Base Plates, Wiring, and Safety Cables to Flat Tow a 2001 Subaru Forester  

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Expert Reply:

For your 2001 Subaru Forester, you will need to use base plate # 909-9 since your Forester does not have a brush guard. This base plate is the XL style. This means that you can use your Falcon Tow Bar, like # RM-520 or # RM-522. You may also be interested in the Roadmaster Quick Disconnect Tow Bar Base Assembly, # 910021-00, for your Falcon tow bar. This assembly will allow you to connect the tow bar to the above base plates.

In addition to base plates and a tow bar, there are a few other items you will need to flat tow your Forester as required by law. You will need safety chains, or cables, and a light kit. For safety cables, I recommend the RoadMaster 68 inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643. For lights, there are two options. If you plan on towing the Forester infrequently, I recommend the Magnetic Towing Light Kit, # RM-2120. If you plan on towing the Forester often, I recommend the Tail Light Isolating Diode System with Wiring Harness, # 38955. I have included links to a demonstration video and an installation video for this diode kit below.

Finally, you will need to check with the manufacturer or owners manual for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your Forester because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.

The Roadmaster Base Plate to Tow Ready Tow Bar Adapter, # RM-025, is only an adapter so you can use Roadmaster base plates with a Tow Ready tow bar. Since you do not have a Tow Ready Tow Bar, you will not need this adapter.

expert reply by: Michael H

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