Front recovery points for an SG forester

Ser_Egg

Ser_Egg

Forum Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2019
Messages
286
Location
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Car Year
2005
Car Model
Subaru Forester SG series 1
Transmission
5Spd Manual
So this question has been asked a bjillion times and i got nothing really clear except for one of @Kevin s posts on Subaruforester.org
From my research ive found that using a tree strap is the best way to recover from the front. Is this correct? Also does anyone know if subaxtreme are making those bolt on recovery points still?
 
A tree protector works well as a distribution strap or even a single attach for a light recovery. Perhaps have a look at the SubaXtreme website for the other stuff ;-)
 
They don't make the bolt on points anymore, and they were only for a SF. SG have the tie down points on the front welded on. Best bet is to use a tree protector as a distribution strap between both front points to equalize the load
 
The front tie down points extend upwards through both upper and lower front sub-frames in the SG - I.e. they are very strong. However, a load distribution strap is essential to avoid distorting the car.

With a lot of help, I wrote a thread about it, here:

 
So, if I understand correctly:
The towing point and the tie down point on the front of an SG can be used together with a load distributor for front recovery?

I was looking under my SG the other day and wondered why 1 eye was a little further up then the other. Is this the tie down point? And the lower one the towing point?

Also, I have a non removable trailer hitch (pic attached). What are my options when recovering or towing from the rear? I understand NOT to use the hitch for these purposes. 20210405_200425.jpg
 
LostWouter said:
The towing point and the tie down point on the front of an SG can be used together with a load distributor for front recovery?
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Yes

Do you know the load capacity of the hitch? If it's welded on and depending on the load specs I'd suggest it is ok as a recovery point. It's mainly tow balls that should not be used as a recovery point as they can snap.
 
Subaxtreme now have rated front recovery points, as well as now having engineered & ADR Approved Winch cradles for their bars (and they will work with existing bars!)
 
@Kevin I have and they asked me to bring mine if i could because they dont know about the series 1. that was back when they released them
 
Theoretically, I would say they would because the underlying chassis of the early and late SG are the same, and it's mainly cosmetic updates, plus the different bonnet, headlights, bumper and guards
 
i was thinking the samething. If the bolt in points are the same then no dramas and this is what i feel so ill probably purchase one and if it doesnt fit well plenty of Series 2 driving arounnd
 
Kevin said:
Yes

Do you know the load capacity of the hitch? If it's welded on and depending on the load specs I'd suggest it is ok as a recovery point. It's mainly tow balls that should not be used as a recovery point as they can snap.
Click to expand...
Thanks for making that clear! Since I don't plan on doing a lot of heavy offroading any time soon I'll just the recovery and tie down combo for now.

Unfortunately I don't know the load capacity. I don't see any markings on it, but the whole thing is bolted to the chassis. Judging by comparable models I found online it should be around 2000 kilograms. Will this be OK for recovery? Any tips regarding this subject are much appreciated as I still have to buy my recovery gear. I included a pic of a hitch I found online that looks very similar to mine.

One more question, what is the difference between a towball and a hitch? In the Netherlands we generally call them all a towing hitch 😅
 

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That hitch would have nothing like 2,000 kgs rating.

My tow bar is off a Liberty/Legacy. It's rated about 1750 kgs. The SG car is rated to tow about 1250 kgs! And that is the rating of the SG towbar.

I would guess the rating of that hitch at absolutely no more than 750 kgs.
 
Ratbag said:
That hitch would have nothing like 2,000 kgs rating.

My tow bar is off a Liberty/Legacy. It's rated about 1750 kgs. The SG car is rated to tow about 1250 kgs! And that is the rating of the SG towbar.

I would guess the rating of that hitch at absolutely no more than 750 kgs.
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Actually, my SG is officially rated to tow 1500 kgs. with braked trailer. So I'd imagine it should definitely hold at least that 😅
Are we talking about the same thing here? Maybe something is getting lost in translation for me?
 

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These things vary from country to country.

The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are notoriously strict, and the USA equivalent/s are notoriously lax in most things.

I cannot stress enough that everyone should check and abide by their local rules!
The argument that you are abiding by the laws of another country is unlikely to carry much weight with even the most obliging policeman ...

BTW, :welcome: to the forum.
 
Ratbag said:
That hitch would have nothing like 2,000 kgs rating.

My tow bar is off a Liberty/Legacy. It's rated about 1750 kgs. The SG car is rated to tow about 1250 kgs! And that is the rating of the SG towbar.

I would guess the rating of that hitch at absolutely no more than 750 kgs.
Click to expand...
A Manual XT towbar in Australia is rated up to 1800kg (Hayman Reese Heavy Duty 50mm) with trailer brakes, NA SG is about 1300 (That's what my Rear Bar on my XT is rated to as well)
 
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