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ccchuck's avatar
ccchuck
Explorer
Mar 15, 2016

2016 Suburu Forester NOT listed as Dingby?

I was under the impression that the Forester with the manual transmission was flat towable?

26 Replies

  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Manual transmissions still have things (gears etc) being turned by the wheels when being pulled down the road even when placed in neutral.

    The only sure way is have a wheel hub manual lock like the older Jeeps used to have... Then nothing gets turned by the wheels. I have waded out into the mud a many times to turn my Jeep wheel locks haha. My Jeeps also had the manual shift in-out transfer case.

    The trick is to not have any shafts turning when the wheels are being made to turn when on the ground being towed. Some of the setups have an out-board transmission fluid pump to keep the moving parts lubricated to keep from being over-heated.

    Probably many other reasons why some vehicles doesn't qualify to be easily towed.

    Roy Ken
  • I just received my "2016 Guide to Dingy Towing" with my Motorhome Magazine. I noticed that there are no Subarus listed in it. They always have been in it in previous years.

    That would reinforce what kalynzoo posted.
  • All manual tranny Subarus are towable. I've towed several with no problems when we owned motor homes.
  • The 2016 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual has instructions for flat towing that have no speed or distance restrictions for manual transmissions.
  • Check owners manual under towing and see what it says.
  • It may be towable, but I was told by a Subaru dealer that no product was listed as towable. Perhaps Subaru will not support or document the ability to tow.

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