2020 Subaru Forester Owners Manual - Towing

Towing

If towing is necessary, it is best done by your SUBARU dealer or a commercial towing service. Observe the following procedures for safety.

Towing hooks and tie-down hooks/holes

The towing hooks should be used only in an emergency.

Take the towing hook, screwdriver and jack handle out of the cargo area.

Cover the tip of a flat-head screwdriver with vinyl tape or cloth so that it will not

scratch the bumper. Insert the flat-head screwdriver into the cutout of the cover and pry open the cover.

Screw the towing hook into the thread hole until its thread can no longer be seen.

Tighten the towing hook securely using

the jack handle.

After towing, remove the towing hook from the vehicle and stow it in the tool bucket. Fit the towing hook cover on the bumper.

Take the towing hook and screwdriver out of the tool bucket. Take the jack handle out of the cargo area.

Cover the tip of a flat-head screwdriver with vinyl tape or cloth so that it will not scratch the bumper. Pry off the cover on the rear bumper using a screwdriver, and you will find a threaded hole for attaching the towing hook.

Screw the towing hook into the thread hole until its thread can no longer be seen.

Tighten the towing hook securely using the jack handle.

After towing, remove the towing hook from

the vehicle and stow it in the tool bucket. Fit the towing hook cover on the bumper.

The front tie-down hooks are located between each of the front tires and the front bumper.

Rear tie-down hole

The rear tie-down holes are located near each of the jack-up reinforcements.

There is a plug in each rear tie-down hole. To use the rear tie-down holes, remove the

plugs. After using the rear tie-down holes, return the plugs to their original places.

This is the best way to transport your vehicle. Use the following procedures to ensure safe transportation.

Shift the select lever into the “P” position.

Apply the parking brake firmly.

Secure the vehicle onto the carrier properly with safety chains. Each safety chain should be equally tightened and care must be taken not to pull the chains so tightly that the suspension bottoms out.

Towing with all wheels on the ground

Release the parking brake and put the transmission in the neutral position.

The ignition switch should be in the “ON” position while the vehicle is being towed.

Take up slack in the towline slowly to prevent damage to the vehicle.