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Trailer towing
CAUTION
. 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 bearings , wheels or tires .
Do not use a trailer hitch other than a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch . A genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer .
& When you do not tow a trailer
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CAUTION
. The housing should be kept free of dirt and corrosion at the points of contact . The surfaces only require cleaning with a cloth . Grease or other lubricants should never be used .
. If the tow ball mount is not installed , the plastic insert should then be inserted for protection and to prevent it from getting dirty .
When the tow ball mount is not used , place the ball cap and store securely .
& Connecting a trailer
! Trailer brakes WARNING
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. 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 hydraulic brake system to the hydraulic brake system in your vehicle . Direct connection would cause the vehicle ’ s brake performance to deteriorate and could lead to an accident .
If your trailer ’ s total weight ( trailer weight plus its cargo weight ) exceeds 1,000 lbs ( 453 kg ), the trailer is required to be equipped with its own brake system . Electric brakes or surge brakes are recommended , and must be installed properly . Check that your trailer ’ s brakes conform with Federal , state / province and / or other applicable regulations . Your SUBARU ’ s brake system is not designed to be tapped into the trailer ’ s hydraulic brake system . Please ask your SUBARU
dealer and professional trailer supplier for more information about the trailer ’ s brake system .
! Trailer safety chains
WARNING
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Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer . Towing trailer without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage .
In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball should break or become disconnected , the trailer could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard .
For safety , always connect the towing vehicle and trailer with trailer safety chains . Two chains should be used in total , one to the right side and the other to the left side trailer tongue . Pass the chains crossing each other under the trailer tongue to prevent the trailer from dropping onto the ground in case the trailer tongue 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 .