How to Safely Load Your Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester was made for outdoor adventures. As such, you’ll likely be hauling some gear when embarking on an off-road excursion. You can see how spacious the rear cargo area is at Casey Subaru. We’re also offering simple tips on proper loading to protect yourself and your Subaru SUV.

Protecting Yourself

Proper loading positions are in place to avoid straining the back muscles. Repeated improper heavy loading can lead to chronic pain and inhibit mobility, as well as negatively impact quality of life. When transporting heavy objects into the Subaru Forester, apply these techniques.

• When lifting heavy objects off the ground, do not lift while bending over. Instead, lift from a squatting position, keeping your arms close to your body and arching your back slightly as you rise from the squat position.
• Use slow and steady movements; avoid sudden and jerky motions.
• Use the buddy system for heavier objects, and never lift more than you can carry.

Protecting Your Vehicle

Now that you’re taken care of, let’s turn our attention to your vehicle. Improper loading can cause damage and lead to unsafe operation, so these steps matter, too.

• Distribute weight carefully front-to-back and side-to-side to ensure an even load on your suspension, improve handling, and lessen the chances of damaging your SUV.
• Secure cargo to prevent shifting since sudden shifts can cause interior damage or lead to erratic handling.
• Likewise, don’t stack heavy items atop lighter ones.
• Don’t stack cargo too high; ensure clear sight lines out the rear window for safety, and get a roof rack if you need more space.
• Never exceed your vehicle’s weight rating.

See the 2025 Subaru Forester in Newport News, VA

We recommend you see the Subaru Forester at Casey Subaru. See with your own eyes just how spacious the rear is for loading objects. A test drive will also gauge the vehicle’s handling and responsiveness, so visit today to learn more.