Can a Subaru Forester be towed?
The likely answer is yes, but only in the right configuration. For most modern Foresters with automatic transmissions, four-wheels-down flat towing is not recommended; the safer options are towing with a dolly (front wheels off the ground) or towing on a trailer. Always check the owner's manual and consult Subaru support before attempting any tow.
This article outlines the common towing approaches, notes model-year and transmission considerations, and shares practical tips to tow a Forester safely behind a motorhome or other tow vehicle.
Towing options for a Forester
Here are the main ways people tow a Subaru Forester behind a motorhome or tow vehicle, along with the general pros and cons of each method.
- Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground (four-down): Not generally recommended for most Forester models with a CVT; some manual-transmission versions may have different allowances in the owner's manual. If you’re considering this, verify exact guidance in your manual and with Subaru before proceeding.
- Tow dolly (front wheels lifted, rear wheels on the ground): Widely recommended for AWD Foresters with CVT transmissions; helps protect the transmission while allowing safe movement. Ensure the dolly is rated for the vehicle’s weight and that all tie-downs are secure.
- Trailer towing (all wheels off the ground): The safest and most straightforward option for long-distance towing; requires proper hitch, lighting, brakes, weight distribution, and compliance with towing laws.
Choosing among these options depends on the vehicle’s transmission, model year, towing distance, and the towing setup you have available.
Model-year and transmission notes
Guidance varies by year and by transmission type. Here is a general overview of how Forester models are commonly treated in official guidance.
- Most modern Foresters with CVTs are not approved for four-down flat towing; Subaru typically recommends a tow dolly or trailer for these models.
- Foresters offered with a manual transmission (in older generations) may have different four-down allowances; always consult the specific owner's manual for your vehicle.
- Regardless of transmission, if you plan to tow, the preferred method is a tow dolly or trailer with proper weight ratings and braking compliance.
Always verify with the exact manual for your model year and transmission, and contact Subaru support if you are unsure before towing.
Practical tips for safe towing
To help you tow more safely and reduce the risk of damage to your Forester or others on the road, consider these guidelines.
- Read and follow the owner's manual and Subaru’s towing guidelines for your exact model year and transmission.
- Use a properly rated tow dolly or trailer; ensure wheel straps or tie-downs are secure and appropriate for the vehicle’s weight.
- Ensure your tow setup includes working lighting and braking connections; consider an auxiliary braking system for the towed vehicle if required.
- Check hitch rating, tongue weight, and braking capacity of the tow vehicle and trailer; verify load distribution and clearance.
- Prepare the Forester according to the manual (parking brake, neutral gear if applicable, etc.) and avoid running the engine if the manual forbids it during towing.
Following proper procedures helps minimize wear and prevents unsafe conditions on the highway.
What Subaru recommends
Subaru’s official guidance emphasizes using a tow dolly or trailer for CVT-equipped Foresters and generally disapproves of four-down flat towing for newer models. Always rely on the exact instructions in your owner’s manual and contact Subaru customer service if you are unsure before starting any tow.
Summary
In short, a Subaru Forester can be towed, but the method matters. For most modern Foresters with CVTs, the recommended approach is towing with a dolly or trailer rather than four-down flat towing. If you own a manual-transmission Forester or an older model, check the manual for any four-down allowances. Always follow official guidance, use properly rated equipment, and seek professional towing advice for long trips.
Can you tow a Subaru in neutral?
Subaru vehicles with manual transmission can be towed with all four wheels on the ground and the transmission in neutral. Subaru vehicles with automatic transmission can only be towed with all four wheels OFF the ground.
Can you tow an AWD vehicle behind a motorhome?
Yes, you can tow an all-wheel-drive (AWD) car behind a motorhome, but only if the vehicle is flat-towable, meaning all four wheels are on the ground. Most AWD cars cannot be flat-towed and require a car hauler trailer or a tow dolly. To know for sure, you must consult your car's owner's manual to confirm if it can be flat-towed or if it needs to be on a trailer.
This video explains the different ways to tow a car behind an RV: 59sChasing Our SunshineYouTube · Jan 20, 2022
Why it's critical to check the manual
- Internal damage: Flat-towing an AWD vehicle that isn't designed for it can cause major damage because the drivetrain is always engaged.
- Lack of lubrication: With all four wheels on the ground, the wheels, axles, and transmission can spin without proper lubrication, leading to friction and heat buildup that can cause permanent damage.
- Towing method: The owner's manual will specify if the vehicle can be flat-towed (four wheels down), towed on a dolly (front wheels up), or if it must be on a flatbed trailer (all four wheels off the ground).
Towing options for AWD vehicles
You can watch this video to learn how to flat tow a vehicle behind a motorhome: 1mEat See TVYouTube · Sep 9, 2024
- Flat-towable (dinghy tow): Some AWD vehicles can be flat-towed if the manufacturer has designed them to be towed this way. Check the manual to see the specific instructions, which often involve putting the transmission in neutral, disconnecting some fuses, and turning the key to the accessory position.
- Dolly system: A tow dolly is a small two-wheel trailer that lifts the front wheels off the ground. The vehicle is driven onto the dolly and secured, with the rear wheels remaining on the ground.
- Car hauler trailer: This is a full flatbed trailer that carries the entire vehicle, with all four wheels completely off the ground. This is the most protective option and is the only method for many AWD vehicles.
Are any subarus flat towable?
No, you cannot flat tow most modern Subarus; only manual transmission models are flat-towable, and this is generally not recommended by Subaru. The safest and official method to tow any Subaru, especially those with an automatic transmission, is using a flatbed tow truck with all four wheels off the ground.
Why flat towing is generally not an option
- Manual vs. Automatic: Traditionally, flat-towing is only possible on Subarus with a manual transmission, which must be in neutral. However, manual transmissions are becoming rare in Subaru's lineup.
- All-wheel-drive: Even in neutral, the all-wheel-drive system can still cause damage to the transmission and drivetrain because all four wheels are turning. This is not recommended by Subaru and can lead to costly repairs.
- Official recommendation: Subaru officially does not endorse flat towing any of its vehicles.
- Modern systems: Newer all-wheel-drive systems may not be "unlocked" like older ones, further increasing the risk of damage when flat-towed.
Safe towing options
- Flatbed tow truck: The safest way to tow any Subaru is with a flatbed tow truck, which keeps all four wheels off the ground.
- Tow dolly: A tow dolly can be used for models with manual transmissions, as this will lift the rear wheels off the ground, though the owner's manual should be consulted first.
- Trailer: Transporting the vehicle inside a trailer is another safe option to prevent damage.
Is a Subaru Forester towable?
2019-2022 models: These models maintained the 1,500-pound towing capacity, making them suitable for light towing tasks. 2023 model: The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the Wilderness trim, which significantly increased the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds, while other trims remained at 1,500 pounds.
