Get Driving Tips -> 8-10. Loading Your Vehicle Guide for Subaru Outback SUV Sixth Generation (2020-2025)

(455,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

& Tire Chains

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CAUTION

Tire chains cannot be used on your

vehicle because of the lack of clear-

ance between the tires and vehicle

body.

NOTE

When tire chains cannot be used, use of

another type of traction device (such as

spring chains) may be acceptable if use

on your vehicle is recommended by the

device manufacturer, taking into ac-

count tire size and road conditions.

Follow the device manufacturer’s in-

structions, especially regarding max-

imum vehicle speed.

To help avoid damage to your vehicle,

drive slowly, readjust or remove the

device if it is contacting your vehicle,

and do not spin your wheels. Damage

caused to your vehicle by use of a

traction device is not covered under

warranty.

Make certain that any traction device

you use is an SAE class S device, and

use it on the front wheels only. Always

use the utmost care when driving with a

traction device. Overconfidence be-

cause you are using a traction device

could easily lead to a serious accident.

& Rocking the Vehicle

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If you must rock the vehicle to free it from

snow, sand, or mud, depress the accel-

erator pedal slightly and move the select

lever back and forth between “D” and “R”

repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the

best possible traction, avoid spinning the

wheels when trying to free the vehicle.

When the road surface is extremely

slippery, you can obtain better traction by

starting the vehicle with the transmission in

2nd than 1st.

For information on holding the transmis-

sion in 2nd position, refer to “Selection of

Manual Mode” �P373.

8-10. Loading Your Vehicle

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WARNING

Never allow passengers to ride on a

folded rear seatback, in the trunk or

in the cargo area. Doing so may

result in serious injury.

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Loading Your Vehicle

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Driving Tips

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北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

WARNING

. 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.

. When you carry something inside

the vehicle, secure it whenever

you can to prevent it from being

thrown around inside the vehicle

during sudden stops, sharp turns

or in an accident.

. Do not pile heavy loads on the

roof. These loads raise the vehi-

cle’s center of gravity and make it

more prone to tip over.

. Secure long items properly to

prevent them from shooting for-

ward and causing serious injury

during a sudden stop.

. 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.

. Do not place anything on the rear

shelf behind the rear seatback

(Legacy) or the extended cargo

area cover (Outback – if

equipped). 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.

NOTE

For better fuel economy, do not carry

unneeded cargo.

& Vehicle Capacity Weight

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The load capacity of your vehicle is

determined by weight, not by available

cargo space. The maximum load you can

carry in your vehicle is shown on the

vehicle placard attached to the driver’s

Loading Your Vehicle

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(457,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

side door pillar. It includes the total weight

of the 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.

& GVWR and GAWR (Gross Ve-

hicle Weight Rating and

Gross Axle Weight Rating)

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Certification label

The certification label attached to the

driver’s side door pillar 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 de-

pending on the situation.

In addition, the total weight applied to each

axle (GAW) must never exceed 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.

When possible, the load should be evenly

distributed throughout the vehicle.

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 limita-

tions. Replacement tires with a higher load

range than the originals do not increase

the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

& Roof Molding and Crossbar

(Legacy)

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CAUTION

. For cargo carrying purposes, the

roof molding must be used to-

gether with a roof crossbar kit

and the appropriate carrying at-

tachment. Otherwise, damage to

the roof or paint or a road hazard

due to loss of cargo could result.

. When using the roof crossbar kit,

make sure that the total weight of

the crossbars, carrying attach-

ment and cargo does not exceed

the maximum load limit. Over-

loading may cause damage to

the vehicle and create a safety

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Loading Your Vehicle

455

Driving Tips

(458,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

hazard.

. Do not install a roof tent on the

vehicle. Doing so may damage

the vehicle and create a safety

hazard. SUBARU warranties do

not cover vehicle damage result-

ing from use of a roof tent.

Cargo can be carried after securing the

roof crossbar kit to the roof molding and

installing the appropriate carrying attach-

ment. When installing the roof crossbar kit,

follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

When carrying cargo on the roof using the

roof crossbar kit and carrying attachments,

never exceed the maximum load limit as

explained below. You should also be

careful that the vehicle does not exceed

the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

and front and rear Gross Axle Weight

Rating (GAWR). For information about

loading cargo into or onto your vehicle,

refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” �P453.

The maximum total load on the roof

(including crossbars, carrying attachments

and cargo) must not exceed 88 lbs (40

kg). Refer to the crossbar installation

instructions for the maximum crossbar

capacity. Place the heaviest load at the

bottom, close to the roof, and evenly

distribute the cargo. Always properly se-

cure all cargo.

! Installing carrying attachments on

the crossbars

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When installing any carrying attachments

such as the load carriers, crossbars, bike

carrier, ski carrier, kayak carrier, cargo

basket, etc., follow the manufacturer’s

instructions for the load capacity and make

sure that the attachments are securely

installed. Use only attachments designed

specifically for the crossbars. Before oper-

ating the vehicle, make sure that the cargo

is properly secured on the attachment.

NOTE

Remember that the vehicle’s center of

gravity is altered with the weight of the

load on the roof, thus affecting the

driving characteristics.

Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard

cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind

effects will be increased.

! Removal and installation of the

crossbars

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Each of the two roof moldings has two

mounting points for crossbars. Each

mounting point is fitted with a cover. Use

a screwdriver to open the covers. When

installing the crossbars on the roof mold-

ing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Loading Your Vehicle

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北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

& Roof Rails with Integrated

Crossbars (Outback)

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1) Integrated crossbars

CAUTION

. For cargo carrying purposes, the

crossbars must be extended

across the roof and locked into

the roof rails. Cargo must be

attached to the crossbars using

genuine SUBARU accessory

crossbar attachments. The

crossbars must never be used

independently to carry cargo on

the roof. Otherwise, damage to

the roof or paint or a dangerous

road hazard due to loss of cargo

could result.

. When loading cargo on the cross-

bars, using the genuine SUBARU

accessory crossbar attach-

ments, make sure the total weight

of the crossbar attachments, and

loaded cargo, does not exceed

the maximum load limit of 150 lbs

(67.5 kg). Overloading may cause

damage to the vehicle and create

a safety hazard.

. Be careful not to damage the

vehicle body when passing the

rope through the front and rear

holes of the roof rails.

. Do not install a roof tent on the

vehicle. Doing so may damage

the vehicle and create a safety

hazard. SUBARU warranties do

not cover vehicle damage result-

ing from use of a roof tent.

The crossbars must be extended across

the roof and locked into the roof rails to

carry cargo on the roof. Cargo can only be

carried on the crossbars using the genuine

SUBARU accessory crossbar attach-

ments.

When you carry cargo on the roof using the

crossbars and a carrying attachment,

never exceed the maximum load limit

explained in the following. You should also

be careful that your vehicle does not

exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle

Weight Rating (GAWR). For information

on loading cargo into or onto your vehicle,

refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” �P453.

The maximum load limit of the cargo and

carrying attachment must not exceed the

allowable load limit described in the Own-

er’s Manual of a genuine SUBARU carry-

ing attachment. Place the heaviest load at

the bottom, nearest the roof, and evenly

distribute the cargo. Always properly se-

cure all cargo.

! Installing carrying attachments on

the crossbars

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When installing any carrying attachments

such as the load carriers, crossbars, bike

carrier, ski carrier, kayak carrier, cargo

basket, etc., follow the manufacturer’s

instructions of the load capacity and make

sure that the attachments are securely

installed. Use only attachments designed

specifically for the crossbars. Before oper-

ating the vehicle, make sure that the cargo

is properly secured on the attachment.

NOTE

. Remember that the vehicle’s center

of gravity is altered with the weight of

the load on the roof, thus affecting the

driving characteristics. Drive carefully,

– CONTINUED –

Loading Your Vehicle

457

Driving Tips

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北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and

abrupt stops. Crosswind effects will be

increased.

. Restore the bars to the original

position when the bars are not used

as crossbars.

! How to use as crossbars

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CAUTION

. Do not raise the bar higher than

necessary. The base of the bar

may be damaged.

. Be careful not to contact the bars

while sliding them. Otherwise,

the bars may be scratched or

the latch portions may be da-

maged.

. Do not slide the bar more than

necessary when sliding the bar.

The base of the bar may be

damaged.

. Do not allow the bar to fall on or

contact the roof panel or the

moonroof when sliding the bar.

Otherwise the roof panel may be

dented or the glass of the moon-

roof may be damaged.

. Be careful hands do not become

pinched when operating the

cross bar. Hands becoming

pinched could result in injury.

1. Pull out the integrated crossbars from

the roof rail holders by pulling up the

covers.

2. Slide the bars in the direction shown in

the illustration.

3. Install the bars into the holders.

4. Make sure that the latches are fitted

securely.

! How to change the position of the

crossbar

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WARNING

Carefully read the warning label

attached to the roof rail.

You can change the position of the rear

crossbar. To change the position, perform

the following procedure.

1. Take out the torque wrench from the

under-floor storage compartment.

Loading Your Vehicle

458

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北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

2. Remove the plastic plug of the roof rail

holder by using the torque wrench.

3. Remove the bolt of the crossbar by

using the torque wrench and pull this side

out.

4. Pull out the other side of the crossbar

from the roof rail holder by pulling up the

cover.

5. Install both ends of the crossbar into

the other holders.

1) Guide plate

2) Torque wrench

6. Using the torque wrench, tighten the

crossbar bolts until the torque wrench hits

the guide plate.

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Loading Your Vehicle

459

Driving Tips

(462,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

NOTE

The tightening torque is approximately

8.9 + 2.2 lbf·ft (12 + 3.0 N·m, 1.2 + 0.3

kgf·m).

7. Install the plastic plug by pushing it into

the hole until it is fully seated.

! How to re-stow bars

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CAUTION

Do not use the bars as roof rails

when the bars are stowed.

1. Check that the rear crossbar is stowed

in the front side holder. If the rear crossbar

is stowed in the rear side holder, move it

back to the front side holder (original

position).

2. Pull out the crossbars from the roof rail

holders by pulling up the covers.

3. Slide the bars in the direction shown in

the illustration.

4. Install the bars into the holders.

5. Make sure that the latches are fitted

securely.

Loading Your Vehicle

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北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

& Roof Rails with Ladder Type

(Subaru Outback Wilderness)

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1) Roof rails

Cargo can be carried on the roof after

securing the roof crossbars to the roof rails

and installing the appropriate carrying

attachments. When installing the roof

crossbars and the carrying attachments,

follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The

roof rail system is designed to carry loads

(cargo, roof crossbars and carrying attach-

ments) of no more than 220 lbs (100 kg).

Be sure not to exceed your vehicle’s

GVWR and GAWR.

CAUTION

. When using the carrying attach-

ments, make sure that the total

carrying load of the cargo, roof

crossbars and carrying attach-

ments does not exceed 220 lbs

(100 kg). Overloading may cause

damage to the vehicle. Read the

manufacturer’s instructions and

pay attention to not exceed the

load limit of the parts.

. For cargo carrying purposes, the

roof rails must be used together

with the SUBARU recommended

roof crossbars and any appropri-

ate carrying attachment that may

be needed. The roof rails must

never be used alone to carry

cargo. Otherwise, damage to the

roof or paint, or a dangerous road

hazard due to loss of cargo could

result.

NOTE

Remember that the vehicle’s center of

gravity is altered with the weight of the

load on the roof, thus affecting driving

characteristics.

Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard

cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind

effects will be increased.

! Rope hooks (attached to the roof

rails)

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1) Rope hooks

2) Covers

CAUTION

. When you use the rope hooks,

always secure the rope at all four

hook points.

. The maximum load capacity is

176 lbs (80 kg) per hook.

. The cover cannot be removed.

. Do not tighten the rope exces-

sively. Otherwise, it may lead to

damage to the vehicle body or

cargo.

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Loading Your Vehicle

461

Driving Tips

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北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

. Check that the rope is not loose

before driving the vehicle.

. When you use the rope hooks,

never exceed the maximum load

limit.

& Roof Tent (Subaru Outback

Wilderness)

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WARNING

Adding weight to the vehicle’s roof

can adversely affect handling, brak-

ing, and rollover resistance. The

vehicle must never be driven with a

total roof rail load in excess of 220

lbs (100 kg).

CAUTION

. The roof rail load limit for sta-

tionary vehicles (700 lbs (317 kg))

applies only when the vehicle is

parked and the load is evenly

distributed left/right and front/

rear and the roof crossbars and

roof tent are tightly secured to

the vehicle. If these conditions

are not met, the load limit will be

lower.

. The maximum load limit of the

roof crossbars must be obtained

from the manufacturer or retailer

of the roof rack. When driving the

vehicle, the maximum roof rail

load is 220 lbs (100 kg) or the

crossbar load limit (whichever is

lower).

Roof tents may be used under certain

conditions at your own risk.

! When driving the vehicle

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The total weight on the roof rails, including

the roof crossbars and roof tent, must not

exceed the vehicle’s roof rail load of 220

lbs (100 kg), evenly distributed.

A: Roof rails

B: Roof crossbars

C: Roof tent

B + C < 220 lbs (100 kg)

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北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

! When the vehicle is parked on level

ground

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A: Roof rails

B: Roof crossbars

C: Roof tent

D: Occupants in the roof tent

The total weight on the roof rails –

including the roof crossbars, roof tent,

and all occupants and contents in the roof

tent – must not exceed either the vehicle’s

roof rail load limit (700 lbs (317 kg)), evenly

distributed, or the load limit of the roof

crossbars, whichever is lower.

Load limit of the roof rail (A).

B + C + D < 700 lbs (317 kg)

Exceeding this load limit could cause

damage to the vehicle or racking system.

The vehicle must never be driven with

occupants in the roof tent. Before the

vehicle is driven, occupants and cargo

must be removed from the roof tent and

the roof rail load must be restored to within

the roof rail load limit of 220 lbs (100 kg).

Refer to the user manual that accompa-

nied the roof tent for important safety

information and instructions on the proper

installation and use of the tent.

8-11. Trailer Hitch (Outback/

Subaru Outback Wilderness –

If Equipped)

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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 limitations, refer to

“Trailer Towing (Outback/Subaru

Outback Wilderness)” �P467.

. 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 col-

orless and odorless gas which is

dangerous, or even lethal, if in-

haled. Also, drilling the frame or

underbody of your vehicle could

cause deterioration of strength of

your vehicle and cause corrosion

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Trailer Hitch (Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness – If Equipped)

463

Driving Tips

Driving Tips -> 8-10. Loading Your Vehicle for Your Subaru Outback SUV Sixth Generation (2020-2025)

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