Get Driving Tips -> 8-13. Trailer Towing (Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness) Guide for Subaru Outback SUV Sixth Generation (2020-2025)

(469,1)

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

8-13. Trailer Towing

(Outback/Subaru Outback

Wilderness)

s08al

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 and air

conditioning system cooling performance.

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. Drive carefully when

towing a trailer, and always consider the

following conditions.

. Road conditions

. Weather conditions

. Vehicle load weight

. Trailer load weight

Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to

assist you in purchasing a hitch and other

necessary towing equipment appropriate

for your vehicle. Do not use towing equip-

ment other than genuine SUBARU towing

equipment. In addition, be sure to follow

the instructions on correct installation and

use provided by SUBARU.

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 follow the proper instructions.

Regularly check that the hitch mounting

bolts and nuts are tightened securely.

& Warranties and Maintenance

s08al01

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,

transmission, differential, wheel bearings,

etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of

driving. After approximately the first 600

miles (1,000 km) of towing all trailer hitch

bolts should be re-tightened to the installa-

tion torque.

& Maximum Load Limits

s08al02

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

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.

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! Total trailer weight

s08al0201

Total trailer weight

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus

its cargo load) must never exceed the

maximum total trailer weight. The max-

imum total trailer weight is indicated in the

following tables.

2.4 L models

Conditions Maximum total trailer weight Maximum tongue weight

When towing a trailer without

brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)

When towing a trailer with

brakes.

3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)

350 lbs (159 kg)

2.5 L models

Conditions Maximum total trailer weight Maximum tongue weight

When towing a trailer without

brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)

When towing a trailer with

brakes.

2,700 lbs (1,224 kg)

270 lbs (122 kg)

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! Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR)

s08al0202

Gross Vehicle Weight

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must

never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating (GVWR).

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the com-

bined 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.

The GVWR of your vehicle that is set by

SUBARU is shown on the certification

label located on the driver’s door of your

vehicle.

Certification label

! Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

s08al0203

Gross Axle Weight

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 vehi-

cle. The front and rear GAWR of your

vehicle that are set by SUBARU are also

shown on the certification label.

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.

! Tongue load

s08al0204

Tongue load

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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 towing vehicle.

This may cause the rear wheels to

skid, especially during braking or

when vehicle speed is reduced dur-

ing cornering, resulting in over-

steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from

8% to 11% of the total trailer weight and

does not exceed the maximum value.

For details about the trailer tongue load,

refer to “Total trailer weight” �P468.

1) Jack

2) Bathroom scale

The tongue load can be weighed with a

bathroom scale as shown in the following

illustration. When weighing the tongue

load, be sure to position the towing coupler

at the height at which it would be during

actual towing, using a jack as shown.

F: Front

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%

of the trailer load should be in the front and

approximately 40% 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.

& Connecting a Trailer

s08al04

! Trailer brakes

s08al0401

WARNING

Do not directly connect your trailer’s

hydraulic brake system to the hy-

draulic brake system in your vehicle.

Direct connection would cause the

vehicle’s brake performance to de-

teriorate and could lead to an acci-

dent.

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 in-

formation about the trailer’s brake system.

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! Trailer safety chains

s08al0402

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 damage or hitch ball

damage.

In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch

ball should break or become discon-

nected, the trailer could get loose and

create a traffic safety hazard.

For safety, always connect the towing

vehicle and trailer with trailer safety

chains. Two chains should be used in

total, one to the right side and the other to

the left side trailer tongue. 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 sufficient slack in the chains taking

tight turn situations into account; however,

be careful not to let them drag on the

ground.

! Side mirrors

s08al0403

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 stan-

dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that

conform with Federal, state/province and/

or other applicable regulations.

! Trailer lights

s08al0404

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.

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 opera-

tion of the turn signals and the stop lights

each time you connect a trailer to your

vehicle.

! Tires

s08al0405

WARNING

Never tow a trailer when the tempor-

ary spare tire is used. The temporary

spare tire is not designed to sustain

the towing load. Use of the tempor-

ary 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. Refer to “Tires”

�P566.

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

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road service representative or profes-

sional to repair the flat tire.

If you carry a regular size spare tire in your

vehicle or trailer as a precaution against

getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire

is firmly secured.

& Trailer Towing Tips

s08al05

CAUTION

. For models equipped with the

BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and

RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)

driving support systems, when

towing a trailer, touch “BSD/

RCTA” to deactivate the system.

The system may not operate

properly due to the blocked radar

waves. For details about how to

turn on/off the BSD/RCTA, refer

to “Car settings” �P226.

. For models equipped with Re-

verse Automatic Braking (RAB)

system, consult your SUBARU

dealer for additional information

about towing a trailer.

. Towing a trailer in high tempera-

tures, or on long or steep grades,

pay attention to the following

gauge and indicator because the

engine and transmission are re-

latively prone to overheating.

– Coolant temperature gauge.

Refer to “Engine Overheat-

ing” �P490.

– AT OIL TEMP warning light

. When towing a trailer, steering,

stability, stopping distance and

braking performance will be dif-

ferent when compared to normal

operation. You should never

drive at excessive speeds but

always employ extra caution

when towing a trailer. You should

also keep the following tips in

mind.

. When parking on a steep slope

with a trailer attached to your

vehicle, the braking power of the

electronic parking brake may not

be sufficient since strong braking

power is needed.

! Before starting out on a trip

s08al0501

. Check the towing regulations for trailer

or caravan vehicles that vary by state/

region. Failure to comply with the proce-

dures set forth will not only compromise

your safety, but will also negate your

insurance coverage and/or may violate

the state road and traffic acts and regula-

tions.

. Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-

hitch mounting are in good condition. If any

problems are apparent, do not tow the

trailer.

. Check that the vehicle rests horizon-

tally 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.

. Check that the tire pressures are

correct.

. 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 con-

nected properly and trailer’s stop lights

illuminate when the vehicle’s brake

pedal is pressed, and that the trailer’s

turn signal lights flash when the vehi-

cle’s turn signal lever is operated.

– The safety chains are connected

properly.

– All cargo in the trailer is secured

safely in position.

– The side mirrors provide a good

rearward field of view without a sig-

nificant blind spot.

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. 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 traffic, practice turning, stopping and

backing up.

. When using the 2.4 L turbo engine

model to tow a trailer, SUBARU recom-

mends using unleaded gasoline with an

octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON) or higher

to reduce the risk of engine overheat.

! Driving with a trailer

s08al0502

. You should allow for considerably more

stopping distance when towing a trailer.

Avoid sudden braking because it may

result in skidding or jackknifing and loss

of control.

. Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accel-

erations.

. Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and

rapid lane changes.

. Slow down before turning. Make a

larger 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.

. Crosswinds will adversely affect the

handling of your vehicle and trailer, caus-

ing 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 promptly begin

decelerating your vehicle at a gradual

pace.

. When passing other vehicles, consider-

able distance is required because of the

added weight and length caused by

attaching the trailer to your vehicle.

. Reversing the vehicle with a trailer can

be difficult and requires experience. Never

accelerate or steer rapidly, and grip the

bottom of the steering wheel with one

hand.

To reverse around a corner, perform the

following procedure.

1. Reverse slowly and steer in the oppo-

site direction to the way you want to turn.

2. Once the trailer begins to swing

around, straighten the steering wheel.

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3. Turn the wheel in the opposite direc-

tion.

4. Steer the vehicle around to be in line

with the trailer, then straighten the steering

again.

. If the ABS warning light illuminates

while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing

the trailer and have repairs performed

immediately by your nearest SUBARU

dealer.

! Driving on grades

s08al0503

. Before going down a steep hill, slow

down and shift into lower gear (if neces-

sary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the

engine braking effect and prevent over-

heating of your vehicle’s brakes. Do not

make sudden downshifts.

. When driving uphill in hot weather, the

air conditioner may turn off automatically

to protect the engine from overheating.

. When driving uphill in hot weather,

because the engine and transmission are

relatively prone to overheating, pay atten-

tion to the following items.

– Engine coolant temperature gauge

– AT OIL TEMP warning light

. If any of the following conditions occur,

immediately turn off the air conditioner and

stop the vehicle in the nearest safe

location. Refer to “If You Park Your Vehicle

in an Emergency” �P478 and “Engine

Overheating” �P490.

– Engine coolant temperature gauge

needle approaches the OVERHEAT

zone. Refer to “Engine Coolant Tem-

perature Gauge” �P177.

– AT OIL TEMP warning light illumi-

nates. Refer to “AT OIL TEMP Warning

Light” �P185.

. Do not use 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 over-

heat.

! Parking on a grade

s08al0504

Always block the wheels under both

vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply

the parking brake. You should not park on

a hill or slope. 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 release

the regular brakes.

5. Shift into “P” and shut off the engine.

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Driving Tips -> 8-13. Trailer Towing (Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness) for Your Subaru Outback SUV Sixth Generation (2020-2025)

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