Subaru Outback (2019 year). Instruction - part 23

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北米Model "A2550BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 5/ 9

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)

Certification label

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 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 rack (Outback – if
equipped)

CAUTION

For cargo carrying purposes, the

roof rail must be used together
with the roof rack. The roof rail
must never be used alone to
carry cargo. Otherwise, damage
to the roof or paint or a danger-
ous road hazard due to loss of
cargo could result.

When using the roof rack, make

sure that the total weight of the
roof rack, carrying attachments
and cargo does not exceed the
maximum load limit. Overloading
may cause damage to the vehicle

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle

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and create a safety hazard.

Cargo can be carried on the roof after
securing the roof rack to the roof. When
installing the roof rack on the roof, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions.

The maximum load limit of the cargo, roof
rack and carrying attachments must not
exceed 176 lbs (80 kg). Place the heaviest
load at the bottom, nearest the roof, and
evenly distribute the cargo. Always prop-
erly secure all cargo.

Installing carrying attachments on
the roof rack

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. Avoid rapid starts, hard

cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind
effects will be increased.

Roof rails with integrated
crossbars (Outback – if
equipped)

Integrated crossbars

CAUTION

For cargo carrying purposes, the

bars must be used as crossbars
and be used together with the
genuine SUBARU carrying at-
tachment. The bars 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.

When using the bars as cross-

bars, make sure that the total
weight of the carrying attachment
and cargo does not exceed the
150 lbs (67.5 kg). Overloading
may cause damage to the vehicle
and create a safety hazard.

The bars can be used as crossbars. Cargo
can be carried after setting the bars as
crossbars and installing the genuine
SUBARU carrying attachment.

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” F8-12. 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.

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Installing carrying attachments on
the crossbars

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.
.

Restore the bars to the original

position when the bars are not used
as crossbars.

How to use as crossbars

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.

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.

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3. Install the bars into the holders.
4. Make sure that the latches are fitted
securely.

How to change the position of the
crossbar

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.

2. Remove the cap of the roof rail holder
by using the torque wrench.

3. Remove the bolt of the crossbar by
using the torque wrench.

4. Pull out the crossbar from the roof rail
holder by pulling up the cover.
5. Install the crossbar into the other
holder.

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6. Tighten the bolt of the crossbar by
using the torque wrench. 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

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.

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.

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Rope hook (attached to the roof rail)

Rope hook

CAUTION

When you use the rope hooks,

always secure the rope at all four
hook points.

Do not tighten the rope exces-

sively. Otherwise, it may lead to
damage to the vehicle body or
cargo.

Check that the rope is not loose

before driving the vehicle.

When you use the rope hooks,

never exceed the maximum load
limit.

Load limit:
Observe the load limit that is indicated on
the rope hook.

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 limitations, refer to
“Trailer towing (Outback)” F8-
22.

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 maximum
gross weight. Towing trailers
without safety chains could cre-
ate a traffic safety hazard if the
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 locking
placement before towing a trailer.
If the ball mount comes off the

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Driving tips/Trailer hitch (Outback – if equipped)

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hitch receiver, the trailer could
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 with any type of weight dis-
tributing hitch.

The standard bumper beam must

be installed after you remove the
trailer hitch. Consult a SUBARU
dealer for purchase of a standard
bumper beam if you do not have
the original.

If a trailer hitch is installed, it is

not possible to install the rear
towing hook.

The maximum gross trailer weight and
maximum gross tongue weight are indi-
cated in the following table.

Maximum
gross trailer
weight

Maximum
gross tongue
weight

Outback

2,700 lbs

(1,224 kg)

200 lbs

(90 kg)

When towing a trailer, refer to “Trailer
towing (Outback)” F8-22.

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 located
on the hitch receiver tube so that the pin
passes through the ball mount.

3. Insert the safety pin through the pro-
vided hole on the hitch pin securely.
4. Check the ball mount assembly by
pulling on it to make sure it does not come
off the hitch receiver.

Driving tips/Trailer hitch (Outback – if equipped)

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Hitch ball installation point

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.

WARNING

Do not connect safety chains to any
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.

If not towing 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.

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Trailer towing (Legacy)

CAUTION

Your vehicle is neither designed nor
intended to be used for trailer tow-
ing. Therefore, never tow a trailer
with your vehicle.

SUBARU assumes no responsibility for
injuries or vehicle damage that may result
from trailer towing, from any trailer towing
equipment or from any errors or omissions
in the instructions accompanying such
equipment. SUBARU warranties do not
apply to vehicle damage or malfunction
caused by trailer towing.

Trailer towing (Outback)

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. 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 equipment
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

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.

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)

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Legacy)

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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 acceptable.

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.

3.6 L models

Conditions

Maximum total trailer weight

When towing a trailer without brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes.

2,700 lbs (1,224 kg)

When towing a trailer on a long uphill grade
continuously for over 5 miles (8 km) with an
outside temperature of 1048F (408C) or above.

1,500 lbs (680 kg)

2.5 L models

Conditions

Maximum total trailer weight

When towing a trailer without brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes.

2,700 lbs (1,224 kg)

When towing a trailer on a long uphill grade
continuously for over 5 miles (8 km) with an
outside temperature of 1048F (408C) or above.

1,350 lbs (612 kg)

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Driving tips/Trailer towing (Outback)

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

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)

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

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Outback)

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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 percent of the total trailer weight and
does not exceed the maximum value of
200 lbs (90 kg).

NOTE

For vehicles with trailer brakes, the
trailer tongue load exceeds 200 lbs (90
kg) when calculated at 8% of the
maximum total trailer weight.
Even in this case, the maximum value is
200 lbs (90 kg).

Jack

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.

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
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.

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Driving tips/Trailer towing (Outback)

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Trailer Hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body
of your vehicle to install a commer-
cial trailer hitch. If you do, danger-
ous 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
deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around
the drilled hole.

CAUTION

Do not modify the vehicle ex-

haust system, brake system, or
other systems when installing a
hitch or other trailer towing
equipment.

Do not use axle-mounted hitches

as they can cause damage to the
axle housing, wheel bearings,
wheels or tires.

Do not use a trailer hitch other than

genuine SUBARU trailer hitch. A genuine
SUBARU hitch is available from your
SUBARU dealer.

Connecting a trailer

Trailer brakes

WARNING

Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.

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 re-
commended, and must be installed prop-
erly. Check that your trailer’s brakes con-
form 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.

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 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

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Outback)

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ground.

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 stan-
dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that
conform with Federal, state/province and/
or other applicable regulations.

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.

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

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” F12-
9 and in “GAS STATION REFERENCE” at
the end of this manual.

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 representive or professional
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.

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Trailer towing tips

CAUTION

For models equipped with the

BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and
RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)
driving support systems, when
towing a trailer, press the BSD/
RCTA OFF switch to deactivate
the system. The system may not
operate properly due to the
blocked radar waves. For details
about the BSD/RCTA OFF switch,
refer to “BSD/RCTA OFF switch”
F7-56.

For models equipped with RAB

(Reverse Automatic Braking)
system, consult your SUBARU
dealer for additional information
about towing a trailer.

Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h)

when towing a trailer in hilly
country on hot days.

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

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.

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.

Driving with a trailer

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

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rapid lane changes.
.

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.
.

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.
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

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.

– CONTINUED –

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Outback)

8-29

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