Towing Trillium 1300 with Subaru Forester

[dleverton]

Just returned from 17 day trek through the BC Rockies. We were packed pretty heavy, but the Forester towed well. Down to 3rd on a couple of very steep ascents, but otherwise no problem doing speed limits. I think it is a good combination. Glad I installed the electric trailer brakes.


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Doug L

[Cronezilla]

Hi Doug!
Just curious, as the owner of a sweet, semi-vintage (1999) Subie, what year is your Forester? I understand that Subaru redesigned the Foresters at some point, not sure exactly when, to get better mileage, but at the expense of the towing power. I live in mountains myself, and know mine has plenty of oomph going up a steep grade, though I never have hitched her up to anything (yet).
I love the Subaru's AWD, though...it has really saved my "bacon" on more than one occasion on these treacherous, narrow roads and will probably do so again if the coming El Nino lives up to it's press!
Thanks! Cathy
Bananslug Sanctuary,
Howling Wilderness, CA.

[dleverton]

Hi Cathy
My Forester is a 2005 bottom model.
If the Forester has a weakness it is that 1st gear could be a bit lower. I have a very steep driveway and to get the Trillium out without impacting the clutch too badly, I have to engage the clutch fully quickly and then crawl up the driveway in first. My driveway was the most challenging piece of road of our entire holidays through the mountains.