Trailer Lights; Tires; Hitch Stabilizer; Trailer Towing Tips - Subaru Outback 2011 Owner's Manual

8-18
Driving tips
& Trailer lights
Connection of trailer lights to your vehi-
cle's electrical system requires modifica-
tions to the vehicle's lighting circuit to
increase its capacity and accommodate
wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights
are connected properly, we recommend
that you consult your SUBARU dealer.
Check for proper operation of the turn
signals and the brake lights each time you
hitch up.
CAUTION
Direct splicing or other improper
connection of trailer lights may
damage your vehicle's electrical
system and cause a malfunction of
your vehicle lighting system.
& Tires
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle
are inflated to the pressure under towing
conditions as shown on the tire placard
located under the door striker on the
driver's side. Trailer tire condition, size,
load rating and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the trailer
manufacturer's specifications.
WARNING
Never tow a trailer when the tem-
porary spare tire is used. The tem-
porary spare tire is not designed to
sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing
can result in failure of the spare tire
and/or less stability of the vehicle
and may lead to an accident.
& Hitch stabilizer
Snaking movement can also be reduced
by hitch stabilizers. The use of a hitch
stabilizer is recommended. To purchase
and install a hitch stabilizer, we recom-
mend that you consult your SUBARU
dealer or professional hitch suppliers.
& Trailer towing tips
WARNING
. Never exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)
or legal towing speed limit,
whichever is lower. Exceeding
the speed limit could cause loss
of vehicle stability and/or could
lead to an accident.
. When towing a trailer, steering,
stability, stopping distance and
braking performance will be dif-
ferent from normal operation. For
safety, you should use extra
caution when towing a trailer
and never speed. You should
also keep the following tips in
mind.
If your vehicle is equipped with SI-DRIVE,
and when towing a trailer on an uphill
slope, do not drive in the Intelligent (I)
mode. It is recommend that you drive in
the Sport (S) mode, or you may drive in
the Sport Sharp (S#) mode.
However, it is possible to tow a trailer in
any mode of the SI-DRIVE on a downhill
slope.
! Before starting out on a trip
. Be sure to check regulations concern-
ing the maximum speed or driving restric-
tions for vehicles towing trailers. If you are
driving across several countries, check
each country's requirement before leaving
home, because regulations may vary.
. 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 sits horizontally
with the trailer attached. If the vehicle is
tipped sharply up at the front and tipped