2006 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 241

8-16 Driving tips Trailer hitch (if equipped) The trailer hitch is designed to tow a Class 1 rated load. When you tow a trailer, follow the instructions in the next section "Trailer towing". Be sure to check the hitch pin and safety pin for positive locking placement before towing a trailer. If the ball mount comes off the hitch receiver, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard. Use only the ball mount supplied with this hitch. Use the hitch only as a weight carrying hitch. Do not use with any type of weight distributing hitch. hitch receiver tube so that the pin passes through the ball mount. Never exceed the maximum weight specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight could cause an accident resulting in serious personal injuries. Permissible trailer weight changes depending on the situation. Refer to the next section "Trailer towing" for possible recommendations and limitations. Trailer brakes are required when the towing load exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg). Be sure your trailer has safety chains and that each chain will hold the trailer's maximum gross weight. Towing trailers without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage. Connecting a trailer 1. Remove the receiver cover from the hitch receiver tube. Then insert the ball mount into the hitch receiver tube. 800227 3. Insert the safety pin securely into the hitch pin. 4. Pull the ball mount to make sure it does not come off the hitch receiver. 800226 2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole on the