2011 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 318

Driving tips 8-23 Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle's electrical system requires modifications to the vehicle's lighting circuit to increase its capacity and accommodate wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights are connected properly, please consult your SUBARU dealer. Check for proper operation of the brake lights and turn signal lights each time you hitch up. ! Tires Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should be in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's specifications. In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a trailer, ask a commercial road service to repair the flat tire. If you carry a regular size spare tire in your vehicle or trailer as a precaution against getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire is firmly secured. WARNING Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not designed to sustain the towing load. Use of the temporary spare tire when towing can result in failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of the vehicle. Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly inflated. The recommended cold tire pressure under trailer towing conditions is shown in "Tires" F12-10 and in "GAS STATION REFERENCE" at the end of this manual. Adjust the rear tire pressure to the recommended pressure when the tires are cold. Normal pressure should be maintained in the front tires. & Trailer towing tips WARNING . Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer in hilly country on hot days. . When towing a trailer, steering, stability, stopping distance and braking performance will be different from normal operation. For safety's sake, you should employ extra caution when towing a trailer and you should never speed. You should also keep the following tips in mind: ! Before starting out on a trip . Check that the vehicle and vehicle-tohitch mounting are in good condition. If any problems are apparent, do not tow the trailer. . 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. . Check that the tire pressures are correct. . Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected properly. Confirm that - the trailer tongue is connected properly to the hitch ball. - the trailer lights connector is connected properly and trailer's brake lights illuminate when the vehicle's brake pedal is pressed, and that the trailer's turn signal lights flash when the vehicle's turn signal lever is operated. - the safety chains are connected properly. - all cargo in the trailer is secured safety in position. - the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without a sig- CONTINUED -