Newbie to toads - Subaru STi and Dutch Star

[ryant858]

I'm in the process of buying a '15 Dutch Star 40 w tag axle. Had a prior MH but never set it up to tow a vehicle.

I have a 2013 Subaru STi and from what I'm reading it can be towed w 4 down (but if anyone can confirm, that would be great!)

I'm not sure where to begin in figuring out what I need for towing setup. I realize part of the setup is with the vehicle and part with the RV. Any suggestions on how to go about choosing the tow equipment?

[allegro1x]

Is the Subaru a manual shift? If not no 4 down. Go to roadmaster wedsite and find a dealer. Dave

[BeltoneMagoo]

Suggest you check the owners manual. Automatics are a no no. Manuals usually are ok for 4 down but Subaru has made some changes in recent past and some manuals are no longer 4 down. An email to Sabaru would be the best bet or go online and find an STi forum and run it past them asking for first hand experience. We were lucky and found a Forester forum that had a letter from Subaru approving manuals 4 down up to that time.
Good luck, good health and safe travels!

[Rockwood27]

In 2013 I was looking to buy a new car. The WRX (not STI) was on my short list. Dealer wasn't sure if it could be flat towed. I had him get out the owner's manual and we both found out it could be. He learned something new that day! I ended up buying the Focus ST in my signature, but it can't be flat towed. But, I already knew that.

[Old Car Nut]

Pretty sure your STi is a 6 speed manual so yes you can tow 4 down. Our 9-2x (a restyled and hot rodded WRX wagon) tows nicely.

[GaryKD]

Hi ryant858,
Page 9-15 of the owner's manual says: "

1. Release the parking brake and put the

transmission in the

“N”/neutral position.

2. The ignition switch should be in the

"

ON” position while the vehicle is being

towed.

3. Take up slack in the towline slowly to

prevent damage to the vehicle."
To the rest of your questions you will need:
1. tow bar (on coach)
2. base plate (on car)
3. light kit to connect car running and brake lights to coach
4. auxiliary braking system. This activates the car brakes when the coach brakes are activated.
5. emergency break away switch (usually sold with auxiliary brake system).
6. large bright yellow cloth or towel

There are many different brands of the above mentioned components. They all work. You need to find the one that works the way you think. Google the product and begin your research. I use a Blue OX tow bar and base plate ( Blue Ox Towing Products | Towbars, Baseplates, Accessories and more ). USGEAR auxiliary brake system and emergency break away switch (Unified Tow Brake). Light kit came with the USGEAR product. The large brightly colored cloth is to tie to the top of the car steering wheel. A quick glance into the backup camera can tell you if the car steer wheels are straight.

To hook up and go, I have the mechanical set up with the tow bar. There is one umbilical from the coach to the car to power all the electrics, including charging the car battery.