Can my Subaru Forester tow a trailer?
Yes. A Subaru Forester can tow a trailer, but how much it can tow depends on the model year, engine, and whether the vehicle is equipped with towing hardware. In most modern Foresters, the official limit is around 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, with higher capacities possible on older turbo models. Always check the exact figure in your owner's manual and on the door jamb rating label for your specific vehicle.
What determines the Forester's towing capacity?
To decide whether you can tow and with what trailer size, you need to know the vehicle's official rating and how your equipment matches that rating. The following factors influence what you can safely tow:
- Engine and transmission: Most recent Foresters with the standard 2.5-liter engine are rated for about 1,500 pounds of towing when a factory tow package is installed. Some older or higher-performance variants offered higher limits.
- Tow package and hitch: A properly installed hitch and wiring harness are essential; many ratings assume the vehicle is fitted with the recommended tow kit from Subaru.
- Trailer brakes and wiring: If your trailer has electric brakes, you may need a brake controller and appropriate wiring; in many regions, trailers without brakes have stricter limits.
Always verify the exact rating for your year and trim in the owner's manual and on the vehicle's door sticker, and ensure you use the correct class of hitch and braking equipment for your trailer.
What equipment do I need to tow safely?
Having the right hardware is essential to tow safely and legally. Here’s what you typically need, and why:
- Hitch and receiver: Most tows require a Class II or Class III hitch with a 2-inch receiver for stability at higher tongue weights.
- Wiring harness: A trailer wiring kit (4-pin or 7-pin, depending on the trailer) connects the lights and brakes to the Forester’s electrical system.
- Trailer brakes and brake controller: If the trailer is heavy or your local laws require it, install electric brakes and a compatible brake controller in the Forester.
- Weight distribution and tongue weight: Ensure the trailer’s tongue weight is within the Forester’s capacity (roughly 10-15% of trailer weight, depending on setup) and avoid exceeding payload limits.
Using the correct equipment not only protects the vehicle but also improves handling, braking, and overall safety on the road.
Tips for safe towing with a Forester
Ahead of any trip, keep these practical considerations in mind to help ensure safe, legal towing with your Forester:
- Stay within the rated capacity for the vehicle and the trailer; that includes the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), tongue weight, and the Forester's payload.
- Use a proper hitch and ensure all bolts, pins, and locks are secure before departure.
- Check that your trailer has working lights and brakes, and that the wiring is protected from damage.
- Consider a brake controller if your trailer has electric brakes or if local regulations require it for heavier loads.
- Practice driving with a trailer: wider turns, longer stopping distances, and careful acceleration to avoid sway or instability.
Following these practices helps maintain control, protect your equipment, and reduce wear on the Forester’s components during towing.
Summary
In short, a Subaru Forester can tow a trailer, but you should always confirm the exact towing limit for your model year and equipment. Most modern Foresters top out around 1,500 pounds, with higher limits historically possible on older turbo variants. Use the correct hitch, wiring, and, if required by law, trailer brakes and a brake controller. With proper setup and safe driving, towing with a Forester is suitable for light campers, utility trailers, and small boats. Always refer to the owner’s manual and the door sticker for your exact specifications.
