Forum Discussion

Stumps's avatar
Stumps
Explorer
Apr 21, 2017

Subaru Outback experiences

I am looking for folks who tow their lightweight camper with a Subaru Outback to share their experiences - what has gone well, what did you learn - did you wire your own 7-pin plug, install aux. tranny cooler, etc.

This question is for those with experience towing with Outbacks to chime in.

Please... please...

I realize that the American mentality for towing is that you have to have an SUV or a truck. but realize what I am asking:
I am not asking if you think towing with an Outback is a good idea. Esp. if you have a Ram 3500 in your signature line.
I'm not asking you to tell me what I cannot tow with an Outback, I have read the tow limits.

2700 pounds tow capacity
200 pound hitch carrying weight limit.

Subaru Outbacks are widely used as tow vehicles in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, where most campers tow with cars, not trucks. It can be done, I'm very curious to hear from folks who have or are using them.

Thanks!
Tow Vehicles
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2017
    I would worry about the cv transmission- nothing specific about the Outback, just the type of tranny.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2017
    dodge guy wrote:
    I know the Outbacks are very underpowered just pulling themselves around!I wouldn't even want to tow a normal size PuP with one.

    Not all of them. We have the Subaru with a 3.6, six cylinder motor. It may not be a great choice for a tow vehicle, but it can certainly pull itself around. Honestly, it gets up and goes when you goose it.
    It's my wife's daily driver and our non-camping trip vehicle. very capable with that motor option.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2017
    What years are we talking? I know the Outbacks are very underpowered just pulling themselves around!I wouldn't even want to tow a normal size PuP with one. maybe a small one but that's it. No you don't need a big truck, but you want something comfortable and with enough power to tow with especially when you hit some hills! this is coming from someone who used to tow a 5k lb TT with a 95 Explorer with a 4.0L. so Im not one of the "big truck" guys. just real world experience!

    You will not be happy towing anything other than the smallest of PuP`s with the Outback. even a newer one would still be overwhelmed.
  • Stumps's avatar
    Stumps
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2017
    1jeep wrote:
    Stumps wrote:
    1jeep wrote:
    you never mention what the trailer weights, I assume you had a popup and are moving to a camper with more frontal surface and drag.


    ..... what did I ask in my OP?


    I don't have a ram 3500

    But since were being smart grab some reality your sub isn't going to enjoy pulling much more than a popup!


    Thanks F350.
  • 1jeep's avatar
    1jeep
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2017
    Stumps wrote:
    1jeep wrote:
    you never mention what the trailer weights, I assume you had a popup and are moving to a camper with more frontal surface and drag.


    ..... what did I ask in my OP?


    I don't have a ram 3500

    But since were being smart grab some reality your sub isn't going to enjoy pulling much more than a popup!
  • DaveF-250SD's avatar
    DaveF-250SD
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2017
    With the very low tow and tongue weight limits, you might find a few small teardrop or lighter weight pop ups that will not overload you. Good luck in your search.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2017
    Friends of ours (family of 4) towed their good sized popup (Coleman Santa Fe I think) all over the West with their Subaru....
  • Stumps's avatar
    Stumps
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2017
    1jeep wrote:
    you never mention what the trailer weights, I assume you had a popup and are moving to a camper with more frontal surface and drag.


    ..... what did I ask in my OP?
  • Stumps's avatar
    Stumps
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2017
    1jeep wrote:
    The fact that your talking about a 7 pin plug indicates your looking at a trailer with electric brakes which will most likely be over your hitch weight.
    .


    why would you assume this? I have found several campers with GVWR and hitch weights within my tow limits. Electric brakes are a good idea at any weight, and most campers come from the factory with them installed.
  • 1jeep's avatar
    1jeep
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2017
    The fact that your talking about a 7 pin plug indicates your looking at a trailer with electric brakes which will most likely be over your hitch weight.

    you never mention what the trailer weights, I assume you had a popup and are moving to a camper with more frontal surface and drag.

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