2006 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 238

Driving tips 8-13 In addition, the total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never exceed the GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating luggage inside the vehicle. Even if the total weight of your luggage is lower than the vehicle capacity weight, either front or rear GAW may exceed the GAWR, depending on the distribution of the luggage. When possible, the load should be evenly distributed throughout the vehicle. If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you should confirm that GVW and front and rear GAWs are within the GVWR and GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehicle scale, found at a commercial weighing station. Do not use replacement tires with a lower load range than the originals because they may lower the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher load range than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations. ment. When installing the roof crossbar kit, follow the manufacturer's instructions. When you carry cargo on the roof using the roof crossbar kit and a carrying attachment, never exceed the maximum load limit explained in the following. You should also be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). See the "Loading your vehicle" section in this chapter for information on loading cargo into or onto your vehicle. The maximum load limit of the cargo, crossbars and carrying attachment must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg). Place the heaviest load at the bottom, nearest the roof, and evenly distribute the cargo. Always properly secure all cargo. When using the roof crossbar kit, make sure that the total weight of the crossbars, carrying attachment and cargo does not exceed the maximum load limit. Overloading may cause damage to the vehicle and create a safety hazard. Installing carrying attachments on the crossbars When installing any carrying attachment such as a bike carrier, ski carrier, kayak carrier, cargo basket, etc. on the crossbars, follow the manufacturer's instructions and make sure that the attachment is securely fixed to the crossbars. Use only attachments designed specifically for the crossbars. A set of crossbars is designed to carry loads (cargo and attachment) of not more than 150 lbs (68 kg). Before operating the vehicle, make sure that the cargo is properly secured on the attachment. Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) The roof rail is not designed to carry cargo by itself. Cargo can be carried after securing the roof crossbar kit to the roof rail and installing the appropriate carrying attach- For cargo carrying purposes, the roof rail must be used together with a roof crossbar kit and the appropriate carrying attachment. The roof rail must never be used alone to carry cargo. Otherwise, damage to the roof or paint or a dangerous road hazard due to loss of cargo could result. NOTE Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity is altered with the weight of the load on the roof, thus affecting the driving characteristics. Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind effects will be increased. - CONTINUED -