SUBARU FORESTER TOWING
Submitted: Friday, Nov 23, 2012 at 17:19
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martin c1
Our forester is 2011 2.5 base model. It tows 1447kg ATM single axle with ball load 130 to 140kg which is within the vehicles specified capacity. Power & fuel consumption are OK and my only complaint is ride quality in tow vehicle. It pitches fore/aft to the point of discomfort on sealed roads which are older and deformed, e.g on black soil country. Use of load leveling hitch cures the problem, but is prohibited by Subaru.
Has anyone had, and overcome this problem. Base model does not have load leveling self adjusting rear shockers.
Reply By: brizmatt - Friday, Nov 23, 2012 at 19:10
Friday, Nov 23, 2012 at 19:10
I tow a Jayco Finch (about 1000kg loaded and 90kg ball weight) with manual forester X 2011. The pitching improved markedly when I replaced back springs with King springs.
Cheers
Matt D
AnswerID:
499078
Follow Up By: martin c1 - Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 14:32
Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 14:32
Matt, thanks for your comment. What and where are King springs, and what was the fitted cost. regards, marty.
FollowupID:
775229
Follow Up By: brizmatt - Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 18:37
Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 18:37
I had the Kings springs supplied and fitted at Fulcrums on
Beaudesert Rd Moorooka in
Brisbane. Cost about $350 two years ago. They are just replacement for the back coil springs. I was pleasantly surprised by the cost.
Cheers
Matt D
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Follow Up By: martin c1 - Monday, Dec 03, 2012 at 12:46
Monday, Dec 03, 2012 at 12:46
Matt, thanks for the info. I presume your ball load would be 90/100kg, and
mine is 140 so I should see similar improvement. regards marty.
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Reply By: Bruce B5 - Friday, Nov 23, 2012 at 20:30
Friday, Nov 23, 2012 at 20:30
Could try air bags
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Follow Up By: martin c1 - Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 14:34
Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 14:34
Bruce, thanks for your comment re airbags. I will look into that Regards marty
FollowupID:
775230
Reply By: Andrew - Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 13:01
Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 13:01
Hi Martin
Sounds like your shocks are not strong enough for the ball weight, so the rear is probably diving under the rocking load.
I suggest you look at a shock upgrade all round to keep the vehicle balanced. If you only do the rears you may still find the front moving too much.
If that isn't enough to bring it under control then heavier rear springs may be needed as
well. The standard shocks won't handle heavier springs. just remember that the heavier springs will affect the unloaded handling and the firmer ride will not only be less comfortable but will also make the car a bit tailier (more oversteer) which can make it twitchy on dirt.
You don't need the Subaru self levelling
suspension as it appears optimised for on road handling and not for the sort of towing you are doing. The earlier models apparently didn't last when loaded up on corrugations either.
Regards
A
AnswerID:
499250
Follow Up By: martin c1 - Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 14:40
Monday, Nov 26, 2012 at 14:40
Andrew, thank you for your reply. Your comment regarding subaru self leveling shocks is interesting. regards marty.
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