Al_Fresco
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Re: 2016 Subaru Forester
Subaru vehicles with automatic transmissions were not listed in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 towing guides as being suitable for use as a four-down motor home dinghy. Such use was specifically restricted to those vehicles with manual transmissions. Therefore, this year's absence from the towing guide has nothing to do with any factors associated with the automatics. Normph, I think you will be happy with your decision to rig the Forester for towing.517Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2016 Subaru Forester
I purchased a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV (MT) and installed a base plate for dinghy use. I have towed it successfully for several hundred miles without any problems. This vehicle was listed in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 MotorHome Guide to Dinghy Towing as being suitable for towing behind a motorhome with all wheels on the ground. Since the Crosstrek was not listed in the 2016 dinghy guide, I contacted the dealership from which I purchased the vehicle for clarification. I reminded them that, when I bought the Crosstrek, I indicated that I was going to use it as a motorhome dinghy. I did not receive any advice against using it for that purpose at that time. In response to my inquiry, I received two calls from the dealership (one from the service manager). I was informed that Subaru Motors had been contacted and they confirmed that the 2013 Crosstrek is suitable for dinghy towing as per the operator's manual instructions, i.e., no speed/distance limitations when towing with the parking brake released, the transmission in neutral, and the ignition set to the ACC position. I asked why the Subaru's were not included in the 2016 guide. They had no explanation. Assuming nothing related to towing has changed from the earlier models, why is dinghy use now verboten with the 2016 models? As lryro9301 suggests, it is most likely some kind of legal CYA maneuver. I wouldn't give up on using your Forester as a dinghy without further investigation.517Views0likes0CommentsRe: Coeur d"Alene, ID to Butte, MT on I-90
My wife and I just traveled that route to Sandpoint from Missoula yesterday. We have a 25' class C towing a Subaru Crosstrek. For the most part, it is an easy scenic drive. There are a couple of relatively short winding stretches where the road narrows due to the proximity of cliffs along the river. It is advisable to follow the speed restrictions in these sections.490Views0likes0CommentsRe: Planning to tow a 2013 Subaru Crostrek
The following is how the key works in my 2013 manual transmission Crosstrek: Insert the key in the Lock position and turn to the ACC position. Radio and related devices are powered and the steering wheel does not lock. Turn the key back approx. 1/3 turn toward the lock position. Key hits a stop. Radio and related devices are powered and the steering wheel does not lock. Push in the key and carefully turn it back another approx. 1/3 turn. The key hits a soft stop. Radio and related devices are not powered and the steering wheel does not lock. Turn the key to the Lock position. Radio and related devices are not powered and the steering wheel does not lock. Pull the key out of the ignition and the steering wheel locks. The operator's manual says to tow the car with the key in the ACC position. From my experience, it appears that any of the positions would work so long as the key is in the ignition. Nonetheless, I think it best to use the ACC position as recommended in the manual in order to avoid any unforeseen problems.478Views0likes0CommentsRe: Planning to tow a 2013 Subaru Crostrek
I recently returned from my first trip (350 miles) towing a 2013 Crosstrek. I used the valet key in the first (ACC position). I was planning on using my other “chipped” key to lock the car doors, but the they would not lock with the valet key in use. Nonetheless, the car towed very well without any problems using a Ready Brute Elite tow bar and braking system with a 2011 Sunseeker 2300. The stick-shift Crosstrek is a good choice for a toad if some moderate off-road driving is planned. It has a ground clearance similar to that of a Jeep.478Views0likes0CommentsRe: Sand Point Idaho. Lake Pend Oreille
Another good option with hookups that I forgot to mention is Riley Creek Campground. It is located about 14 miles west of Sandpoint on the Pend Oreille River. The river there is a slack-water extension of the lake so boating into town is an option.555Views0likes0CommentsRe: Sand Point Idaho. Lake Pend Oreille
If you are looking for a park with electric and water hookups, I highly recommend Farragut State Park. It is located approx. 30 miles south of Sandpoint, but you can actually boat into town on Lake Pend Oreille. If you do not need hookups, I recommend Sam Owen Campground located on the north end of the lake.127Views0likes0Comments
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Bucketlist destinations you just can't miss. Which spots stick with you?Jan 18, 202513,487 Posts
