Trailer Hitches; Trailer Safety Chains; Side Mirrors; Trailer Lights - Subaru FORESTER Manual

WARNING
Never exceed the maximum towing
weight. Exceeding the maximum
towing weight could cause personal
injury and/or vehicle damage.
& Trailer hitches
The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer
hitch is recommended. Genuine SUBARU
hitches are available from your SUBARU
dealer.
Regularly check that the hitch mounting
bolts and nuts are tight.
CAUTION
Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, or other
system when installing a hitch or
other trailer towing equipment.
& Trailer safety chains
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. 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 discon-
nect from the hitch ball. Allow sufficient
slack in the chains taking tight-turn situa-
tions into account; however, be careful not
to let them drag on the ground.
For more information about the safety
chain connection, refer to the instructions
for your hitch and trailer.
& Side mirrors
Many countries have regulations requiring
special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. 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
Driving tips
significant blind spots occur with the
vehicle's standard side mirrors, use addi-
tional outside mirrors that conform with
regulations.
& Trailer lights
Connection of trailer lights to your vehi-
cle's electrical system requires modifica-
tions to the vehicle's lighting circuit to
increase its capacity and accommodate
wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights
are connected properly, we recommend
that you consult your SUBARU dealer.
Check for proper operation of the turn
signals and the brake lights each time you
hitch up.
CAUTION
Direct splicing or other improper
connection of trailer lights may
damage your vehicle's electrical
system and cause a malfunction of
your vehicle lighting system.
& Tires
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle
are inflated to the pressure under towing
conditions as shown on the tire placard
located under the door striker on the
driver's side. Trailer tire condition, size,
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