2006 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 248

Driving tips

8-23

–

CONTINUED

–

lights and parking lights each time you

hitch up.

T

Tires

Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle

are properly inflated to the pressure spec-

ified on the tire placard located on the driv-

er’s side center pillar.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and

proper inflation pressure should be in ac-

cordance with the trailer manufacturer’s

specifications.

¡

Trailer towing tips

T

Before starting out on a trip

y

Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-

hitch mounting are in good condition. If

any problems are apparent, do not tow the

trailer.

y

Check that the vehicle sits horizontally

with the trailer attached. If the vehicle is

tipped sharply up at the front and down at

the rear, check the total trailer weight,

GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then

confirm that the load and its distribution

are acceptable.

y

Check that the tire pressures are cor-

rect.

y

Check that the vehicle and trailer are

connected properly. Confirm that

– the trailer tongue is connected prop-

erly to the hitch ball.

–

the trailer lights connector is connect-

ed properly and trailer’s brake lights illu-

minate when the vehicle’s brake pedal

is pressed, and that the trailer’s turn sig-

nal lights flash when the vehicle’s turn

signal lever is operated.

–

the safety chains are connected prop-

erly.

–

all cargo in the trailer is secured safe-

ty in position.

– the side mirrors provide a good rear-

ward field of view without a significant

blind spot.

y

Sufficient time should be taken to learn

the “feel” of the vehicle/trailer combination

before starting out on a trip. In an area free

of traffic, practice turning, stopping and

backing up.

T

Driving with a trailer

y

You should allow for considerably more

stopping distance when towing a trailer.

Avoid sudden braking because it may re-

sult in skidding or jackknifing and loss of

control.

y

Avoid abrupt starts and sudden acceler-

ations. If your vehicle has a manual trans-

mission, always start out in first gear and

release the clutch at moderate engine rev-

olution.

y

Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and

rapid lane changes.

y

Slow down before turning. Make a long-

er than normal turning radius because the

trailer wheels will be closer than the vehi-

cle wheels to the inside of the turn. In a

Direct splicing or other improper

connection of trailer lights may

damage your vehicle’s electrical

system and cause a malfunction of

your vehicle’s lighting system.

y

Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h)

when towing a trailer in hilly coun-

try on hot days.

y

When towing a trailer, steering,

stability, stopping distance and

braking performance will be dif-

ferent from normal operation. For

safety’s sake, you should employ

extra caution when towing a trail-

er and you should never speed.

You should also keep the follow-

ing tips in mind:

2006 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 248

2006 Subaru Forester Manual

Page 248 highlights