2009 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 263

8-16 Driving tips watercraft. Trailer towing Your vehicle is designed and intended to be used primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine, drivetrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an adverse effect on fuel economy. If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satisfaction depend upon proper use of correct equipment and cautious operation of your vehicle. Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchasing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment appropriate for your vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions on correct installation and use provided by the trailer and other towing equipment manufacturers. SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that result from trailer towing equipment, or from any errors or omissions in the instructions accompanying such equipment or for your failure to follow the proper instructions. & When you do not tow a trailer . Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube and insert the receiver cover onto the hitch receiver tube. . Place the dust cap over the four-pin connector of the hitch wire harness to protect against possible damage. . Occasionally lubricate terminals of the four-pin connector using terminal grease. (Refer to "Maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions" in the "Warranty and Maintenance Booklet".) Under no circumstances should a trailer be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new powertrain component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving. & Maximum load limits WARNING Never exceed the maximum load limits explained in the following. Exceeding the maximum load limits could cause personal injury and/or vehicle damage. CAUTION . Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight. . Before towing a trailer, check the trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load. Make sure the load and its distribution in your vehicle and trailer are accepta- & Warranties and maintenance SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction caused by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance will be required due to the additional load.