Subaru Forester 2019-2024 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 2019-2024 Owners Manual: Cargo area light

Cargo area light (models without rear gate light) ON OFF DOOR Cargo area light (models with rear gate light) OFF DOOR ON ON: The light remains on continuously. OFF: The light remains off. DOOR: The cargo area light will illuminate automatically in the following case...

Subaru Forester 2019-2024 Owners Manual: Air cleaner element

WARNING Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner element removed. The air cleaner element not only filters intake air but also stops flames if the engine backfires. If the air cleaner element is not installed when the engine backfires, you could be burned...

Windshield wiper and washer switches

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