Recommended Flat Towing Setup for a 2009 Subaru Forester

Question

Question:

Hello, We recently purchased used 2009 Subaru Forester Manual Tranmission so looking to set it up as flat four dingy tow. Im trying to decide which base plates to choose, Roadmaster MT or Blue Ox as they seem similiar. We have 2016 Thor Ace 29.4 motorhome so Id like to purchase setup that wont require a hitch receiver or anything additional. Is the Roadmaster easier than Blue Ox to install baseplates? It seems from the instructions it should be? I dont know how to measure to be sure I pick right now that will line up with motorhome well. What measurements should I look at? Lastly, what is best brake system do you recommend. I dont foresee us having 2nd tow vehicle and we probably wont swap this one out for several years. The Roastmaster Brakemaster seems like it might be a good solution over the 9700 since I wont have to store a box but how long is the installation going to be? Thanks much!

asked by: Shelley C

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you, but it does involve the use of a hitch receiver on your RV. If you do not already have one, I have attached a link to our selection of hitch receivers that you can look through. One of the most popular RV hitch receivers is the Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13701 which will fit frames from 18" to 51" and can be bolted or welded on.

Aside from that, the other equipment that you will need to flat tow your 2009 Subaru Forester is a Base Plate Kit, Tow Bar, Safety Cables, Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring, a Supplemental Braking System, and possibly a High-Low Adapter.

The base plate kit that I recommend going with is the Blue Ox # BX3616. It comes with removable draw bars which will allow you to have a clean look when you are not towing your Forester.

One of our most popular tow bars is the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380. This tow bar has a weight capacity of 6,500 lbs and will fit into a 2 inch hitch receiver. It also comes with safety cables so that is one less thing we have to think about.

For vehicle tow bar wiring I recommend using the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 which will make connecting and disconnecting from your RV much easier.

Some people do like using a portable braking system, like the Roadmaster # RM-9400 that you referenced. However, it does require some storage space as you mentioned. If you are wanting to get a Roadmaster BrakeMaster braking system then you can either use part # RM-9060 if you have hydraulic brakes on your RV or part # RM-9160 if your RV has air or air over hydraulic brakes.

To ensure that your towing setup is level I have attached a helpful article on how to choose the correct high/low adapter as well as our selection for you to review.

I have attached some review videos that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

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