Trailer Hitch (If Equipped) - Subaru 2003 Forester Owner's Manual

Driving tips

Trailer hitch (if equipped)

The trailer hitch is designed to tow a Class 1 rated
load.
When you tow a trailer, follow the instructions in the
next section "Trailer towing".
y Never exceed the maximum weight specified
for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum
weight could cause an accident resulting in se-
rious personal injuries. Permissible trailer
weight changes depending on the situation. Re-
fer to the next section "Trailer towing" for pos-
sible recommendations and limitations.
y 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.
y 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 re-
8-22
ceiver, the trailer could get loose and create a
traffic safety hazard.
y Use only the ball mount supplied with this
hitch. Use the hitch only as a weight carrying
hitch. Do not use with any type of weight dis-
tributing hitch.
„ Connecting a trailer
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 on the hitch receiv-
HS8011BA