Subaru Forester: Trailer hitch (dealer option) - Driving tips - Subaru Forester Owner's ManualSubaru Forester: Trailer hitch (dealer option)

- Never exceed the maximum

- Never exceed the maximum weight specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight could cause an accident resulting in serious personal injuries.

Permissible trailer weight changes depending on the situation.

For possible recommendations and limitations, refer to “Trailer towing”.

- 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 create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage.

- 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 receiver, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard.

- 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 distributing hitch.

- The standard bumper beam must be installed after you remove the trailer hitch. Consult a SUBARU dealer for purchase of a standard bumper beam if you do not have the original.

- Safety performance is decreased and there is increased risk of injury to passengers in the case of an accident if the trailer hitch or a standard bumper beam is not installed. One of them must always be installed on the vehicle.

- If a trailer hitch is installed, it is not possible to install the rear towing hook.

When you tow a trailer, refer to “Trailer towing”.

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Removal and installation of the crossbars Each of the two roof moldings has two mounting points for crossbars. Each mounting point is fitted with a cover. Use a screwdriver to remove the co ...

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 receiver tube so that ...

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