We are looking to buy a 2014 Subaru Forester Manual tranny for the purpose of being able to tow. Everyone plus the dealers say "No" to towing on all 4, but need all 4 up. the manual says "not recommened". Anyone here know if you can or can't tow this vehicle? The RV dealer says "yes, you can tow a subaru".Please advise.Thank you

IMHO it is foolish to buy a toad to tow 4 down unless the owner's manual says that it is OK to do so. what part of "not recommended" is difficult to understand? does the RV dealer know more about the vehicle than the dealer and manufacturer of the subaru.bumpy

The Manual Transmission Subaru will tow just fine. We will likely replace Our aging Tracker with one soon!

I'm with Bumpy on that one. I don't care what ANY of the dealers, RV, car, you name it have to say about it. The last couple decades there's been a HUGE shift in the culture of sales people everywhere in that their knowledge of their product has declines as their willingness to say anything to make the sale has grown. If it says "not recommended" in the book written by the manufacturer, I ain't goin' there.

I tow my 2010 Subaru, but I have heard that Subaru is/has making changes that make the Subaru no longer towable. I would pay attention to what Subaru has to say.

tenbear wrote:I tow my 2010 Subaru, but I have heard that Subaru is/has making changes that make the Subaru no longer towable. I would pay attention to what Subaru has to say.+1I tow my 2010 Subaru Forester manual transmission 4 down, but if the manual for the new versions says "no," I wouldn't try it. If it doesn't work, that is way too expensive a repair for me to pay, and it would not be warranty since the manual said "don't."The 2013 Motorhome Magazine Dingy Towing Guide still listed the Subaru as towable for 2013, but I haven't seen the 2014 guide.I went to the Subaru company website and searched the FAQ list. This is what I found, but I would still not tow if the manual said no.

Dinghy towing a 2014 Subaru Forester | Good Sam Community

oldkeywest91
Explorer
Sep 07, 2014
No,just says have trans in neutral
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
owner's manual should give towing instructions and requirements.
bumpy
oldkeywest91
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
Just purchased a 2015 Forester 6sp.M.T.,and when the key is in Acc.position the radio and center top screen are on.I can turn of radio but what about car monitoring system.Do i have to pull a fuse so as not to run down battery.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
Butch50 wrote:
Just few weeks ago we ordered a 2014 XV Crosstrek to flat tow behind our MH. It has the manual (the reason I had to order was to get the manual). Also MH magazine shows all 2014 Subaru models are towable but only with the manual trans not the CVT auto.

Also agree with what has been stated and is in the manuals that I have downloaded on the Crosstrek.

the CVT sounds like the transmission in the original VUEs that was not towable.
bumpy
Butch50
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
Just few weeks ago we ordered a 2014 XV Crosstrek to flat tow behind our MH. It has the manual (the reason I had to order was to get the manual). Also MH magazine shows all 2014 Subaru models are towable but only with the manual trans not the CVT auto.

Also agree with what has been stated and is in the manuals that I have downloaded on the Crosstrek.
Grumpy374
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
It shouldn't drain the battery unless you leave something on like the radio. Been towing our Crosstrek now since last Sept, over 4000 miles, with no problems at all.
A lot of sales people are just not fimilar with the fact that man trans Subi's can be flat towed. My own brother-in-law is a sales mgr for a Subi dealership, and he didn't know. Just follow info in owners manual.
Grumpy
FireGuard
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2014
It looks like the newer man trans Subaru can be flat towed.
With the key in the "ACC" position to unlock the steering, will this drain the battery or does this pos not power any electronics?
Grumpy374
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Newbie here. A month ago we bought a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek to use for my daily driver and to be a "toad" behind our newly purchased Lexington 283ts. Actually bought the Subi before the Motorhome as we knew we were getting one.
Originally went to look at a 2014 Forrester, but saw how much they'd grown, and test drove a Crosstrek, and bought it.
This makes our 6th Subi.
My dealer, whom I do trust (bought 4 vehicles from him-same sales person) told me that any Subi with a manual tranny can be flat towed. Tranny in nuetral, ignition on, and your set to go. The manual actually states you can only tow the manual with 4 wheels down. Towing on a dolly, front up or rear up, will do the damage.
In the process of getting the Crosstrek set up to tow n go now. Hitch, lights are done, now looking into the Ready Brake System for brakes.
Get that Subi you want and go.
Grumpy374
EsoxLucius
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
Inquiry to Subaru Customer Service:

I am considering purchasing a 2014 Subaru Forester with a manual transmission to tow behind my RV. The FAQ on your website states: What recommendations does Subaru have about towing my vehicle behind a Motor home? AWD Subaru vehicles with automatic transmission can only be towed with all four wheels OFF of the ground. AWD Subaru vehicles with manual transmission can be towed with all four wheels on the ground and the transmission in neutral. When towing a manual transmission Subaru behind your motor home, you would put the transmission in neutral and have the key turned to the first position from "OFF". As all new models are equipped with digital odometers, mileage should not accumulate when being towed.

Is this still the recommendation for the 2014 Subaru Forester with a manual transmission? Thank You.

Response from Subaru Customer Service:

Dear Mr. XXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting Subaru of America, Inc.

We are happy to hear that you are interested in purchasing a new Forester. The towing recommendations are no different for the 2014 Forester. We provide this information to all towing inquiries.

While I was in the computer system, our records indicate that you have two current Subaru vehicles. If there are any changes to this status, please let me know. I want to make sure that we have accurate information in the system.

Your continued loyalty to our products is greatly valued. If I can be of any other assistance with your shopping, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Kelly Shinault
Subaru of America, Inc.
paulcardoza
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
NOT RECOMMENDED is purely a legal term for C-Y-A. Lawyers insist on these additions, so that the manufacturer always has an "out", should they want to avoid paying for a warranty claim. You'd win a case against them, however, with that terminology. Same as performance cars that state either Premium Fuel recommended, vs Premium fuel REQUIRED. There's a world of difference between the two terms.