Trailer Towing; Maintenance; Towing Weight - Subaru FORESTER Manual

8-12
Driving tips
When installing the roof rack on the roof
rail, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
The roof rail is designed to carry loads
(luggage and roof rack) of no more than
80 kg (176 lbs).
CAUTION
. When using the roof rack, make
sure that the total carry load of
the roof rack and luggage does
not exceed 80 kg (176 lbs). Over-
loading may cause damage to
the vehicle.
. For cargo carrying purposes, the
roof rail must be used together
with the roof rack. The roof rail
must never be used alone to
carry cargo. Otherwise, damage
to the roof or paint, or a danger-
ous 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.

Trailer towing

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, drive train,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
In some countries, there are some regula-
tions which you have to observe when
towing a trailer. If you do decide to tow a
trailer, your safety and satisfaction depend
upon proper use of correct equipment and
cautious operation of your vehicle. We
recommend that you seek the advice of
your SUBARU dealer to assist you in
purchasing a hitch and other necessary
towing equipment appropriate for your
vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the
instructions on correct installation and use
provided by the trailer and other towing
equipment manufacturers.
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.
& Maintenance
If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer,
more frequent maintenance will be re-
quired due to the additional load. Refer to
the "Maintenance schedule" section in
chapter 11.
Under no circumstances should a trailer
be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle
with any new powertrain component (en-
gine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearings, etc.) for the first 1,600 km
(1,000 miles) of driving.
& Towing weight
Before towing a trailer, we recommend
that you confirm the towing capacity and
ball coupling load with your nearest
SUBARU dealer or the vehicle registration
documents and make sure your trailer is
within the towing capacity.
The total trailer weight (trailer weight with
brakes plus its cargo weight) must never
exceed maximum towing weight.
Remember that the ball coupling load will
increase the load on the vehicle. Both the
maximum permissible weight (MPW) and
maximum permissible rear axle weight
(rear MPAW) must not be exceeded.