2016 Suburu Forester NOT listed as Dingby?

[ccchuck]

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

[EsoxLucius]

Lawyers and Risk Managers...

[ccchuck]

ATTN: MODERATOR:

CAN you find out why Subaru is not listed this year?

[Big_Blue]

I flat tow a 2015 Subaru Forester, manual transmission. The salesman insisted that it was not possible or probable, even when the owners manual indicated otherwise. This is the way of the now, disavow everything for the sake of avoiding even a hint of responsibility

YMMV

[EsoxLucius]

The 2016 FMCA dinghy guide has six 2016 Subarus listed.

[ccchuck]

"Thank you for contacting Subaru of America, Inc. We appreciate your interest in the 2016 Forester.

The best way to transport a Subaru vehicle is a flatbed tow truck with ALL wheels off the ground.

We recommend that an owner follow the precautions and recommendations outlined in the Owner's Manual, if flat towing with all wheels on the ground is unavoidable in an emergency situation. "

My question was, "Is the Forester suitable for towing by an RV?"
This answer, while not saying "no, definitely not", sure doesn't say "yes".
based on this answer I would be reluctant to buy a Subaru for dingy use since that would not be emergency use.

[Bobbo]

Go to this website, 2016 Forester 2.5i.

Scroll down and click on 9. In case of emergency

Scroll down to page 9-16.

It tells how to tow.

[RoyB]

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

[tenbear]

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.

[Boxer_Lovers]

All manual tranny Subarus are towable. I've towed several with no problems when we owned motor homes.

[EsoxLucius]

The 2016 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual has instructions for flat towing that have no speed or distance restrictions for manual transmissions.

[Ava]

Check owners manual under towing and see what it says.

[kalynzoo]

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.