vehicles, however, the larger the vehicle, the more towing power. It is with these larger vehicles you gain the capability to tow items such as trailers, boats, or campers. Towing smaller items may require you to adjust your driving technique a bit. Towing larger loads, such as, boats, trailers, or campers will force you to adjust your driving technique as it completely changes the dynamic of your vehicle.

First and foremost, be sure you vehicle is equipped with the correct hitch. You may be able to install a hitch mount yourself. However, it may be best to leave this task to the professionals. Schedule an appointment with your local Toyota service department to have them install a hitch mount. Secondly, never tow a load that exceeds the towing capacity of your vehicle. This will put added unnecessary stress on your vehicle and could result in damage to your vehicle. It is also extremely unsafe for other drivers.

If you have never towed a trailer or other load, you may want to reference others with more towing experience before heading out on the road. They will be able to give you firsthand tips of how to modify your driving style. The load you will be towing will be much less nimble than the vehicle you’re driving. As a result you will need to leave a greater braking distance and allow yourself ample travel time. The last thing you want to do is try to rush around town towing a heavy load, such as a boat or trailer. It is simply a recipe for disaster.