Subaru - CAN or CAN NOT tow?

[Subaru - CAN or CAN NOT tow?]

I guess that silence we hear is Subaru's way of telling us how important RV towing is to them, or, for that matter, how important we in the RV community are to them. I am disappointed, not only that Subarus apparently suddenly became untowable, but even more so at the lack, or so it seems, of a response.

[Subaru - CAN or CAN NOT tow?]

So did Subaru ever respond?

[Subaru - CAN or CAN NOT tow?]

3 hours ago, FIVE said:

ccchuck...If you are a Honda guy get a CRV, vintage  2014 or earlier.  They all tow four down.

Well actually I am trying to replace a 1998(!) CRV, manual trans, that has reached the "I'm not sure if .."  point.

Add to that that no one in my family likes an automatic transmission, its gets hairy  :-)

[Subaru - CAN or CAN NOT tow?]

On 4/5/2016 at 7:43 AM, FMCANationalOffice said:

Family Motor Coaching magazine has published its annual Towables Guide since 1999, and each year, the list of vehicles that can be towed four wheels down behind a motorhome has included various Subaru models that are equipped with a manual transmission. The list is based on information FMC receives from each manufacturer, including Subaru. However, it appears Subaru is rethinking its position on flat towing.

Recently, FMC heard from several FMCA members who were told by Subaru employees that Subarus should not be flat towed behind a motorhome. FMC immediately contacted the company. Subaru’s corporate office is researching the matter and as of April 5 has not provided a definitive answer as to whether the company has changed its policy regarding flat towing. However, when an FMC editor called Subaru customer service, the Subaru representative said the company recommends towing via a flatbed trailer, except in emergency situations.

FMC will continue to seek clarification. When more information becomes available, it will be posted FMCA’s Forums and published in the magazine.

I did the initial post on this topic hoping for a definitive answer, and really appreciate the efforts made here to help. But the length of time awaiting a response is in itself suggestive, ( Subaru’s corporate office is researching the matter, really?!) and add in the continuing inability of my dealer to get a straight answer from Subaru,  leaves me with the unhappy decision to move on - the Subaru impressed me, hard to do with a diehard Honda guy (since 1976), but lack of clarity on towing zeroes it for consideration. I do hope for the RV community that the eventual answer from the bean counters at Subaru is "yes" ( and I do feel this whole deal is more 'lawyer' than 'mechanic').

But for now let me hurry to my Honda dealer before Honda changes it's mind about the HR-V.

edit: no blame on the FMCA, they can only report what they receive.

[Subaru - CAN or CAN NOT tow?]

Motorhome magazine's guide removed all Subaru models from their list, but, I'm told, FMCA still says 2016 models, manual transmission, are towable.

The owner's manual no longer mentions RV towing.

Yes, I hear folks are towing them successfully, but I'd like to know where Subaru corporate stands on this.