Subaru Forester: Trailer towing tips / 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.
• Slow down before turning. Make a longer than normal turning radius because 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.
• 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 occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and promptly begin decelerating your vehicle at a gradual pace.
• When passing other vehicles, considerable distance is required because of the added weight and length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
• 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 opposite 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 direction.
4. Steer the vehicle around to be in line with the trailer, then straighten the steering again.

• 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.