2001 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 322

Trailer hitch (if equipped) D Never exceed the maximum weight specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight could cause an accident resulting in serious personal injuries. Permissible trailer weight changes depending on the situation. Refer to the next section "Trailer towing" for possible recommendations and limitations. D Trailer brakes are required when the towing load exceeds 1,000 lbs. (453 kg). Be sure your trailer has safety chains and that each chain will hold the trailer's maximum gross weight. Towing trailers without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage. D 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. D Use only the ball mount supplied with this hitch. Use the hitch only as a weight carrying hitch. Do not use with any type of weight distributing hitch. The trailer hitch is designed to tow a Class 1 rated load. A maximum of 2,000 lbs. (906 kg) gross trailer weight and a maximum of 200 lbs. (90 kg) gross tongue weight are permissible for the trailer hitch. When you tow a trailer, follow the instructions in the next section "Trailer towing". WARNING 8-24