Can You Flat Tow A 1998 Subaru Outback Legacy AWD Manual 5 Speed?

Published 02/22/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4860)

$578.70

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2160)

$670.00

Replacement Quick Disconnect Crossbar Assembly for Roadmaster Tow Bars

(318)

$134.90

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs

(330)

$821.22

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3357)

$186.34

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

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$1245.50

Question:

Can you flat tow a 1998 Subaru legacy outback AWD with manual 5 speed? Thanks Pierrre 4254663014

asked by: Pierre M

Expert Reply:

Hey Pierre, while technically yes they can be flat towed, I really cannot recommend flat towing a 1998 Subaru Outback Legacy AWD manual 5-speed, since Subaru does not recommend this method of towing. Although if you are going to tow it, it is much better to tow the manual versus the automatic. According to the online owners manual, flat towing really should only be used for emergency/recovery purposes and the traveling speed must be limited to less than 20 mph (30km/h) and the traveling distance to less than 31 miles (50 km). For greater speeds and distances, they recommend that you transport your vehicle on a flat-bed truck.

There is flat towing equipment available for this vehicle, so if you do decide to tow it, you can use the parts below. We do recommend that you closely follow all of the steps listed in your owner's manual in regards to towing with all four wheels on the ground.

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 909-3
Replacement Quick Disconnect Crossbar Assembly # 910021-00
etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e74ZR
Roadmaster Diode Wiring Kit # RM-15267
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System # SM99251