2006 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 244

Install the rear crossbar in the same manner as the front crossbar. 6) Front arrow label a: 0 inch (0 mm) Trailer hitch (if equipped) Driving tips 8-17 NOTE The rear crossbar should be positioned just in front of the rear seam (joint) between the rear roof rail support and the roof rail. Do not carry cargo on the roof when the crossbars are removed. Luggage on the roof will be thrown forward or backward in sudden stops or rapid accelerations, resulting in a dangerous road hazard. 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 section “Trailer towing” in this chapter. 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 section “Trailer towing” in this chapter for possible recommendations and limitations. NOTE Before each use of the roof crossbar, make sure the four T-30 crossbar clamp screws have been checked, and retightened if necessary to 35 lbf·in (4.0 N·m, 0.41 kgf·m), as outlined in Step #5 above. 1. Remove the receiver cover from the hitch receiver tube. Then insert the ball mount into the hitch receiver tube. Connecting a trailer 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. 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. 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. – CONTINUED –