Subaru Forester 2019-2026 Owners Manual / Driving tips / Trailer towing / Trailer Hitches

Subaru Forester: Trailer towing / Trailer Hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body of your vehicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you do, dangerous 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 underbody of your vehicle could cause deterioration of strength of your vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled hole.

CAUTION

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system, brake system, or other systems when installing a hitch or other trailer towing equipment.
Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.

Do not use a trailer hitch other than a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch. A genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer.

Tongue load

When you do not tow a trailer

CAUTION The housing should be kept dirt and corrosion-free at the points of contact. The surfaces only require cleaning with a cloth. Grease or other lubricants should never be used...

Other information:

Subaru Forester 2019-2026 Owners Manual: Hill start assist system

WARNING The Hill start assist system is a device only for helping the driver to START the vehicle on an uphill grade. To prevent accidents when the vehicle is parked on a slope, be sure to firmly set the parking brake. When setting the parking brake, make sure that the vehicle remains stationary when the brake pedal is released...

Subaru Forester 2019-2026 Owners Manual: Arming the system

The alarm system becomes armed when the following operation is performed. Close all windows and the moonroof (if equipped) and turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position. Carry the key and get out of the vehicle. Make sure that the engine hood is locked...

Windshield wiper and washer switches

The wiper operates only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” or “ACC” position.