2022 Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch (Outback and Wilderness) User Manual

2022 Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch (Outback and Wilderness If Equipped)

Trailer Hitch (Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness – If Equipped)

WARNING

• 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. For possible recommendations and limitations, refer to “Trailer Towing (Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness)” P449.
• Never drill the frame or underbody of your vehicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may enter the passenger compartment through the drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that is dangerous, or even lethal if inhaled. Also, drilling the frame or underbody of your vehicle could cause deterioration of the strength of your vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled hole.
• 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.
• Use only a ball mount that is suitable for the trailer hitch. Use the hitch only as a weight-carrying hitch. Do not use any type of weight distributing hitch.
• The standard bumper beam must be installed after you remove the trailer hitch. Consult a SUBARU dealer for the purchase of a standard bumper beam if you do not have the original.
• If a trailer hitch is installed, it is not possible to install the rear towing hook.

CAUTION
Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system, brake system, or other systems when installing a hitch or other trailer towing equipment

When any of the tires are punctured, you can seal the tire temporarily. However, do not tow a trailer when a sealed tire is used. We recommend that you consult the nearest SUBARU dealer for details. The maximum gross trailer weight and maximum gross tongue weight are indicated in the following table

When towing a trailer, refer to “Trailer Towing (Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness)” P449.

Connecting a SUBARU Genuine Trailer Hitch

1. Remove the receiver cover from the hitch receiver tube. Then insert the ball mount into the hitch receiver tube.
2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole located on the hitch receiver tube so that the pin passes through the ball mount
3. Insert the safety pin through the provided hole on the hitch pin securely.
4. Check the ball mount assembly by pulling on it to make sure it does not come off the hitch receiver.
   1. Hitch ball installation point
   2. Hooks for safety chains
5. Use only a hitch ball that is appropriate for the ball mount and your trailer. The hitch ball must be securely installed on the ball mount.
6. Connect your trailer to the hitch ball.
7. Connect the trailer and the hitch with safety chains that will hold the trailer’s maximum gross weight. 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.
   1. 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
      WARNING
      • For safety, always connect the towing vehicle and trailer with safety chains.
      • Do not connect safety chains to any part of the vehicle other than 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.
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

CAUTION
The housing should be kept clean at the points of contact. The surfaces only require cleaning with a cloth. Grease or other lubricants should never be used.

• Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube and insert the receiver cover onto the hitch receiver tube.
• Place the dust cap over the four-pin connector of the hitch wire harness to protect against possible damage.
• Occasionally lubricate terminals of the four-pin connector using terminal grease.