Subaru Forester: Trailer towing tips / 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.
- Check that the vehicle and vehicle-tohitch
mounting are in good condition. If any
problems are apparent, do not tow the
trailer.
- Check that the vehicle rests horizontally
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 connected
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.
- The side mirrors provide a good
rearward field of view without a significant
blind spot.
- Sufficient time should be taken to learn
the “feel” of the vehicle/trailer combination
before starting out on a trip. In an area free
of traffic, practice turning, stopping and
backing up.
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...
Other information:
The vehicle strikes an object, such as a
telephone pole or sign pole.
The vehicle slides under the load bed of a
truck.
The vehicle sustains an oblique offset
frontal impact.
The vehicle sustains an offset frontal
collision.
The vehicle strikes an object that can
move or deform, such as a parked
vehicle...
CAUTION
The Auto Start Stop system is designed
to automatically stop and
restart the engine for a short period
of time during idling. Do not use the
system when parking the vehicle
normally.
So that it can be used safely and comfortably,
in addition to driver operations, the
Auto Start Stop system is designed to
constantly monitor the vehicle conditions
as well as the environment inside and
outside the vehicle, in order to control
stopping and restarting of the engine...