Which Subaru models can be flat towed?
Flat towing, also known as four-down towing, is the process of towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. This method is popular among RV owners and campers who want to bring their secondary vehicle along on road trips. When it comes to Subaru models, certain vehicles are specifically designed to be flat towed, while others are not recommended for this purpose. In this article, we'll explore the Subaru models that can be safely flat towed.
Subaru Models Approved for Flat Towing
According to Subaru's official guidelines, the following Subaru models can be flat towed behind an RV or other towing vehicle, provided that the proper precautions and procedures are followed:
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Impreza (2-door and 4-door)
- Subaru WRX and WRX STI
These Subaru models are equipped with the necessary features and components to allow for safe flat towing, such as a manual transmission or a specific towing mode. It's important to consult your vehicle's owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure a successful and damage-free towing experience.
Subaru Models Not Recommended for Flat Towing
While the models mentioned above are approved for flat towing, there are other Subaru vehicles that are not recommended for this purpose. These include:
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Ascent (with automatic transmission)
- Subaru BRZ
These Subaru models are either not equipped with the necessary features for safe flat towing or may suffer damage if towed in this manner. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid flat towing these vehicles to prevent potential issues.
Preparing Your Subaru for Flat Towing
If you plan to flat tow your Subaru, it's essential to follow the proper preparation steps to ensure a safe and successful towing experience. This may include:
- Engaging the towing mode or neutral position, as specified in the owner's manual
- Disconnecting the negative battery cable to prevent battery drain
- Ensuring the tires are properly inflated and in good condition
- Adhering to the recommended towing speed and distance limits
- Regularly checking the towed vehicle for any signs of damage or issues
By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely flat tow your Subaru and enjoy the convenience of having your secondary vehicle on the road with you.
Can a Subaru Outback AWD be flat towed?
Q: Can the Subaru Outback be flat-towed? A: No, this is not recommended.
What Subaru can pull a small trailer?
Subaru Ascent
- Ascent base may tow up to 2,000-lbs. with optional hitch affixed for small trailers or campers.
- Ascent Premium offers the ability to haul 5,000-lbs. given the ball mount accessory.
- Ascent Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring each may pull up to 5,000-lbs. in watercraft or more expansive camper setups.
What is the best Subaru to tow behind an RV?
The Subaru Ascent is the largest Subaru SUV, and it also has the highest maximum towing capacity – up to 5,000 pounds in all trim levels but the Base trim1 – along with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending upon the trim level.
Can you tow a camper with a Subaru Forester?
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.
What is the best vehicle to flat tow behind a motorhome?
Top 10 flat tow vehicles
- Jeep Wrangler JL.
- Ford F-150.
- Jeep Wrangler JK.
- Chevrolet Equinox.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Jeep Cherokee.
- Chevrolet Colorado.
- Honda CR-V.
What is the easiest car to flat tow behind a RV?
Compact and subcompact cars are the best cars for flat towing. Some examples include select years of the Chevy Sonic, Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta. A car must have a transmission disconnect, steering lockout override and other features to be able to flat tow.
Can you flat tow a Subaru Crosstrek behind an 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.
Are any Subarus flats towable?
The only Subarus that at one time were ok for flat towing behind a vehicle were the manual transmission ones, and even then, Subaru no longer recommends it. I see no reason why a manual BRZ (RWD) cannot be towed. And maybe even the auto, since it's not CVT (6-sp regular auto instead). But the manual should be fine IMO.
Is there a Subaru that can tow 5000 lbs?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent SUV has a max towing capacity of 5000 lbs on selected trim levels when equipped with the available Class III trailer hitch.
Is a Subaru Forester towable?
The typical base models since the 2014 iteration have been able to tow about 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. However, the 2022 through 2024 Subaru Forester models use the Class II hitch receiver that can tow up to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped.
