Get Driving tips -> Trailer hitch (Outback) Guide for Subaru Outback SUV Fourth Generation (2010-2014)

8-18 Driving tips

Trailer hitch (Outback — if

equipped)

WARNING

. Never exceed the maximum

weight specified for the trailer

hitch. Exceeding the maximum

weight could cause an accident

resulting in serious personal in-

juries. Permissible trailer weight

changes depending on the situa-

tion. For possible recommenda-

tions and limitatio ns, refer to

“Trailer towing” F8-20.

. Trailer brakes are required when

the towing load exceeds 1,000

lbs (453 kg). Be sure your trailer

has safety chains and that each

chain will hold the trailer’s max-

imum gross weight. Towing trai-

lers without safety chains could

create a traffic safety hazard if

th e trailer separates from the

hitch due to coupling damage or

hitch ball damage.

. Be sure to check the hitch pin

and safety pin for positive lock-

ing placement before towing a

trailer. If the ball mount comes off

the hitch receiver, the trailer

co uld get loose and create a

traffic safety hazard.

. Use only the ball mount supplied

with this hitch. Use the hitch only

as a weight carrying hitch. Do not

use w ith any type of weight

distributing hitch.

The trailer hitch is designed to tow a Class

1 rated load. The maximum gross trailer

weight and maximum gross tongue weight

are indicated in the following table.

Maximum

gross trailer

weight

Maximum

gross tongue

weight

3.6 L models

3,000 lbs

(1,360 kg)

200 lbs

(90 kg)

2.5 L models

2,700 lbs

(1,224 kg)

When you tow a trailer, refer to “Trailer

towing” F8-20.

& Connecting a trailer

1. Remove the receiver cover from the

hitch receiver tube. Then insert the ball

mount into the hitch receiver tube.

2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole on the

hitch receiver tube so that the pin passes

through the ball mount.

3. Insert the safety pin onto the hitch pin

securely.

4. Pull the ball mount to make sure it

does not come off the hitch receiver.

1) Hitch ball installation point

2) Hooks for safety chains

5. Use only a hitch ball that is appropriate

for the ball mount and your trailer. The

hitch ball must be securely installed on the

ball mount.

6. Connect your trailer to the hitch ball.

7. Connect the trailer and the hitch with

safety chains that will hold the trailer’s

maximum gross weight. The chains

should cross under the trailer tongue to

prevent the tongue from dropping onto the

ground in case it should disconnect from

the hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the

chains taking tight turn situations into

account; however, be careful not to let

them drag on the ground.

WARNIN G

Do not connect safety chains to part

of the vehicle other than the safety

chain hooks.

Hitch harness connector

8. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black

four-pin wire connector to the towing

trailer’s wire harness.

9. Confirm proper function of the hitch

wire harness by individually activating the

brake, stop and turn signal lights on the

trailer.

NOTE

Always disconnect the trailer wire har-

ness before launching or retrieving a

watercraft.

Driving tips 8-19

– CONTINUED –

8-20 Driving tips

& When you do not tow a trailer

. Remove the ball mount from the hitch

receiver tube and insert the receiver cover

onto the hitch receiver tube.

. Place the dust cap over the four-pin

connector of the hitch wire harness to

protect against possible damage.

. Occasionally lubricate terminals of the

four-pin connector using terminal grease.

Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed and intended to

be used primarily as a passenger-carrying

vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional

loads on your vehicle’s engine, 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 opera-

tion of your vehicle. Seek the advice of

your SUBARU dealer to assist you in

purchasing a hitch and other necessary

towing equipment appropriat e for your

vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the

instructions on correct installation 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 instr uctions

accompanying such equipment or for your

failure to follow the proper instructions.

& Warranties and maintenance

SUBARU war ranties 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 (en-

gine, transmission, d ifferential, wheel

bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles

(1,600 km) of driving.

& Maximum load limits

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum load

limits explained in the following.

Exceeding the maximum load limits

could cause personal injury and/or

vehicle damage.

CAUTION

. Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its

cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

total weight.

. 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 accepta-

Driving tips -> Trailer hitch (Outback) for Your Subaru Outback SUV Fourth Generation (2010-2014)

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