Trailer Hitches; Connecting A Trailer - Subaru 2005 Baja Owner's Manual

Driving tips

Trailer hitches

Never drill the frame or under-body of your ve-
hicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you
do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may
enter the passenger compartment through the
drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon mon-
oxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is
dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drill-
ing the frame or under-body of your vehicle
could cause deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled
hole.
Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system,
brake system, or other systems when installing
a hitch or other trailer towing equipment.
Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can
cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bear-
ings, wheels or tires.
The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recom-
8-30
mended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from
your SUBARU dealer.
If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure
the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult
with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in
choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure
to follow all of the hitch manufacturer's instructions for
installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper.
The bumper is not designed to handle that type of
load.
For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch
mounting bolts and nuts are tight.

Connecting a trailer

Trailer brakes
Adequate size trailer brakes are required
when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) total weight.
Do not directly connect your trailer's hydrau-
lic brake system to the hydraulic brake system
in your vehicle. Direct connection would cause
the vehicle's brake performance to deteriorate