Peter Banks Are you an adventurous outdoor enthusiast carrying your RV or SUV to explore new places with your Subaru Accent? Having your vehicle towed behind your motorhome or truck can be a real convenience and can provide you with the flexibility of having your car at the ready for local exploration while camping. But before you hook up, it’s essential to know if your Subaru Accent is built for flat towing.
In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of towing a Subaru Accent. We’ll cover everything from the right transmission type to weight guidelines, and what additional equipment you may need to tow your car safely. Let’s dive in!
Can a Subaru Accent be Flat Towed?
Yes, it’s possible to flat tow your Subaru Accent, but not all Subaru models are built for flat towing. To flat tow, your vehicle must have a manual transmission or a specific kind of automatic transmission called a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).
The following Subaru models can be flat towed:
- Subaru Accent with a manual gearbox
- Subaru Accent with CVT manufactured after 2015
If you’re not sure which type of transmission your Subaru Accent has, you can check the owner’s manual or contact your local dealership.
Towing Capacity and Weight Limits
Before towing, it’s crucial to consult the owner’s manual for the towing capacity of your Subaru Accent and make sure it can accommodate the weight of your trailer or RV. In general, the towing capacity for most Subaru models ranges between 1,500 to 2,700 pounds, depending on the make and model.
Your vehicle’s weight, including any accessories or cargo, will also be a factor in determining if it’s suitable for flat towing. For example, the curb weight of a 2021 Subaru Accent is approximately 2,700 pounds, but it can vary depending on the model.
Additional Equipment for Safe Towing
To flat tow your Subaru Accent safely, you’ll need some additional equipment that may not come standard with your vehicle. The necessary equipment includes:
- Base Plate Kit: A base plate kit, installed on your vehicle’s frame, provides the attachment points for the tow bar.
- Tow Bar: This connects your flat-towed vehicle to the RV or truck.
- Safety Cables: These provide additional security in case of a disconnection.
- Wiring Harness: The wiring harness connects your Subaru Accent’s taillights to those of your RV or truck, so they work together.
- Brake Buddy: The brake buddy system engages your Accent’s brakes when you slow your RV or truck down.
It’s critical to make sure that all the flat towing components are compatible with your vehicle and that they have the correct weight capacities for your setup.
Preparing Your Subaru Accent for Flat Towing
Before flat towing, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your vehicle is ready for the journey:
- Make sure your Subaru Accent is in neutral and that the parking brake is off.
- Disconnect the negative cable from your car battery to prevent the battery from draining while flat towing.
- Secure any loose items in your Subaru Accent, so they don’t move around during the journey.
Potential Issues With Flat Towing
While flat towing a Subaru Accent can be convenient, there are a few potential issues you may encounter:
- Damage to the transmission: If you drive your Subaru Accent for long distances by flat towing and it has an incorrect transmission setup, the transmission could be damaged.
- Uneven tire wear: Flat towing can cause uneven tire wear if your Subaru Accent is not flat on the road while in tow.
- Battery life: Flat towing a Subaru Accent can drain your car battery, even if you have disconnected the negative cable before towing.
To avoid these issues, make sure your car is ready for the towing journey and that you have all the necessary equipment for safe towing.
FAQs
Q: Can any Subaru be flat towed?
A: No, not all Subaru models can be flat towed. You need to have a manual transmission or a specific kind of automatic transmission called a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) to tow your car.
Q: How much weight can my Subaru Accent tow?
A: The towing capacity for most Subaru models ranges between 1,500 to 2,700 pounds, depending on the make and model. Check your owner’s manual for the specific towing capacity of your Subaru Accent.
Q: What are the essential towing equipment components for my Subaru Accent?
A: The essential towing equipment for flat towing your Subaru Accent includes a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, wiring harness, and a brake buddy.
Conclusion
If you’re an adventurous outdoor enthusiast and frequently travel long distances with your RV or SUV, towing a Subaru Accent can offer the flexibility of having a vehicle at your disposal. Remember to check if your car is built for flat towing, and make sure you have all the necessary equipment to tow your Subaru safely. We hope that this guide has been helpful in answering your questions surrounding flat towing a Subaru Accent. Happy travels!
