Get Driving tips -> Trailer towing Guide for Subaru Outback SUV Second Generation (2000-2004)

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Trailer towing

Your car is designed and intended to be used primarily as a passenger-

carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your car’s en-

gine, drivetrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an adverse effect

on fuel economy.

If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satisfaction depend

upon proper use of correct equipment and cautious operation of your ve-

hicle. Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchas-

ing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment appropriate for your

vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions on correct installa-

tion and use provided by the trailer and other towing equipment

manufacturers.

SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that

result from trailer towing equipment, or from any errors or omissions in

the instructions accompanying such equipment or for your failure to fol-

low the proper instructions.

B Warranties and maintenance

SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction

caused by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer, more

frequent maintenance will be required due to the additional load.

(Refer to “Maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions” in

the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.)

Under no circumstances should a trailer be towed with a new vehicle

or a vehicle with any new powertrain component (engine, transmis-

sion, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600

km) of driving.

B Maximum load limits

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum load limits explained below. Exceed-

ing the maximum load limits could cause personal injury and/or

vehicle damage.

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CAUTION

D Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and

its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight.

D Before towing a trailer, check the trailer total weight, GVW,

GAWs and tongue load. Make sure the load and its distribution in

your vehicle and trailer are acceptable.

n Total trailer weight

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo load) must never

exceed the maximum weight shown below.

OUTBACK Wagon

Model

Conditions Maximum total

trailer weight

MT models When towing a trailer without brakes. 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes. 2,400 lbs (1,087 kg)

AT models When towing a trailer without brakes. 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes. 2,400 lbs (1,087 kg)

When towing a trailer on a long uphill

grade continuously for over 5 miles (8 km)

with an outside temperature of 104°F

(40°C) or above.

1,200 lbs (543 kg)

Others

Model

Conditions Maximum total

trailer weight

MT models When towing a trailer without brakes. 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes. 2,000 lbs (906 kg)

AT models When towing a trailer without brakes. 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes. 2,000 lbs (906 kg)

When towing a trailer on a long uphill

grade continuously for over 5 miles (8 km)

with an outside temperature of 104°F

(40°C) or above.

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

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OM-H2781

Total trailer weight

n Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR)

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must never exceed the Gross

Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the combined total of the weight of the

vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch, trailer tongue load

and any other optional equipment installed on your vehicle. Therefore,

the GVW changes depending on the situation. Determine the GVW

each time before going on a trip by putting your vehicle and trailer on

a vehicle scale.

GVWR is shown on the certification label located on the driver’s door

of your vehicle.

HBF019BB

Gross Vehicle Weight

OM-H2782

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B Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and Gross Axle Weight Rating

(GAWR)

The total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never exceed the

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear GAWs can be

adjusted by relocating passengers and luggage inside the vehicle.

The front and rear GAWR are also shown on the certification label.

HBF019BB

Gross Axle Weight

OM-H2784

To check both GVWR and GAWR and to confirm that the total weight

and weight distribution are within safe driving limits, you should have

your vehicle and trailer weighed at a commercial weighing station.

Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a change in weight

distribution while driving.

n Tongue load

WARNING

If the trailer is loaded with more weight in the back of trailer’s

axle than in the front, the load is taken off the rear axle of the tow-

ing vehicle. This may cause the rear wheels to skid, especially

during braking or when vehicle speed is reduced during corner-

ing, resulting in over-steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from 8 to 11 percent of the total

trailer weight and does not exceed the maximum value of 200 lbs (90

kg).

The tongue load can be weighed with a bathroom scale as shown in

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the illustration below. When weighing the tongue load, be sure to posi-

tion the towing coupler at the height at which it would be during

actual towing, using a jack as shown.

OM-H2786

Tongue load

OM-H2785

The tongue load can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in

the trailer. Never load the trailer with more weight in the back than in

the front; approximately 60 percent of the trailer load should be in the

front and approximately 40 percent in the rear. Also, distribute the

load as evenly as possible on both the left and right sides.

Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a change in weight

distribution while driving.

OM-H2787

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B Trailer hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body of your vehicle to install a

commercial trailer hitch. If you do, dangerous exhaust gas, water

or mud may enter the passenger compartment through the drilled

hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and

odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also,

drilling the frame or under-body of your vehicle could cause dete-

rioration of strength of your vehicle and cause corrosion around

the drilled hole.

CAUTION

D Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system, brake system, or

other systems when installing a hitch or other trailer towing

equipment.

D Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to

the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.

Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer.

B OUTBACK wagon

The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recommended. A genu-

ine SUBARU hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer.

If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure the hitch is

suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult with a professional hitch

supplier to assist you in choosing an appropriate hitch for your

vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s instructions for

installation and use.

Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is

not designed to handle that type of load.

For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts

and nuts are tight.

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B All vehicles except OUTBACK wagon

SUBARU does not offer accessory trailer hitches. Consult with a pro-

fessional hitch supplier to assist you in choosing an appropriate hitch

for your vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s

instructions for installation and use.

Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is

not designed to handle that type of load.

Regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tight.

B Connecting a trailer

n Trailer brakes

WARNING

D Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and

its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight.

D Do not directly connect your trailer’s hydraulic brake system

to the hydraulic brake system in your vehicle. Direct connection

would cause the vehicle’s brake performance to deteriorate and

could lead to an accident.

If your trailer’s total weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight)

exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg), the trailer is required to be equipped with

its own brake system. Electric brakes or surge brakes are recom-

mended, and must be installed properly. Check that your trailer’s

brakes conform with Federal, state/province and/or other applicable

regulations. Your SUBARU’s brake system is not designed to be

tapped into the trailer’s hydraulic brake system. Please ask your

SUBARU dealer and professional trailer supplier for more information

about the trailer’s brake system.

n Trailer safety chains

WARNING

Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer.

Towing trailer without safety chains could create a traffic safety

hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling dam-

age or hitch ball damage.

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In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball should break or

become disconnected, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic

safety hazard.

For safety, always connect the towing vehicle and trailer with trailer

safety chains. Pass the chains crossing each other under the trailer

tongue to prevent the trailer from dropping onto the ground in case

the trailer tongue should disconnect from the hitch ball. Allow suffi-

cient slack in the chains taking tight-turn situations into account; how-

ever, be careful not to let them drag on the ground.

For more information about the safety chain connection, refer to the

instructions for your hitch and trailer.

n Side mirrors

After hitching a trailer to your vehicle, check that the standard side

mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without significant blind

spots. If significant blind spots occur with the vehicle’s standard side

mirrors, use towing mirrors that conform with Federal, state/province

and/or other applicable regulations.

HB0085

n Trailer lights

CAUTION

Direct splicing or other improper connection of trailer lights may

damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction

of your vehicle’s lighting system.

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Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s electrical system requires

modifications to the vehicle’s lighting circuit to increase its capacity

and accommodate wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights are

connected properly, please consult your SUBARU dealer. Check for

proper operation of the turn signals, the brake lights and parking

lights each time you hitch up.

n Tires

WARNING

Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is used. The

temporary spare tire is not designed to sustain the towing load.

Use of the temporary spare tire when towing can result in failure

of the spare tire and/or less stability of the vehicle.

Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly inflated.

OUTBACK: The recommended cold tire pressure under trailer

towing conditions is indicated on the tire placard located under the

door striker on the driver’s side. Adjust the rear tire pressure to the

recommended pressure shown on the tire placard when the tires

are cold. Normal pressure should be maintained in the front tires.

Other models: It is recommended to inflate the rear tires to 3 psi

(20 kPa, 0.2 kg/cm

) above their normal operating pressure when

the tires are cold. Normal pressure should be maintained in the

front tires.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure

should be in accordance with the trailer manufacturer’s specifications.

In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a trailer, ask a

commercial road service to repair the flat tire.

If you carry a regular size spare tire in your vehicle or trailer as a pre-

caution against getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire is firmly

secured.

Driving tips

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B Trailer towing tips

CAUTION

D Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer in hilly

country on hot days.

D When towing a trailer, steering, stability, stopping distance and

braking performance will be different from normal operation. For

safety’s sake, you should employ extra caution when towing a

trailer and you should never speed. You should also keep the fol-

lowing tips in mind:

n Before starting out on a trip

D Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mounting are in good

condition. If any problems are apparent, do not tow the trailer.

D Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trailer attached. If

the vehicle is tipped sharply up at the front and down at the rear,

check the total trailer weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load again,

then confirm that the load and its distribution are acceptable.

D Check that the tire pressures are correct.

D Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected properly. Confirm

that.

– the trailer tongue is connected properly to the hitch ball.

– the trailer lights connector is connected properly and trailer’s

brake lights illuminate when the vehicle’s brake pedal is pressed,

and that the trailer’s turn signal lights flash when the vehicle’s turn

signal lever is operated.

– the safety chains are connected properly.

– all cargo in the trailer is secured safety in position.

– the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without a

significant blind spot.

D Sufficient time should be taken to learn the “feel” of the vehicle/

trailer combination before starting out on a trip. In an area free of traf-

fic, practice turning, stopping and backing up.

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n Driving with a trailer

D You should allow for considerably more stopping distance when

towing a trailer. Avoid sudden braking because it may result in skid-

ding or jackknifing and loss of control.

D Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations. If your vehicle has a

manual transmission, always start out in first gear and release the

clutch at moderate engine revolution.

D Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane changes.

D Slow down before turning. Make a longer than normal turning

radius because the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle

wheels to the inside of the turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could hit your

vehicle.

D Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and

trailer, causing sway. Crosswinds can be due to weather conditions or

the passing of large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the

steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradually.

D When passing other vehicles, considerable distance is required

because of the added weight and length caused by attaching the

trailer to your vehicle.

D Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes practice. When back-

ing up with a trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly. When turning

back, grip the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand and turn it

to the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right for a right turn.

Left turn

Right turn

OM-H2791

D If the ABS warning light illuminates while the vehicle is in motion,

stop towing the trailer and have repairs performed immediately by the

Driving tips

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nearest SUBARU dealer.

n Driving on grades

D Before going down a steep hill, slow down and shift into lower gear

(if necessary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the engine braking effect

and prevent overheating of your vehicle’s brakes. Do not make sud-

den downshifts.

D When driving uphill in hot weather, the air conditioner may turn off

automatically to protect the engine from overheating.

D When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to the water tem-

perature gauge pointer (for all vehicles) and AT OIL TEMP warning

light (for AT vehicles) since the engine and transmission are relatively

prone to overheating under these conditions. If the water temperature

gauge pointer approaches the OVERHEAT zone or the AT OIL TEMP

warning light illuminates, immediately switch off the air conditioner

and stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place. Refer to the “Engine

overheat” section in chapter 9, and “Warning and indicator lights”

section in chapter 3.

D If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, avoid using the

accelerator pedal to stay stationary on an uphill slope instead of using

the parking brake or foot brake. That may cause the transmission fluid

to overheat. Also, if your vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-

mission, avoid driving with the gear selector lever in “D” when towing

a heavy trailer to prevent fluid overheating. A lower gear should be

used.

n Parking on a grade

Always block the wheels under both vehicle and trailer when parking.

Apply the parking brake firmly. You should not park on a hill or slope.

But if parking on a hill or slope cannot be avoided, you should take

the following steps:

1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.

2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and

trailer wheels.

3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the regular brakes

slowly until the blocks absorb the load.

4. Apply the regular brakes and then apply the parking brake; slowly

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release the regular brakes.

5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (manual transmission) or “P” (auto-

matic transmission) and shut off the engine.

Driving tips -> Trailer towing for Your Subaru Outback SUV Second Generation (2000-2004)

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