Subaru Ascent 2023 Manual page 445

may cause the vehicle to over-
heat. Refer to "Engine overheat-
ing" �P459.
. When towing a trailer, steering,
stability, stopping distance and
braking performance will be dif-
ferent when compared to normal
operation. For safety's sake, you
should employ extra caution
when towing a trailer and you
should never drive at excessive
speeds. 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
procedures 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 regulations.
. 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 rating and 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 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
safely 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 combina-
tion before starting out on a trip. In an
Trailer towing
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 uneven steering, sharp turns and
rapid lane changes.
. Slow down before turning. Make a
longer than normal turning radius be-
cause 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,
causing sway. Crosswinds can be due
to weather conditions or the passing of
large trucks or buses. If swaying oc-
curs, firmly grip the steering wheel and
promptly begin decelerating your vehi-
cle 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
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