Trailer Towing; Maintenance; Towing Weight - Subaru Outback 2011 Owner's Manual

8-16
Driving tips
! Removal and installation of the roof
rack (wagon models)
Each of the two roof moldings has two
mounting points for the roof rack. Each
mounting point is fitted with a cover. Use a
flat-head screwdriver to remove the cov-
ers. When installing the roof rack on the
roof moldings, follow the manufacturer's
instructions.

Trailer towing

WARNING
For models with flat tire repair kit:
When any of the tires are punctured,
you can seal the tire temporarily.
However, do not tow a trailer when a
sealed tire is used. We recommend
that you consult the nearest
SUBARU dealer for details.
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, drive train,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
In some countries, there are some regula-
tions which you have to obey when towing
a trailer. If you do decide to tow a trailer,
your safety and satisfaction depend upon
proper use of correct equipment and
cautious operation of your vehicle. We
recommend that you seek the advice of
your SUBARU dealer to assist you in
purchasing a hitch and other necessary
towing equipment appropriate for your
vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the
instructions on correct installation and use
provided by the trailer and other towing
equipment manufacturers.
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.
& Maintenance
If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer,
more frequent maintenance will be re-
quired due to the additional load. Refer to
"Maintenance schedule" F11-3.
Under no circumstances should a trailer
be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle
with any new powertrain component (en-
gine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearings, etc.) for the first 1,600 km
(1,000 miles) of driving.
& Towing weight
Before towing a trailer, we recommend
that you confirm the towing capacity and
ball coupling load with your nearest
SUBARU dealer or the vehicle registration
documents and make sure your trailer is
within the towing capacity.
The total trailer weight (trailer weight with
brakes plus its cargo weight) must never
exceed maximum towing weight.
Remember that the ball coupling load will