Subaru Forester 2019-2025 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 2019-2025 Owners Manual: Initial illumination for system check

Several of the warning and indicator lights illuminate when the ignition switch is initially turned to the “ON” position. This permits checking the operation of the bulbs. Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position...

Subaru Forester 2019-2025 Owners Manual: Setting audible signal operation (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”)

Using an electronic chirp, the system will give you an audible signal when the doors lock and unlock. If desired, you may turn the audible signal off. Perform the following steps to deactivate the audible signal. You can also use the same steps to restore the function...

Windshield wiper and washer switches

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