Subaru Forester: Trailer hitches
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 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 underbody of your vehicle could cause deterioration of strength of your vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled hole.
- Do not modify the vehicle exhaust 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.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer.
The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recommended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer.
If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load.
For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tight.
Tongue load
Tongue load 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). 1) Jack 2) Bathroom scal ...See also:
General notes
WARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow, ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon ...
Steering column
Never adjust the steering
column
while the vehicle is in motion.
1. Move the lever fully down to unlock the
column. Move the lever fully up to re-lock
the column.
2. Move the steering column u ...
Parking lights
Headlight control in position for parking lights
The parking lights (the license plate lights also
come on) can be turned on even when the ignition
is switched off.
Turn the headlight control ...