### Handling A Trailer

Towing a trailer with ease and safety requires a certain amount of experience. It's a good idea to learn the feel of a trailer by practicing turning, stopping and backing in an open area such as an empty parking lot.

## TOWING THE VEHICLE

Fig. 1: Previa 4WD towing precautions

The absolute best way to have the vehicle towed or transported is on a flat-bed or rollback transporter. These units are becoming more common and are very useful for moving disabled vehicles quickly. Most vehicles have lower bodywork and undertrays which can be easily damaged by the sling of a conventional tow truck; an operator unfamiliar with your particular model can cause severe damage to the suspension or drive line by hooking up chains and J-hooks incorrectly.

If a flatbed is not available (you should specifically request one), the vehicle may be towed by a hoist or conventional tow vehicle. Vehicles with automatic transmissions must be towed with the drive wheels off the ground. Manual transmissions can be towed with either end up in the air or with all four wheels on the ground. You need only remember that the transmission must be in neutral, the parking brake must be off and the ignition switch must be in the ACC position. The steering column lock is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight under towing.

The 4WD vehicle presents its own towing problems. Since the front and rear wheels are connected through the drive system, all four wheels must be considered in the towing arrangement. A flatbed should be used (refer to the illustration).

Most vehicles have conveniently located tie-down hooks at the front of the vehicle. These make ideal locations to secure a rope or chain for towing the vehicle or extracting it from an off-road excursion. The vehicle may only be towed on hard surfaced roads and only in a normal or forward direction.