Subaru Forester: Trailer towing / Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

Gross Axle 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 vehicle.
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.
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
prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.
Gross Vehicle Weight
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR).
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the combined
total of the weight of the vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment install..
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)...
Other information:
WARNING
Adequate size trailer brakes are
required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.
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...
Rotate the key toward the front to lock.
Rotate the key toward the rear to unlock.
In this case, only the driver’s side door is
locked or unlocked.
NOTE
Models with “keyless access with
push-button start system”:
The emergency key is directional...