Wiring Kit Needed for Dinghy Towing a 2009 Subaru Forester Behind a 1992 Monaco Motorhome

Expert Reply:

To wire your 2009 Subaru Forester for dinghy towing behind a motorhome you will need to install a tow bar wiring diode kit like the Roadmaster 6-Diode Universal Wiring Kit, # 154-792-118158, or use removable towing lights like the E-Z Mount Tow Light Kit, # EZT20B.

The Tow Ready Harness, # 118467, and the Curt Mfg. Harness, C56040, are designed to allow you to tow a trailer with your Forester and will not work for flat towing the vehicle because the brake, turn and taillight signals need to come from the motorhome.

We have a video showing how to install a 4 diode kit, see link, and I have attached a drawing that details the 6 diode installation for you. You will need a circuit tester like part # 3808 to identify the correct wiring circuits to splice into, and you will need to install a 4-Way wiring connector on your motorhome if it is not already equipped with this style of wiring. Since your motorhome has combined wiring, you can use one of the ends of the wiring harness included in the # RM-154 kit to add a 4-way on the motorhome.

I also attached a series of articles we have on flat towing that you should find very helpful when deciding on all the parts needed to flat tow your 2009 Subaru Forester.

My information shows that if your 2009 Subaru Forester has a manual transmission it can be successfully flat towed, but if you have an automatic transmission the vehicle must be towed on a trailer only. You should confirm the towability and pre-tow procedures for your vehicle with your owners manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for towing instructions.

expert reply by: Bob G