Subaru 2004 Forester X - Manual (Page 304)

8-25
Driving tips
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NOTE
Always disconnect the trailer wire harness before
launching or retrieving a watercraft.
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 fou-pin connector of the
hitch wire harness to protect against possible damage.
Occasionally lubricate terminals of the four-pin con-
nector using terminal grease.
Trailer towing
Your car is designed and intended to be used primarily
as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts
additional loads on your car’s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an adverse ef-
fect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satis-
faction depend upon proper use of correct equipment
and cautious operation of your vehicle. Seek the ad-
vice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchas-
ing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment ap-
propriate for your vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow
the instructions on correct installation and use provid-
ed by the trailer and other towing equipment manufac-
turers.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or ve-
hicle damage that result from trailer towing equipment,
or from any errors or omissions in the instructions ac-
companying such equipment or for your failure to fol-
low the proper instructions.
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. (Refer to “Main-