Vehicle - Towing Precautions

NUMBER 01-98-85
APPLICABILITY: ALL SUBARU VEHICLES DATE 03-04-85


SUBJECT: TOWING PRECAUTIONS
The new body style 1985 vehicles (STATION WAGON, 4-DOOR AND XT-COUPE), must not be towed using conventional sling-type equipment.

The use of this equipment could result in body damage and unsafe mounting. Therefore, it is recommended that only flat bed or wheel lift equipment be used.

Precautions concerning speed and distance for towing all automatic transmission and 4WD vehicles with the wheels on the ground remain the same for 1985 as noted in prior Subaru Service Bulletins and Owner's Manuals.

WHEN TOWING A SUBARU VEHICLE, THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS MUST BE OBSERVED.

1) In an emergency, A/T equipped vehicles may be towed a distance of six miles at a maximum speed of 20 MPH if the drive wheels are on the ground.

2) In an emergency, FWD or 4WD M/T equipped vehicles may be towed a short distance with all four wheels on the ground. However, long distance towing with all four wheels on the ground (flat towing), may cause tracking problems and excessive tire wear.

3) Flat Towing any Subaru vehicle behind another vehicle such as a motor home, is not recommended.

1985 Carry-Over models (Hatchback and Brat), can be towed with conventional sling-type equipment from the front ONLY, following the precautions as listed in the 1984 AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION TOWING MANUAL.

These precautions and recommendations will be listed in the 1985 AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION TOWING MANUAL when published.