Anyone tow with Subaru Outback 3.6?

RCMAN46 wrote:
I tow a 12 ft 2200 lb utility trailer with my 2012 3.6R outback.

I did add a transmission cooler to the 5EAT transmission and monitor the engine and transmission temperatures with a Scan Gauge.

The 3.6R has more power than the cooling system can handle. More power than needed to climb hills at 65 or posted speed limits.

I watch temperatures and back off when transmission gets beyond 250.

I have towed over 12,000 miles with no problem other than having to watch temperature. I have keep accurate hand calculated mpg's and when towing I have an overall average of 20 mpg.

I do have trailer brakes on the utility trailer. I do not recommend towing any trailer with a car without trailer brakes.

I have no knowledge about the new CVT transmissions. I got the 3.6R in 2012 mainly for the 5EAT and very happy with the Outback.

I have also used the Outback off road in SE Arizona and found it a very capable off road vehicle. It will go with the jeeps except when more than 8 inches of ground clearance is needed.

To begin with I like the Subaru Outback with the 3.6L flat six engine.

Considered this make/model/engine a short time ago when we were in the market for a new vehicle. Didn't get it.

I think your assessment, based on real world ownership is excellent.

However, I wonder if you could expand on this statement:

"The 3.6R has more power than the cooling system can handle."

I can see this happening as there is a lot of machinery underhood and adequate....or in the case of towing...more than adequate cooling is a very real concern.