Subaru Outback: Before starting out on a trip
● Check that the vehicle and vehicle-tohitch mounting are in good condition. If any problems are apparent, do not tow the trailer.
● 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.
● 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 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.
● 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.
READ NEXT:
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 ab
Driving on grades
● Before going down a steep hill, slow down and shift into lower gear (if necessary,
use 1st gear) in order to utilize the overheating of your vehicle’s brakes. Do not
make sudden downshif
Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply the
parking brake. You should not park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a hill
or slope cannot be avoided, you shoul
SEE MORE:
Malfunction Indicator Light
A: PROCEDURE
B: ACTIVATION OF MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LIGHT
1) When the ignition switch is turned to ON (engine
OFF), the malfunction indicator light (A) in the combination
meter illuminates.
NOTE:
If the malfunction indicator light does not illuminate,
perform diagnostics of the malfunction indicat
Adverse safety consequences of overloading on handling and stopping and on tires
Overloading could affect vehicle handling, stopping distance, vehicle and tire
as shown in the following. This could lead to an accident and possibly result in
severe personal injury.
● Vehicle stability will deteriorate.
● Heavy and/or high-mounted loads could increase the risk of
