Trailer Towing Tips - Subaru 2004 Baja Owner's Manual

! Trailer towing tips

" 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 different from normal operation. For
safety's sake, you should employ extra caution
when towing a trailer and you should never
speed. You should also keep the following tips
in mind:
! Before starting out on a trip
" Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mount-
ing are in good condition. If any problems are appar-
ent, do not tow the trailer.
" Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trail-
er 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 con-
firm 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 vehi-
cle'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.
! 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 accelerations. If
your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start
out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate en-
gine revolution.
" Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane
changes.
" Slow down before turning. Make a longer than nor-
Driving tips
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