Can You Flat Tow a Subaru Forester?

You technically can, but you probably shouldn’t.

Officially, Subaru does NOT endorse flat towing any 1998-2023 Forester behind a motorhome. 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.

Note that automatic and CVT transmissionmodels should NOT be flat towed. They are generally restricted to 20 mph speeds and a 31-mile distance when being towed, so obviously this wouldn’t work for a cross-country flat towing adventure.

Also be aware that there are liability issues that come into play when flat towing against the manufacturer’s advice. If you choose to flat tow your Forester, just know that you’re taking on a certain level of risk:

You’ll void your warranty - If your vehicle is under warranty, you’ll need to determine if flat towing is worth losing your coverage.
Insurance might not cover accident claims - If the worst happens while flat towing your vehicle, your insurance company may choose not to cover your claim, since you are not using the vehicle the way the manufacturer intended.
Lawsuits - This is an extreme example, but if your flat-towed vehicle is responsible for loss of life or property damage, you could be held legally liable.

Alternative Options

Subaru recommends towing most Foresters with a flatbed truck or trailer. Check your owner’s manual for specific advice for your particular vehicle model. Again, regardless of what you see out there on the road, we encourage you to listen to the manufacturer on this one.

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Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 12/27/22

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