Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english

(400,1)

CAUTION

Do not use the parking brake

when parking for long periods in
cold weather since it could freeze
in that position.

When the vehicle is parked in

snow or when it snows, raise the
wiper blades off the glass to
prevent damage to them.

When the vehicle has been left

parked after use on roads heavily
covered with snow, or has been
left parked during a snowstorm,
icing may develop on the brake
system, which could cause poor
braking action. Check for snow or
ice buildup on the suspension,
disc brakes and brake hoses
underneath the vehicle. If there
is caked snow or ice, remove it,
being careful not to damage the
disc brakes, brake hoses or ABS
harness.

When parking for long periods in cold
weather, you should observe the following
tips.
1. Place the select lever in the “P”

position.

2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent

the vehicle from moving.

Refueling in cold weather

To help prevent moisture from forming in
the fuel system and the risk of its freezing,
use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel
tank is recommended during cold weather.
Use only additives that are specifically
designed for this purpose. When an anti-
freeze additive is used, its effect lasts
longer if the tank is refilled whenever the
fuel level reaches half empty.

If your SUBARU is not going to be used for
an extended period, it is best to have the
fuel tank filled to capacity.

Opening rear gate (models with
power rear gate)

CAUTION

Before operating the power rear
gate, check that there is no frost or
snow between the power rear gate
and the vehicle body. If you notice
frost or snow etc. on the power rear
gate, remove it. If you forcibly oper-
ate the power rear gate with frost or
snow, it may cause a malfunction.

Driving on snowy and icy
roads

To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid
sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, high-
speed driving, and sharp turning when
driving on snowy or icy roads.
Always maintain ample distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you
to avoid the need for sudden braking.
To supplement the foot brake, use the
engine brake effectively to control the
vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear
when necessary.)
Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such beha-
vior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly
leading to loss of vehicle control.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) en-
hances your vehicle’s braking perfor-
mance on snowy and icy roads. For
information on braking on slippery sur-
faces, refer to “ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System)”

�

P330 and “Vehicle Dynamics

Control system”

�

P332.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads such as snowy or icy
roads. This may cause loss of vehi-
cle control.

Winter driving

398

(401,1)

CAUTION

Avoid prolonged continuous driving
in snowstorms. Snow will enter the
engine’s intake system and may
hinder the airflow, which could re-
sult in engine shutdown or even
breakdown.

Wiper operation when snowing

Before driving in cold weather, make sure
the wiper blade rubbers are not frozen to
the windshield or rear window.

If the wiper blade rubbers are frozen to the
windshield or rear window, perform the
following procedure.

To thaw the windshield wiper blade
rubbers, use the defroster with the
airflow selection in “

” and the tem-

perature set for maximum warmth until
the wiper blade rubbers are completely
thawed. Refer to “Climate control”

�

P255.

If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper
deicer, use it. It is helpful to thaw the
windshield wiper blade rubbers. Refer
to “Defogger and deicer”

�

P251.

To thaw the rear wiper blade rubbers,
use the rear window defogger. Refer to
“Defogger and deicer”

�

P251.

When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts
to stick on the surface of the windshield
despite wiper operation, use the defroster
with the airflow selection in “

” and the

temperature set for maximum warmth.
After the windshield gets warmed enough
to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away
using the windshield washer. Refer to
“Windshield washer”

�

P239.

Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the
wiper from working effectively. If snow is
stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to
a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the
vehicle at road side, use the hazard
warning flasher to alert other drivers. Refer
to “Hazard warning flasher”

�

P162.

Lighting operation when snowing

Check that the headlights are clean before
driving. If snow, frost or ice are attached to
the headlights, remove it.
If the headlights are not clean, they will not
light the front normally. Also if the indica-
tors and brake lamps are not clean, the
vehicle will not be able to inform its status
to other drivers and it may result in an
accident.

Corrosion protection

Refer to “Corrosion protection”

�

P442.

Snow tires

WARNING

When replacing or installing win-

ter tire(s), all four tires must be
the same for following items.

(a) Size

(b) Speed symbol

(c) Load index

(d) Circumference

(e) Construction

(f) Manufacturer

(g) Brand (tread pattern)

(h) Degrees of wear

For the items (a) to (c), you must
obey the specification that is
printed on the tire inflation pres-
sure label. The tire inflation pres-
sure label is located on the dri-
ver’s door pillar.

If all the four tires are not the
same for items (a) to (h), serious
mechanical damage could be
caused to the drivetrain of the
car, and affect the followings.

– Ride

– Handling

– Braking

– CONTINUED –

Winter driving

399

Driving

tips

(402,1)

– Speedometer/Odometer cali-

bration

– Clearance between the body

and tires

It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.

Do not use a combination of

radial, belted bias or bias tires
since it may cause dangerous
handling characteristics and lead
to an accident.

Your vehicle is equipped with “all season
tires” as original equipment, which are
designed to provide an adequate measure
of traction, handling and braking perfor-
mance in year-round driving. In winter, it
may be possible to enhance performance
through use of tires designed specifically
for winter driving conditions.
When you choose to install winter tires on
your vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire
size and type. You must install four winter
tires that are of the same size, construc-
tion, brand and load range and you should
never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires
since this may result in dangerous hand-
ling characteristics. When you choose a
tire, make sure that there is enough
clearance between the tire and vehicle

body.

Remember to drive with care at all times
regardless of the type of tires on your
vehicle.

Tire chains

CAUTION

Tire chains cannot be used on your
vehicle because of the lack of clear-
ance between the tires and vehicle
body.

NOTE

When tire chains cannot be used, use of
another type of traction device (such as
spring chains) may be acceptable if use
on your vehicle is recommended by the
device manufacturer, taking into ac-
count tire size and road conditions.
Follow the device manufacturer’s in-
structions, especially regarding max-
imum vehicle speed.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle,
and do not spin your wheels. Damage
caused to your vehicle by use of a
traction device is not covered under
warranty.

Make certain that any traction device
you use is an SAE class S device, and
use it on the front wheels only. Always
use the utmost care when driving with a
traction device. Overconfidence be-
cause you are using a traction device
could easily lead to a serious accident.

Rocking the vehicle

If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the accel-
erator pedal slightly and move the select
lever back and forth between “D” and “R”
repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the
best possible traction, avoid spinning the
wheels when trying to free the vehicle.
When the road surface is extremely
slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission in
2nd than 1st.

For information about holding the trans-
mission in the 2nd position, refer to
“Selection of manual mode”

�

P322.

Winter driving

400

(403,1)

8-10. Loading your vehicle

WARNING

Never allow passengers to ride

on a folded rear seatback in the
cargo area. Doing so may result
in serious injury.

Never stack luggage or other

cargo higher than the top of the
seatback because it could tumble
forward and injure passengers in
the event of a sudden stop or
accident. Keep luggage or cargo
low, as close to the floor as
possible.

WARNING

When you carry something inside

the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can to prevent it from being
thrown around inside the vehicle
during sudden stops, sharp turns
or in an accident.

Do not pile heavy loads on the

roof. These loads raise the vehi-
cle’s center of gravity and make it
more prone to tip over.

Secure lengthy items properly to

prevent them from shooting for-
ward and causing serious injury
during a sudden stop.

Never exceed the maximum load

limit. If you do, some parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal
injury. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.

Do not place anything on the

extended cargo area cover. Such
items could tumble forward in the
event of a sudden stop or a
collision. This could cause ser-
ious injury.

CAUTION

Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.

NOTE

For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.

Vehicle capacity weight

– CONTINUED –

Loading your vehicle

401

Driving

tips

(404,1)

Vehicle placard

The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by available
cargo space. The maximum load you can
carry in your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver’s
side door pillar. It includes the total weight
of the driver and all passengers and their
belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.

GVWR and GAWR (Gross Ve-
hicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)

Certification label

The certification label attached to the
bottom of driver’s side door pillar shows
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).

The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue
load. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation. The GVWR
equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle – including standard equipment,
fluids, emergency tools and spare tire

assembly) plus the vehicle capacity
weight.

In addition, the total weight applied to each
axle (GAW) must never exceed the
GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be
adjusted by relocating luggage inside the
vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is
lower than the vehicle capacity weight,
either front or rear GAW may exceed the
GAWR, depending on the distribution of
the luggage.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.

If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you
should confirm that GVW and front and
rear GAWs are within the GVWR and
GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehicle
scale, found at a commercial weighing
station.

Do not use replacement tires with a lower
load range than the originals because they
may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita-
tions. Replacement tires with a higher load
range than the originals do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

Loading your vehicle

402

(405,1)

Roof rails (if equipped)

Roof rails

Cargo can be carried on the roof after
securing the crossbars to the roof rails and
installing an appropriate carrying attach-
ment. When installing crossbars and a
carrying attachment, follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions. The roof rail system is
designed to carry loads (cargo, crossbars
and carrying attachment) of no more than

176 lbs (80 kg)

. Be sure not to exceed

your vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR.

CAUTION

When using a carrying attach-

ment, make sure that the total
carrying load of the cargo, cross-
bars and carrying attachment

does not exceed 176 lbs (80 kg).
Overloading may cause damage
to the vehicle. Read the manufac-
turer’s instructions and pay at-
tention to not exceed the load
limit of the parts.

For cargo carrying purposes, the

roof rails must be used together
with the SUBARU recommended
crossbars and any appropriate
carrying attachment that may be
needed. The roof rails must never
be used alone to carry cargo.
Otherwise, damage to the roof
or paint, or a dangerous road
hazard due to loss of cargo could
result.

NOTE

Remember that the vehicle’s center of
gravity is altered with the weight of the
load on the roof, thus affecting driving
characteristics.
Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard
cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind
effects will be increased.

Roof tent (models with roof
rails)

WARNING

Adding weight to the vehicle’s roof
can adversely affect handling, brak-
ing, and rollover resistance. The
vehicle must never be driven with a
total roof rail load in excess of 176
lbs (80 kg).

CAUTION

The roof rail load limit for sta-

tionary vehicles (700 lbs (317 kg)
(for Forester), 800 lbs (360 kg)
( f o r

S u b a r u

F o r e s t e r

Wilderness)) applies only when

– CONTINUED –

Loading your vehicle

403

Driving

tips

(406,1)

the vehicle is parked and the load
is evenly distributed left/right and
front/rear and the roof crossbars
and roof tent are tightly secured
to the vehicle. If these conditions
are not met, the load limit will be
lower.

The maximum load limit of the

roof crossbars must be obtained
from the manufacturer or retailer
of the roof rack. When driving the
vehicle, the maximum roof rail
load is 176 lbs (80 kg) or the
crossbar load limit (whichever is
lower).

Roof tents can only be used on

vehicles originally equipped with
roof rails. Otherwise, damage to
the vehicle’s roof may occur.

On vehicles equipped with roof rails, roof
tents may be used under certain condi-
tions at your own risk.

When driving the vehicle

The total weight on the roof rails, including
the roof crossbars and roof tent, must not
exceed the vehicle’s roof rail load of 176
lbs (80 kg), evenly distributed.

Roof rails

Roof crossbars

Roof tent

B + C < 176 lbs (80 kg)

When the vehicle is parked on level
ground

Roof rails

Roof crossbars

Roof tent

Occupants in the roof tent

Loading your vehicle

404

(407,1)

The total weight on the roof rails –
including the roof crossbars, roof tent,
and all occupants and contents in the roof
tent – must not exceed either the vehicle’s
roof rail load limit (700 lbs (317 kg) (for
Forester), 800 lbs (360 kg) (for Subaru
Forester Wilderness)), evenly distributed,
or the load limit of the roof crossbars,
whichever is lower.

Load limit of the roof rail (A).
Forester: B + C + D < 700 lbs (317 kg)
Subaru Forester Wilderness: B + C + D
< 800 lbs (360 kg)

Exceeding this load limit could cause
damage to the vehicle or racking system.
The vehicle must never be driven with
occupants in the roof tent. Before the
vehicle is driven, occupants and cargo
must be removed from the roof tent and
the roof rail load must be restored to within
the roof rail load limit of 176 lbs (80 kg).
Refer to the user manual that accompa-
nied the roof tent for important safety
information and instructions on the proper
installation and use of the tent.

8-11. Trailer hitch (dealer op-
tion)

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum
weight specified for the trailer
hitch. Exceeding the maximum
weight could cause an accident
resulting in serious personal in-
juries. Permissible trailer weight
changes depending on the situa-
tion. For possible recommenda-
tions and limitations, refer to
“Trailer towing”

�

P408.

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 cre-
ate 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.

Although towing regulations for

trailer or caravan vehicles vary
by state/region, all regulations
agree that specifications such
as the maximum gross trailer
weight must not exceed the les-
ser of the following:

– Maximum gross trailer weight

–

M a x i m u m g r o s s t o n g u e

weight

– GVWR

– GAWR

Failure to comply with the proce-

dures set forth will not only
compromise your safety, but will
also negate your insurance cov-
erage and/or may violate the state
road and traffic acts and regula-
tions.

Use only the recommended
SUBARU ball mount that has
been designed to work with this
trailer hitch. Use the hitch only as
a weight carrying hitch. Do not
use with any type of weight dis-
tributing hitch.

The standard bumper beam must

be installed after you remove the

– CONTINUED –

Trailer hitch (dealer option)

405

Driving

tips

(408,1)

trailer hitch. Consult a SUBARU
dealer for purchase of a standard
bumper beam if you do not have
the original.

Safety performance is decreased

and there is increased risk of
injury to passengers in the case
of an accident if the trailer hitch
or a standard bumper beam is not
installed. One of them must al-
ways be installed on the vehicle.

If a trailer hitch is installed, it is

not possible to install the rear
towing hook.

The maximum gross trailer weight and
maximum gross tongue weight are indi-
cated in the following table.

When towing a trailer with brakes

Maximum
gross trailer
weight

Maximum
gross tongue
weight

Except for
Subaru
Forester
Wilderness

1,500 lbs

(680 kg)

150 lbs

(68 kg)

For Subaru
Forester
Wilderness

3,000 lbs

(1,360 kg)

300 lbs

(136 kg)

When towing a trailer without brakes

Maximum gross trai-
ler weight

Maximum gross ton-
gue weight

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

150 lbs (68 kg)

When towing a trailer, refer to “Trailer
towing”

�

P408.

Connecting a trailer

Ball mount

Hitch pin

Safety pin

Hitch receiver tube

Trailer hitch (dealer option)

406

(409,1)

1. 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 pro-

vided 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.

Hitch ball installation point

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. The chains
should cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping onto
the ground in case it 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

Do not connect safety chains to any
part of the vehicle other than the
safety chain hooks.

Hitch harness connector

8. Connect the hitch electrical wire har-

ness’s black four-pin electrical wire

connector to the towing trailer’s wire
harness.

9. Confirm proper function of the hitch

electrical wire harness by individually
and combination activating the brake,
stop and turn signal lights on the trailer.

NOTE

Always disconnect the trailer electrical
wire harness before launching or re-
trieving a watercraft.

If not towing a trailer

Remove the ball mount from the hitch
receiver tube.

Place the dust cap over the four-pin
connector of the hitch electrical wire
harness to protect against possible
damage.

Occasionally lubricate terminals of the
four-pin connector using terminal
grease.

Trailer hitch (dealer option)

407

Driving

tips

(410,1)

8-12. Trailer towing

CAUTION

Turn off the Auto Start Stop system
when you are towing the vehicle
( e x c e p t f o r S u b a r u F o r e s t e r
Wilderness).

Your vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety
and satisfaction depend upon proper use
of correct equipment and cautious opera-
tion of your vehicle.
Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to
assist you in purchasing a hitch and other
necessary towing equipment appropriate
for your vehicle. Do not use towing equip-
ment other than genuine SUBARU towing
equipment. In addition, be sure to follow
the instructions for proper installation and
use provided by the trailer or caravan’s
manufacturer.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for
injuries or vehicle damage that result from
trailer towing equipment, or from any

errors or omissions in the instructions
accompanying such equipment or for your
failure to follow the proper instructions.
Regularly check that the hitch mounting
bolts and nuts are tightened securely.

Warranties and maintenance

SUBARU warranties do not apply to
vehicle damage or malfunction caused by
trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow
a trailer, more frequent maintenance will
be required due to the additional load.
(Refer to “Maintenance schedule under
severe driving conditions” in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet”.)
Under no circumstances should a trailer be
towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle with
any new powertrain component (engine,
transmission, differential, wheel bearings,
etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
driving.

Maximum load limits

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum load
limits explained in the following.
Exceeding the maximum load limits
could cause personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.

CAUTION

Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.

Before towing a trailer, check the

trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs
and tongue load. Make sure the
load and its distribution in your
vehicle and trailer are acceptable.

Total trailer weight

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo load) must never exceed the
maximum total trailer weight in the follow-
ing table.

Trailer towing

408

(411,1)

Conditions

Maximum total trailer weight

For Subaru Forester
Wilderness

Except for Subaru Forester
Wilderness

When towing a trailer with
brakes

3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)

1,500 lbs (680 kg)

When towing a trailer without
brakes

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer on an
uphill grade continuously for
over 5 miles (8 km) with an
outside temperature of 104

(40

C) or above

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)

Gross Vehicle Weight

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR).
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the com-
bined total of the weight of the vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment installed on your vehicle.
Therefore, the GVW changes depending
on the situation. Determine the GVW each
time before going on a trip by putting your
vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale.

– CONTINUED –

Trailer towing

409

Driving

tips

(412,1)

Certification label

GVWR of your vehicle that is given by
SUBARU is shown on the certification
label located at the bottom of driver’s side
door pillar of your vehicle.

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 luggage inside the vehi-
cle. The front and rear GAWR of your
vehicle that is given by SUBARU are also
shown on the certification label located at
the bottom of driver’s side door pillar.

To check both GVWR and GAWR and to
confirm that the total weight and weight
distribution are within safe driving limits,
you should have your vehicle and trailer
weighed at a commercial weighing station.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to

prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.

Tongue load

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from 8
to 11% of the total trailer weight and does
not exceed the maximum value of 150 lbs
(68 kg) for Forester, 300 lbs (136 kg) for
Subaru Forester Wilderness.

Trailer towing

410

(413,1)

Jack

Bathroom scale

The tongue load can be weighed with a
bathroom scale as shown in the illustration
above. 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.

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.

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 dur-
ing cornering, resulting in over-
steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

Trailer Hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body
of your vehicle to install a commer-
cial trailer hitch. If you do, danger-
ous exhaust gas, water or mud may
enter the passenger compartment
through the drilled hole. Exhaust
gas contains carbon monoxide, a
colorless and odorless gas which is
dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.
Also, drilling the frame or under-
body of your vehicle could cause
deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around
the drilled hole.

– CONTINUED –

Trailer towing

411

Driving

tips

(414,1)

CAUTION

Do not modify the vehicle ex-

haust system, brake system, or
other systems when installing a
hitch or other trailer towing
equipment.

Do not use axle-mounted hitches

as they can cause damage to the
axle housing, wheel bearings,
wheels or tires.

Do not use a trailer hitch other than a
genuine SUBARU trailer hitch. A genuine
SUBARU trailer hitch is available from
your SUBARU dealer.

When you do not tow a trailer

CAUTION

The housing should be kept free

of dirt and corrosion at the points
of contact. The surfaces only
require cleaning with a cloth.
Grease or other lubricants
should never be used.

If the tow ball mount is not

installed, the plastic insert
should then be inserted for pro-
tection and to prevent it from
getting dirty.

When the tow ball mount is not used, place
the ball cap and store securely.

Connecting a trailer

Trailer brakes

WARNING

Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.

Do not directly connect your

trailer’s hydraulic brake system
to the hydraulic brake system in
your vehicle. Direct connection
would cause the vehicle’s brake
performance to deteriorate and
could lead to an accident.

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.
Electric brakes or surge brakes are re-
commended, and must be installed prop-
erly. Check that your trailer’s brakes con-
form 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 professional trailer supplier for
more information about the trailer’s brake
system.

Trailer safety chains

WARNING

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.

In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch
ball should break or become discon-
nected, the trailer could get loose and
create a traffic safety hazard.
For safety, always connect the towing
vehicle and trailer with trailer safety
chains. 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.

Trailer towing

412

(415,1)

Side mirrors

After hitching a trailer to your vehicle,
check that the standard side mirrors
provide a good rearward field of view
without significant blind spots. If significant
blind spots occur with the vehicle’s stan-
dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that
conform with Federal, state/province and/
or other applicable regulations.

Trailer lights

CAUTION

Direct splicing or other improper
connection of trailer lights may
damage your vehicle’s electrical
system and cause a malfunction of
your vehicle’s lighting system.

Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s
electrical system requires modifications to
the vehicle’s lighting circuit to increase its
capacity and accommodate wiring
changes. To ensure the trailer lights are
connected properly, please consult your
SUBARU dealer. Check for proper opera-
tion of the turn signals and the brake lights
each time you connect a trailer to your
vehicle.

Tires

WARNING

Never tow a trailer when the tempor-
ary spare tire is used. The temporary
spare tire is not designed to sustain
the towing load. Use of the tempor-
ary spare tire when towing can result
in failure of the spare tire and/or less
stability of the vehicle.

Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle
are properly inflated. Refer to “Tires”

�

P498.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer’s
specifications. Also check federal, state,
province and/or other applicable regula-
tions.

In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire
when towing a trailer, ask a commercial
road service representative or profes-
sional to repair the flat tire.

If you carry a regular size spare tire in your
vehicle or trailer as a precaution against
getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire
is firmly secured.

Trailer towing tips

CAUTION

For models equipped with the

BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and
RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)
driving support systems, when
towing a trailer, press the BSD/
RCTA OFF switch to deactivate
the system. The system may not
operate properly due to the
blocked radar waves. For details
about the BSD/RCTA OFF switch,
refer to “BSD/RCTA OFF switch”

�

P361.

For models equipped with Re-

verse Automatic Braking (RAB)
system, consult your SUBARU
dealer for additional information
about towing a trailer.

– CONTINUED –

Trailer towing

413

Driving

tips

Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english - page 25