Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1999 Subaru Forester without a Brushguard

Expert Reply:

There is a steel crossmember in the base plate kit # 909-9. It is listed in the instructions I will sent to you as part A. These base plates are custom designed to fit a 1999 Subaru Forester with no brushguard. Consult your owners manual for the proper towing procedures for your Forester. In my research I found that the models with a manual transmission can be flat towed without modification to the vehicle but automatic transmission models must be towed on a trailer only.

If you determine that you can flat tow yours you will also need a compatible tow bar, the most popular of which is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. I have included links to the instructions and a video for you. Then you will need safety cables like # RM-643. The coiled designed helps keep the cables off of the ground.

Next you will need a lighting solution. The simplest solution is a magnetic light kit like # C-ATL20A. There are other possible solutions and I have included a link to an FAQ that covers them.

Most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Even Brake # RM-9400. This is a proportional system that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. Proportional systems are the safest way to stop and they reduce wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have included a link to our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you. You will want to consult the vehicle owners manual to determine if you can flat tow this vehicle and on the proper procedure for flat towing.

expert reply by: Michael H