Owner Manual Information

[yukhoman]

I seem to see frequently in our search for a vehicle to tow, check the owner's manual to see if a vehicle can be towed four-down. I have searched numerous manuals, especially for the 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i, and I have not seen one manual that addresses this issue. MotorHome magazine show the 2015 Forester to be OK with manual transmission. How do I know for sure if it is OK?

[Cider]

Subaru has taken all the auto trans models off the TOAD listing. I believe the manual transmission is now the only one that can be flat towed.

[Bumpyroad]

DutchmenSport wrote:


I think this is pretty clear, your speed is limited to 20 mph and for no more than 31 miles. Won't work as a Toad for an RV. Get a car carrier and then you'll be OK.

it appears to me that the oP is talking about a stick shift toad and the manual indicates that that is ok. the CVt is limited.
bumpy

[WILDEBILL308]

I hope you guys realize the CVT transmission is the automatic and not the standard. Remco shows the manual to be towable. The OP's should be towable.
Bill

[DutchmenSport]

Your 2015 Subaru Forester:

Towing

1. Release the parking brake and put the transmission in the N /neutral position.2. The ignition switch should be in the ACC position while the vehicle is being towed.3. Take up slack in the towline slowly to prevent damage to the vehicle

For CVT models, the traveling speed must be limited to less than 20 mph (30 km/h) and the traveling distance to less than 31 miles (50 km). For greater speeds and distances, transport your vehicle on a flat-bed truck


I think this is pretty clear, your speed is limited to 20 mph and for no more than 31 miles. Won't work as a Toad for an RV. Get a car carrier and then you'll be OK.

[StarkNaked]

From page 437 of the 2015 Forester owners manual: So if you have a manual transmission, you can tow 4 down.

Towing with all wheels on the ground

1. Release the parking brake and put the transmission in the N /neutral position.
2. The ignition switch should be in the ACC position while the vehicle is being towed.

WARNING . Never turn the ignition switch to the LOCK / OFF position while the vehicle is being towed be- cause the steering wheel and the direction of the wheels will be locked.
Remember that the brake booster and power steering do not function when the engine is not running. Because the engine is turned off, it will take greater effort to operate the brake pedal and steering wheel.

For CVT models, the traveling speed must be limited to less than 20 mph (30 km/h) and the traveling distance to less than 31 miles (50 km). For greater speeds and distances, transport your vehicle on a flat-bed truck

[Bumpyroad]

the manual should have something under "towing behind a motorhome" or "recreational towing" if it is "authorized" by the manufacturer. if not covered I wouldn't tow one myself.
will motorhome magazine pay to replace your tranny if it blows up?
bumpy

[Ski_Pro_3]

I've owned a 2001, 2011 and a 2015 Subaru Forester and the manuals all say to never tow with any of the wheels down. Conventional tow truck towing with the front lifted is a definite no-no. All are/were automatics in my case.

[WILDEBILL308]

yukhoman wrote:
I seem to see frequently in our search for a vehicle to tow, check the owner's manual to see if a vehicle can be towed four-down. I have searched numerous manuals, especially for the 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i, and I have not seen one manual that addresses this issue. MotorHome magazine show the 2015 Forester to be OK with manual transmission. How do I know for sure if it is OK?

What does the owners manual say under "Recreational towing?"
One source I trust is Remco. They have ben making their money making things towable.
www.remcotowing.com/Towing/Store.php
I would double check but it does appear it is listed as towable.
Bill

[downtheroad]

We have owned 3 Subaru(s). All were/are automatics. All explicitly say that they must be towed 4 up.

I can't help you with the manual tranny requirements for towing a Subaru.