426 DRIVING TIPS the safety chain hooks.
. Be sure to check the hitch pin and safety pin for positive locking placement before towing a trailer. If the ball mount comes off the hitch receiver, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard.
8. Connect the hitch wire harness’ s black four-pin wire connector to the towing trailer’ s wire harness.
Hitch harness connector
S _ 801614-W
9. Confirm proper function of the hitch wire harness by individually activating the brake, stop and turn signal lights on the trailer.
NOTE
. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer.
. Always disconnect the trailer wire harness before launching or retrieving a watercraft.
IF NOT TOWING A TRAILER s08ak02
. Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube.
. Place the dust cap over the four-pin connector of the hitch electrical wire harness to protect against possible damage.
. Occasionally lubricate terminals of the four-pin connector using terminal grease.
8-13. TRAILER TOWING s08al
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 operation 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.
WARRANTIES AND MAINTE- NANCE s08al01
SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction caused by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance will be required due to the additional load.( Refer to“ Maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions” in the“ Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.)