Are any Subaru models flat towable?

Yes, some Subaru models are flat towable, meaning they can be towed behind a motorhome or other vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. However, the specific models and requirements can vary, so it's important to check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult with a Subaru dealer to confirm if your particular model is approved for flat towing.

Subaru Models Approved for Flat Towing

According to Subaru's guidelines, the following models are approved for flat towing, also known as "dinghy towing," when certain conditions are met:

• Subaru Outback: Can be flat towed when the transmission is in neutral and the vehicle is in the proper towing mode.


• Subaru Ascent: Can be flat towed when the transmission is in neutral and the vehicle is in the proper towing mode.


• Subaru Crosstrek: Can be flat towed when the transmission is in neutral and the vehicle is in the proper towing mode.


• Subaru Impreza: Can be flat towed when the transmission is in neutral and the vehicle is in the proper towing mode.

It's important to note that the specific requirements for flat towing may vary by model year and trim level, so it's crucial to consult your owner's manual or a Subaru dealer to ensure your vehicle is approved and that you follow the proper procedures.

Flat Towing Precautions and Requirements

When flat towing a Subaru, there are several important precautions and requirements to keep in mind:

• Transmission in Neutral: The transmission must be in neutral to allow the wheels to turn freely during towing.


• Towing Mode: The vehicle must be in the proper towing mode, which is usually activated by a specific sequence of button presses or menu selections.


• Speed and Distance Limits: Subaru typically recommends a maximum towing speed of 65 mph and a maximum towing distance of 400 miles.


• Odometer and Speedometer: The odometer and speedometer may not function correctly during flat towing, so it's important to keep track of the distance traveled.


• Battery Maintenance: The vehicle's battery should be disconnected or the engine should be running during towing to prevent battery drain.

Failure to follow the proper procedures and precautions for flat towing a Subaru can result in damage to the vehicle's drivetrain or other components, so it's crucial to carefully review the manufacturer's guidelines before attempting to tow your Subaru.

Can a Subaru Crosstrek be flat towed behind RV?

Turns out the Subaru Crosstrek can be flat towed if it has a manual transmission. The second thing we learned is that this is not an inexpensive procedure. Below is a list of the parts we used and links to those parts on eTrailer's website.

What Subaru can be flat towed?

Subarus that can be flat-towed are those equipped with a manual transmission and have had the proper base plate and other necessary equipment installed. This is because automatic transmissions in Subarus are not designed for the stress of being towed on four wheels, and flat-towing an automatic Subaru is not recommended. 
Key factors

• Manual transmission: The most important factor is that the vehicle must have a manual transmission, as it allows the drivetrain to be disengaged by putting the transmission in neutral. 
• Automatic transmission: Vehicles with an automatic transmission must be towed with all four wheels off the ground, such as on a flatbed truck or with a tow dolly. 
• Manufacturer recommendations: While older manuals were explicitly endorsed for flat-towing, many newer models may no longer be officially supported due to changes in design, even if they are manual. Always consult the owner's manual for the specific vehicle and year to ensure it is safe to do so. 
• Drivetrain: Even with a manual transmission, other models may still have limitations on how they can be towed. Always check your specific vehicle's owner's manual for explicit instructions. 

What to do

• Check the owner's manual: Always check the owner's manual for your specific model and year to confirm if it can be flat-towed. 
• Consider the drivetrain: If your Subaru has an automatic transmission, you will need a flatbed tow truck. 
• Contact a dealer: If you are unsure about whether your vehicle can be flat-towed, contact a dealership for clarification. 
• Install the necessary equipment: If your manual-transmission Subaru can be flat-towed, make sure you have the correct tow bar and base plate installed before you begin towing. 

Can a Subaru Outback be towed?

Yes, a Subaru Outback can tow, with a maximum capacity of either 2,700 pounds or 3,500 pounds depending on the engine. Models with the standard 2.5L engine can tow up to 2,700 pounds, while those with the available turbocharged 2.4L engine (found on XT and Wilderness trims) can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
 
Towing capacity by engine

• 2.5L DOHC Engine: 2,700 pounds
• 2.4L Turbocharged DOHC Engine: 3,500 pounds 

What can be towed

• A 3,500-pound capacity is enough for small campers, pop-up trailers, utility trailers, and multiple ATVs or motorcycles. 
• The 2,700-pound capacity is suitable for lighter cargo trailers or pop-up campers. 

Important towing considerations

• Hitch: Not all Outbacks come with a factory-installed tow hitch; some trims may include one, but aftermarket installation is often required. 
• Weight distribution: Ensure the load is properly balanced to maintain stability and safety, as towing changes the vehicle's weight distribution. 
• Handling: Be aware that towing affects braking and handling, so it's crucial to drive with caution, reduce speed, and give yourself extra space. 
• Features: The Outback has features like Trailer Sway Control, a rear-vision camera, and standard All-Wheel Drive that help with towing stability and convenience. 

Can a Subaru Forester be towed behind an RV?

That said, you can find instances of RVers flat towing manual transmission Foresters, so it's technically possible. Subaru does cover emergency towing procedures in their owner manuals, and some RVers simply take this a step further and flat tow these models as they wish.