2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Owner's Manual - Page 266

8-22

Driving tips

The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer

hitch

is

recommended.

A

genuine

SUBARU hitch is available from your

SUBARU dealer.

If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoid-

able, be sure the hitch is suited to your ve-

hicle and trailer. Consult with a profes-

sional hitch supplier to assist you in

choosing an appropriate hitch for your ve-

hicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch man-

ufacturer’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

T

Trailer brakes

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. Elec-

tric brakes or surge brakes are recom-

mended, 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 pro-

fessional trailer supplier for more informa-

tion about the trailer’s brake system.

T

Trailer safety chains

In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch

ball should break or become disconnect-

ed, the trailer could get loose and create a

traffic safety hazard.

For safety, always connect the towing ve-

hicle and trailer with trailer safety chains.

Pass the chains crossing each other un-

der 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 ac-

count; however, be careful not to let them

drag on the ground.

For more information about the safety

chain connection, refer to the instructions

for your hitch and trailer.

y

Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its

cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

total weight.

y

Do not directly connect your trail-

er’s hydraulic brake system to the

hydraulic brake system in your

vehicle. Direct connection would

cause the vehicle’s brake perfor-

mance to deteriorate and could

lead to an accident.

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.

2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Owner's Manual - Page 266

2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Manual

Page 266 highlights