SUBARU EQUIPS ITS VEHICLES WITH PRACTICAL FEATURES THAT ALLOW CONFIGURATIONS FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING WHATEVER YOU NEED FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE.
Cargo Cautions
Compiled from Subaru Owner’s Manuals:
- Secure cargo as best as possible to prevent it from being thrown around the passenger compartment due to sudden stops, sharp turns, or accidents.
- Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. This may raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it unstable.
- Never exceed the maximum load limit. Doing so may result in damage to parts or changes to the vehicle’s handling. Overloading a vehicle may decrease its life span.
- Do not place anything on the extended cargo-area cover or car shelf. These items could tumble forward during a sudden stop and cause injury.
Whether you’re hauling camping gear to secluded mountains in an Outback, strapping a hang glider to the roof of a WRX, loading up your Subaru with a harvest, or simply transporting friends, Subaru vehicles have built-in provisions for making your life a little easier. A few precautions can make travel safer, too.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Roof Rack and Cross Bars
Roof racks increase the utility of your vehicle, and Subaru has a number of systems available. However, be aware that roof rails and cross bars have weight limits. It is crucial not to overload them. Consult your Owner’s Manual for weight limits and precautions.
Towing and Weights
With the addition of an accessory trailer hitch, Subaru vehicles can tow more – as much as 3,500 lbs with a Tribeca. See your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for its specific maximum towing capacity for safe travel.
Ensure the wiring harness is properly installed and that lights function properly on both the vehicle and the trailer before starting out.
If you’ve never driven with a trailer, practice prior to travel. Take your vehicle to an empty parking lot to practice turning and backing the trailer into a parking space. Practice will improve your confidence and skills for safer towing.
TRAVEL-READY INTERIORS
Cargo Configurations
Split seatbacks provide ample room for cargo storage when folded down, plus they allow a number of combinations for seating passengers and hauling cargo.
Balance and Security
Whatever your vehicle’s configuration, try to balance passenger and cargo weight between the front and rear axles for safer handling.
In addition, Subaru provides tie-down loops in the cargo area of most of its vehicles. Use them to keep passengers safe by helping to prevent cargo from sliding out of position.
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS
Under the Seats
Keep the area underneath the driver and passenger seats clear of debris. Each seat is equipped with a sensor that activates the airbag system when the seat is occupied. Objects under the seat can interfere with sensor wiring to the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)1 control unit, causing the system to fail, thereby endangering passengers.
Electronics
Do not leave electronics in your vehicle. Aside from damage caused by extreme heat or cold, electronics in plain sight are often targets for break-ins.
Accessorize for Safety
Subaru offers a wide variety of accessories to make traveling easier and safer. They range from a dog guard/compartment separator to rear cargo nets. Take advantage of them to help ensure that your cargo stays where it’s meant to be.
Your Subaru vehicle is ready for cargo. Proceed with caution!
1 The airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) affords the driver and the front passenger additional protection in moderate to severe frontal and side-impact collisions and outboard 2nd row passengers additional protection in moderate to severe side impact collisions. This system provides supplemental protection only, and seatbelts must be worn in order to avoid injuries to out-of-position occupants upon bag deployment and to provide the best combined protection in a serious accident. Children should always be properly restrained in one of the rear seats. See Owner’s Manual for recommended seating position.
SMALL CARGO
Storage areas around your Subaru:
- Eight cup and bottle holders (all 2010 models except Impreza, which has six)
- Two-tier center console (most Subaru vehicles)
- Door-handle pockets sized for small electronics
- A small storage pocket under the radio (vehicles without navigation)
- A spacious glovebox
- A net or pocket on the back of the front passenger seat
- Two-compartment storage tray under the cargo floor (2010 Outback)
- Standard or available retractable cargo covers that enhance security (wagons, SUVs, and 5-doors)
For more about Subaru accessories, go to www.subaru.com.
