Subaru Crosstrek Manuals 2018 Crosstrek Owner's Manual | Page 346

8-16 Driving tips/Trailer towing maximum gross weight. The chains should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping onto the ground in case it should disconnect from the hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the chains taking tight turn situations into account; however, be careful not to let them drag on the ground. WARNING Do not connect safety chains to any part of the vehicle other than the safety chain hooks. Hitch harness connector 8. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black four-pin wire connector to the towing trailer’s wire harness. 9. Confirm proper function of the hitch wire harness by individually activating the brake, stop and turn signal lights on the trailer. NOTE Always disconnect the trailer wire har- ness before launching or retrieving a watercraft. & If not towing a trailer . Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube and insert the receiver cover onto the hitch receiver tube. . Place the dust cap over the four-pin connector of the hitch wire harness to protect against possible damage. . Occasionally lubricate terminals of the four-pin connector using terminal grease. Trailer towing 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, drivetrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an adverse effect on fuel economy. If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satisfaction depend upon proper use of correct equipment and cautious opera- tion of your vehicle. Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchasing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment appropriate for your vehicle. Do not use towing equipment other than genuine SUBARU towing equipment. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions for proper installation and use provided by the trailer or caravan’s manufacturer. 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. Regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tightened securely.