Subaru 2001 Forester Owner's Manual page 260

B Connecting a trailer
n Trailer brakes
WARNING
D Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and
its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight.
D 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 recom-
mended, and must be installed properly. Check that your trailer's
brakes conform 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 SUB-
ARU dealer and professional trailer supplier for more information
about the trailer's brake system.
n Trailer safety chain
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 dam-
age or hitch ball damage.
In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball should break or
become disconnected, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic
safety hazard.
For safety, always connect the towing vehicle and trailer with trailer
safety chains. 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 suffi-
8-28