Get Driving tips -> Trailer towing Guide for Subaru Forester SUV 2024

Trailer towing

414

connector to the towing trailer’s wire

harness.

9. Confirm proper function of the hitch

electrical wire harness by individually

and combination activating the brake,

stop and turn signal lights on the trailer.

errors or omissions in the instructions

accompanying such equipment or for your

failure to follow the proper instructions.

Regularly check that the hitch mounting

bolts and nuts are tightened securely.

8-13. Trailer towing

CAUTION

Turn off the Auto Start Stop system

when you are towing the vehicle

(except for Subaru Forester

Wilderness).

& Warranties and maintenance

SUBARU warranties do not apply to

vehicle damage or malfunction caused by

trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow

a trailer, more frequent maintenance will

be required due to the additional load.

(Refer to “Maintenance schedule under

severe driving conditions” in the “Warranty

and Maintenance Booklet”.)

Under no circumstances should a trailer be

towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle with

any new powertrain component (engine,

transmission, differential, wheel bearings,

etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of

driving.

NOTE

Always disconnect the trailer electrical

wire harness before launching or re-

trieving a watercraft.

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, drivetrain,

brakes, tires and suspension and has an

adverse effect on fuel economy.

If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety

and satisfaction depend upon proper use

of correct equipment and cautious opera-

tion of your vehicle.

Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to

assist you in purchasing a hitch and other

necessary towing equipment appropriate

for your vehicle. Do not use towing equip-

ment other than genuine SUBARU towing

equipment. In addition, be sure to follow

the instructions for proper installation and

use provided by the trailer or caravan’s

manufacturer.

& If not towing a trailer

Remove the ball mount from the hitch

receiver tube.

Place the dust cap over the four-pin

connector of the hitch electrical wire

harness to protect against possible

damage.

Occasionally lubricate terminals of the

four-pin connector using terminal

grease.

& Maximum load limits

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum load

limits explained in the following.

Exceeding the maximum load limits

could cause personal injury and/or

vehicle damage.

SUBARU assumes no responsibility for

injuries or vehicle damage that result from

trailer towing equipment, or from any

^{Trailer towing}415

Maximum total trailer weight

CAUTION

Conditions

For Subaru Forester

Wilderness

Except for Subaru Forester

Wilderness

Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its

cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

total weight.

When towing a trailer with

brakes

3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)

1,500 lbs (680 kg)

When towing a trailer without

brakes

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

Before towing a trailer, check the

trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs

and tongue load. Make sure the

load and its distribution in your

vehicle and trailer are acceptable.

When towing a trailer on an

uphill grade continuously for

over 5 miles (8 km) with an

outside temperature of 1048F

(408C) or above

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

! Total trailer weight

Total trailer weight

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus

its cargo load) must never exceed the

maximum total trailer weight in the follow-

ing table.

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Trailer towing

416

! Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR)

! Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

Certification label

GVWR of your vehicle that is given by

SUBARU is shown on the certification

label located at the bottom of driver’s side

door pillar of your vehicle.

Gross Axle Weight

Gross Vehicle Weight

The total weight applied to each axle

(GAW) must never exceed the Gross Axle

Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear

GAWs can be adjusted by relocating

passengers and luggage inside the vehi-

cle. The front and rear GAWR of your

vehicle that is given by SUBARU are also

shown on the certification label located at

the bottom of driver’s side door pillar.

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must

never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating (GVWR).

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the com-

bined total of the weight of the vehicle,

driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch,

trailer tongue load and any other optional

equipment installed on your vehicle.

Therefore, the GVW changes depending

on the situation. Determine the GVW each

time before going on a trip by putting your

vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale.

To check both GVWR and GAWR and to

confirm that the total weight and weight

distribution are within safe driving limits,

you should have your vehicle and trailer

weighed at a commercial weighing station.

Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to

^{Trailer towing}417

prevent a change in weight distribution

while driving.

! Tongue load

Jack

Bathroom scale

F: Front

The tongue load can be adjusted by proper

distribution of the load in the trailer. Never

load the trailer with more weight in the

back than in the front; approximately 60

percent of the trailer load should be in the

front and approximately 40 percent in the

rear. Also, distribute the load as evenly as

possible on both the left and right sides.

The tongue load can be weighed with a

bathroom scale as shown in the illustration

above. When weighing the tongue load, be

sure to position the towing coupler at the

height at which it would be during actual

towing, using a jack as shown.

Tongue load

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from 8

to 11% of the total trailer weight and does

not exceed the maximum value of 150 lbs

(68 kg) for Forester, 300 lbs (136 kg) for

Subaru Forester Wilderness.

Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to

prevent a change in weight distribution

while driving.

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Trailer towing

418

When the tow ball mount is not used, place

the ball cap and store securely.

WARNING

CAUTION

If the trailer is loaded with more

weight in the back of trailer’s axle

than in the front, the load is taken off

the rear axle of the towing vehicle.

This may cause the rear wheels to

skid, especially during braking or

when vehicle speed is reduced dur-

ing cornering, resulting in over-

steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

Do not modify the vehicle ex-

haust system, brake system, or

other systems when installing a

hitch or other trailer towing

equipment.

& Connecting a trailer

! Trailer brakes

WARNING

Do not use axle-mounted hitches

as they can cause damage to the

axle housing, wheel bearings,

wheels or tires.

Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its

cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

total weight.

Do not use a trailer hitch other than a

genuine SUBARU trailer hitch. A genuine

SUBARU trailer hitch is available from

your SUBARU dealer.

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.

& Trailer hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body

of your vehicle to install a commer-

cial trailer hitch. If you do, danger-

ous exhaust gas, water or mud may

enter the passenger compartment

through the drilled hole. Exhaust

gas contains carbon monoxide, a

colorless and odorless gas which is

dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.

Also, drilling the frame or under-

body of your vehicle could cause

deterioration of strength of your

vehicle and cause corrosion around

the drilled hole.

& When you do not tow a trailer

CAUTION

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 re-

commended, and must be installed prop-

erly. Check that your trailer’s brakes con-

form 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 SUBARU

The housing should be kept free

of dirt and corrosion at the points

of contact. The surfaces only

require cleaning with a cloth.

Grease or other lubricants

should never be used.

If the tow ball mount is not

installed, the plastic insert

should then be inserted for pro-

tection and to prevent it from

getting dirty.

^{Trailer towing}419

dealer and professional trailer supplier for

more information about the trailer’s brake

system.

Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s

electrical system requires modifications to

the vehicle’s lighting circuit to increase its

capacity and accommodate wiring

changes. To ensure the trailer lights are

connected properly, please consult your

SUBARU dealer. Check for proper opera-

tion of the turn signals and the brake lights

each time you connect a trailer to your

vehicle.

! Side mirrors

! Trailer safety chains

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 damage or hitch ball

damage.

! Tires

WARNING

Never tow a trailer when the tempor-

ary spare tire is used. The temporary

spare tire is not designed to sustain

the towing load. Use of the tempor-

ary spare tire when towing can result

in failure of the spare tire and/or less

stability of the vehicle.

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 significant

blind spots occur with the vehicle’s stan-

dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that

conform with Federal, state/province and/

or other applicable regulations.

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. Two chains should be used in

total, one to the right side and the other to

the left side trailer tongue. 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 sufficient slack in the chains taking

tight turn situations into account; however,

be careful not to let them drag on the

ground.

Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle

are properly inflated. Refer to “Tires”

�P504.

! Trailer lights

CAUTION

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and

proper inflation pressure should be in

accordance with the trailer manufacturer’s

specifications. Also check federal, state,

province and/or other applicable regula-

tions.

Direct splicing or other improper

connection of trailer lights may

damage your vehicle’s electrical

system and cause a malfunction of

your vehicle’s lighting system.

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Trailer towing

420

In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire

when towing a trailer, ask a commercial

road service representative or profes-

sional to repair the flat tire.

Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-

hitch mounting are in good condition. If

any problems are apparent, do not tow

the trailer.

Check that the vehicle rests horizon-

tally with the trailer attached. If the

vehicle is tipped sharply up at the front

and down at the rear, check the total

trailer weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue

load again, then confirm that the load

and its distribution are acceptable.

Check that the tire rating and pressures

are correct.

Check that the vehicle and trailer are

connected properly. Confirm that:

– The trailer tongue is connected

properly to the hitch ball.

– The trailer lights connector is con-

nected properly and trailer’s brake

lights illuminate when the vehicle’s

brake pedal is pressed, and that the

trailer’s turn signal lights flash when

the vehicle’s turn signal lever is

operated.

– The safety chains are connected

properly.

– All cargo in the trailer is secured

safely in position.

Towing a trailer in high tempera-

tures, or on long or steep grades,

may cause the vehicle to over-

heat. Refer to “Engine overheat-

ing” �P434.

If you carry a regular size spare tire in your

vehicle or trailer as a precaution against

getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire

is firmly secured.

When towing a trailer, steering,

stability, stopping distance and

braking performance will be dif-

ferent when compared to normal

operation. For safety’s sake, you

should employ extra caution

when towing a trailer and you

should never drive at excessive

speeds. You should also keep the

following tips in mind:

& Trailer towing tips

CAUTION

For models equipped with the

BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and

RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)

driving support systems, when

towing a trailer, press the BSD/

RCTA OFF switch to deactivate

the system. The system may not

operate properly due to the

blocked radar waves. For details

about the BSD/RCTA OFF switch,

refer to “BSD/RCTA OFF switch”

�P365.

The braking power of the parking

brake may not be sufficient when

stronger braking power is

needed (e.g., when parking on a

steep slope while towing a trai-

ler).

! Before starting out on a trip

Check the towing regulations for trailer

or caravan vehicles that vary by state/

region. Failure to comply with the

procedures set forth will not only

compromise your safety, but will also

negate your insurance coverage and/or

may violate the state road and traffic

acts and regulations.

For models equipped with Re-

verse Automatic Braking (RAB)

system, consult your SUBARU

dealer for additional information

about towing a trailer.

– The side mirrors provide a good

rearward field of view without a

significant blind spot.

^{Trailer towing}421

Sufficient time should be taken to learn

the “feel” of the vehicle/trailer combina-

tion before starting out on a trip. In an

area free of traffic, practice turning,

stopping and backing up.

Reversing the vehicle with a trailer can

be difficult and requires experience.

Never accelerate or steer rapidly, and

grip the bottom of the steering wheel

with one hand.

To reverse around a corner, perform the

following procedure.

1. Reverse slowly and steer in the oppo-

site direction to the way you want to

turn.

2. Once the trailer begins to swing

around, straighten the steering wheel.

3. Turn the wheel in the opposite direc-

tion.

4. Steer the vehicle around to be in line

with the trailer, then straighten the

steering again.

! Driving with a trailer

You should allow for considerably more

stopping distance when towing a trailer.

Avoid sudden braking because it may

result in skidding or jackknifing and loss

of control.

Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and

rapid lane changes.

If the ABS warning light illuminates

while the vehicle is in motion, stop

towing the trailer and have repairs

performed immediately by your nearest

SUBARU dealer.

Slow down before turning. Make a

longer than normal turning radius be-

cause the trailer wheels will be closer

than the vehicle wheels to the inside of

the turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could

hit your vehicle.

! Driving on grades

Before going down a steep hill, slow

down and shift to a lower gear (if

necessary, use 1st gear) in order to

utilize the engine braking effect and

prevent overheating of your vehicle’s

brakes. Do not make sudden down-

shifts.

Crosswinds will adversely affect the

handling of your vehicle and trailer,

causing sway. Crosswinds can be due

to weather conditions or the passing of

large trucks or buses. If swaying oc-

curs, firmly grip the steering wheel and

promptly begin decelerating your vehi-

cle at a gradual pace.

When passing other vehicles, consider-

able distance is required because of the

added weight and length caused by

attaching the trailer to your vehicle.

When driving uphill in hot weather, the

air conditioner may turn off automati-

cally to protect the engine from over-

heating.

When driving uphill in hot weather, pay

– CONTINUED –

Trailer towing

422

attention to the following indicators

because the engine and transmission

are relatively prone to overheating.

! Parking on a grade

Always block the wheels under both

vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply

the parking brake firmly. You should not

park on a hill or slope. If parking on a hill or

slope cannot be avoided, you should take

the following steps:

1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal

down.

2. Have someone place wheel blocks

under both the vehicle and trailer

wheels.

: Coolant temperature high warning light

: AT OIL TEMP warning light

: Rear differential oil temperature warn-

ing light (if equipped)

If the coolant temperature high warning

light and/or the AT OILTEMP warning light

illuminates, immediately turn off the air

conditioner and stop the vehicle in the

nearest safe location. For further instruc-

tions and additional information, refer to

the following sections.

3. When the wheel blocks are in place,

release the regular brakes slowly until

the blocks absorb the load.

– “If you park your vehicle in case of

an emergency” �P424

– “Engine overheating” �P434

– “Coolant temperature low indicator

light/Coolant temperature high

warning light” �P173

4. Apply the regular brakes and then

apply the parking brake; slowly release

the regular brakes.

5. Shift into “P” position and shut off the

engine.

– “AT OIL TEMP warning light”

�P175

– “Rear differential oil temperature

warning light” �P175

Avoid using the accelerator pedal to

stay stationary on an uphill slope

instead of using the parking brake or

foot brake. That may cause the trans-

mission fluid to overheat.

Driving tips -> Trailer towing for Your Subaru Forester SUV 2024

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