2000-2004 Subaru Outback SUV Driving tips -> Loading your vehicle User Manual
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Driving tips -> Loading your vehicle for Your Subaru Outback SUV Second Generation (2000-2004)

8
Driving tips
8-17
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Refer to the “Automatic transmission” section in chapter 7 for information
on holding the transmission in 2nd position.
Loading your vehicle
WARNING
D Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback, in
the trunk or in the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious in-
jury.
D Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the
seatback because it could tumble forward and injure passengers
in the event of a sudden stop or accident. Keep luggage or cargo
low, as close to the floor as possible.
D When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it when-
ever you can to prevent it from being thrown around inside the
vehicle during sudden stops, sharp turns or in an accident.
D Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. These loads raise the
vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over.
D Secure lengthy items properly to prevent them from shooting
forward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop.
D Never exceed the maximum load limit. If you do, some parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of control and cause personal
injury. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
D Do not place anything on the rear shelf behind the rear seat-
back (for sedan) or the extended luggage cover (for station wag-
on). Such items could tumble forward in the event of a sudden
stop or a collision. This could cause serious injury.
CAUTION
Do not carry spray cans, containers with flammable or corrosive
liquids or any other dangerous items inside the vehicle.
8-18
NOTE
For better fuel economy, do not carry unneeded cargo.
J Vehicle capacity weight
HB0382HB8015BA
The load capacity of your vehicle is determined by weight, not by avail-
able cargo space. The maximum load you can carry in your vehicle is
shown as the Vehicle Capacity Weight on the tire information label at-
tached to the driver’s side door jamb. It includes the total weight of driver
and all passengers and their belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier, etc., and the tongue load of a
trailer.
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Driving tips
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J GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)
HBF019BB
The certification label attached to the driver’s side door shows GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must never exceed the GVWR. GVW is
the combined total of weight of the vehicle, fuel, driver, all passengers,
luggage, any optional equipment and trailer tongue load. Therefore, the
GVW changes depending on the situation. The GVWR equals Curb
Weight (actual weight of your vehicle – including standard equipment,
fluids, emergency tools and spare tire assembly) plus the vehicle capac-
ity weight.
In addition, the total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never ex-
ceed the GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating
luggage inside the vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is lower than the vehicle capacity
weight, either front or rear GAW may exceed the GAWR, depending on
the distribution of the luggage.
If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you should confirm that GVW and
front and rear GAWs are within the GVWR and GAWR by putting your
vehicle on a vehicle scale, found at a commercial weighing station.
Do not use replacement tires with a lower load range than the originals
because they may lower the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement
tires with a higher load range than the originals do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations.
8-20
J Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped)
CAUTION
D For cargo carrying purposes, the roof rail must be used to-
gether with a roof crossbar kit and the appropriate carrying at-
tachment. The roof rail must never be used alone to carry cargo.
Otherwise, damage to the roof or paint or a dangerous road haz-
ard due to loss of cargo could result.
D When using the roof crossbar kit, make sure that the total
weight of the crossbars, carrying attachment and cargo does not
exceed the maximum load limit. Overloading may cause damage
to the vehicle and create a safety hazard.
HB8016BB
The roof rail is not designed to carry cargo by itself. Cargo can be car-
ried after securing the roof crossbar kit to the roof rail and installing the
appropriate carrying attachment. When installing the roof crossbar kit,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Roof slats are not designed to carry or hold cargo, but are designed as
the protector to prevent the roof from being damaged by cargo while it is
being loaded and unloaded on the roof crossbar or on any carrying
attachment.
When you carry cargo on the roof using the roof crossbar kit and a carry-
ing attachment, never exceed the maximum load limit explained below.
You should also be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross

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