Subaru Legacy BN/BS (2015-2019) Owners Manual: Tongue load

Subaru Legacy BN/BS (2015-2019) Owners Manual / Driving tips / Trailer towing (Outback) / Maximum load limits / Tongue load

Tongue load

WARNING If the trailer is loaded with more weight in the back of trailer's axle than in the front, the load is taken off the rear axle of the towing vehicle.

This may cause the rear wheels to skid, especially during braking or when vehicle speed is reduced during cornering, resulting in oversteer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from 8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weight and does not exceed the maximum value of 200 lbs (90 kg).

NOTE For vehicles with trailer brakes, the trailer tongue load exceeds 200 lbs (90 kg) when calculated at 8% of the maximum total trailer weight.

Even in this case, the maximum value is 200 lbs (90 kg).

Tongue load

1) Jack
2) Bathroom scale

The tongue load can be weighed with a bathroom scale as shown in the following illustration. When weighing the tongue load, be sure to position the towing coupler at the height at which it would be during actual towing, using a jack as shown.

Tongue load

F: Front

The tongue load can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in the trailer.

Never load the trailer with more weight in the back than in the front; approximately 60 percent of the trailer load should be in the front and approximately 40 percent in the rear. Also, distribute the load as evenly as possible on both the left and right sides.

Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a change in weight distribution while driving.

Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

Gross Axle Weight The total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating passengers and lugga ...

Trailer Hitches

WARNING Never drill the frame or under-body of your vehicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may enter the passenger compartm ...

Other materials:

Check list for interview check
Inspect the following items regarding the vehicle’s state.Writer/InspectorWriter’s name Inspector’s Name Vehicle informationCar accessory equipment conditionCar accessory is installed to the windshield glass.No/Yes(Position: )OtherNo/Yes(Acce ...