Currently we own a Rockwood ultralight that is registered at 1200kgs.We also own 3 vehicles.1) 2013 Ford F1502) 2019 Subaru Impreza3) 2019 Honda CRV.My truck has no issue with this. I only feel it when I hit badly rutted roads.Doing some research on the 2 other vehicles we own, I wonder if we could use them instead.2019 Subaru Imprezahttps://www.carsguide.com.au/subaru/impreza/towing-capacity/2019Braked capacity is 1200kgs.2019 Honda CRV.https://www.autotrader.com.au/honda/cr-v/towing-capacity/2019Braked capacity is 1500kgs.I am impressed that the car could do it. The SUV though would be the first thought after my truck. I wonder whether using her SUV would be good enough and be safe to do it without damaging the transmission. I am also thinking of the fuel savings.

Well, you're using Australian guide numbers for Australian models, which might be different than Canada's. Second, if the TT is "registered" at 1200 kg, have you taken it to a scale and actually weighed it (total weight as well as hitch weight)? Third, what are the hitch weight ratings of the vehicles? I suspect the latter for the Impreza is woefully inadequate and the CRV might or might not be okay. Fourth, keep in mind the stability issue (the tail potentially wagging the dog) with short wheelbase vehicles, depending on the TT length. 5th, there's the issue of the tow vehicle's load carrying capacity which might be exceeded, especially if you have several passengers or much gear in the vehicle. 6th, you haven't told us anything about the frontal area of the TT; wind resistance is a killer at highway speed.There may be additional issues besides those.

My thought is since you already own all of this, just try it out on some short trips and see how they do. You should know quickly if this is the vehicle of choice or not and you are close to home.

I would use the vehicle with a real transmission, the pickup truck, versus a vehicle with a CVT transmission, your Honda and Subaru.

I don't know about Canada but registered weight here in the US can vary widely from reality. What is shown on the trailer sticker as far as max weight? Those numbers are what you really need.

I would wonder how it would ever pencil out. Have you taken into account the cost of setting up either the Honda or Subaru to tow? You could easily spend $1000 or more to set up each vehicle if they aren't equipped for towing already. Brake controller installation on these vehicles isn't plug and play like your F150, so even if you install yourself it won't be cheap or easy. Towing a 2500 lb trailer will also affect the fuel economy and durability of these smaller vehicles to a much great extent than your F150. I'm sure you can do it, but I don't see it saving any money.

Towing with a 2019 Honda CRV/Subaru Impreza | Good Sam Community

swimmer_spe
Explorer
May 23, 2021
blt2ski wrote:
In Europe these "cars" are rated to double the capacity of here in NA! Been a couple if former posters that had no issues towing with subies! They are a bit tougher than one thinks. Some of the 70-90s Volvo wagons made decent tow rigs too!
So to make a long story short. I would tow with either! Also as noted, try to keep to a reasonably rounded or low profile trailer to keep windage down. It's in reality, better to buy a trailer that wieght 400 lbs more with smooth fiberglass walks, than the lighter one with typical coronated aluminum walls. Way less windage, easier towing, better mpg's.

Marty

https://www.google.ca/search?q=1999+rockwood+ultra+lite+24+ft&sxsrf=ALeKk028r-uvIoAnWYGxqkVjl4yiPpElPA:1621740958677&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=eVaTdFgIn84s5M%252CKBSdwSkYI2C-rM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kRXNcKCs-HzUBH2UIxtwJk1yjDJIw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjAoonu797wAhWUbs0KHab_AHwQ9QF6BAgOEAE#imgrc=eVaTdFgIn84s5M

That's identical to my trailer.
ramyankee
Explorer
May 23, 2021
F150...
blt2ski
Moderator
May 23, 2021
In Europe these "cars" are rated to double the capacity of here in NA! Been a couple if former posters that had no issues towing with subies! They are a bit tougher than one thinks. Some of the 70-90s Volvo wagons made decent tow rigs too!
So to make a long story short. I would tow with either! Also as noted, try to keep to a reasonably rounded or low profile trailer to keep windage down. It's in reality, better to buy a trailer that wieght 400 lbs more with smooth fiberglass walks, than the lighter one with typical coronated aluminum walls. Way less windage, easier towing, better mpg's.

Marty
swimmer_spe
Explorer
May 22, 2021
RambleOnNW wrote:
Subaru Ascent would make more sense. 5000 lb./2300 kg. tow rating.

This isn't about what would be better, but would these work.... Wife loves her CRV. I love my Impreza.
swimmer_spe
Explorer
May 22, 2021
noteven wrote:
Non commercial duty vehicles (as in anything “lighter” than a 350/3500 series won ton) perform best at about 50% of the OEM rating. They also don’t like large boxy trailers stuck up in the wind.

- fluffy suspensions
- tall final drive gearing. Makes them lazy and hard on fuel when towing.
- small brakes
- marginal cooling systems

I didn’t say they can’t tow. They aren’t that fun at “max”.

So, it isn't whether it can, but whether you should.
RambleOnNW
Explorer II
May 22, 2021
Subaru Ascent would make more sense. 5000 lb./2300 kg. tow rating.
noteven
Explorer III
May 22, 2021
Non commercial duty vehicles (as in anything “lighter” than a 350/3500 series won ton) perform best at about 50% of the OEM rating. They also don’t like large boxy trailers stuck up in the wind.

- fluffy suspensions
- tall final drive gearing. Makes them lazy and hard on fuel when towing.
- small brakes
- marginal cooling systems

I didn’t say they can’t tow. They aren’t that fun at “max”.
KD4UPL
Explorer
May 22, 2021
I really don't see you saving any fuel over using the F-150. Everybody thinks weight is the driving force for fuel consumption but it's not really. Aerodynamics are what really effect fuel economy. Your trailer will still have the same aerodynamics and I would think you will still want to drive at roughly the same speed. Therefore you really won't save any fuel. Certainly not enough to compromise on handling, ride, comfort, reliability, longevity, etc.
Boomerweps
Explorer
May 22, 2021
I suspect the TT registered weight values to be based on GVWR, true?
I would not remotely consider towing Max towing value on any TV, let alone a lightweight one. Towing max values include the entire TV cargo capacity, normally. Except you (part of the load normally) & a full gas tank (NOT part of the load capacity). The CRV could be set up to haul that TT adequately, as a back up to the truck, but keeping the hard duty towing wear to one vehicle is a good thing. As a non towing vehicle, that CRV could last you 20 years, rust dependent.
rjstractor
Nomad
May 22, 2021
I would wonder how it would ever pencil out. Have you taken into account the cost of setting up either the Honda or Subaru to tow? You could easily spend $1000 or more to set up each vehicle if they aren't equipped for towing already. Brake controller installation on these vehicles isn't plug and play like your F150, so even if you install yourself it won't be cheap or easy. Towing a 2500 lb trailer will also affect the fuel economy and durability of these smaller vehicles to a much great extent than your F150. I'm sure you can do it, but I don't see it saving any money.

Forum Discussion

Towing with a 2019 Honda CRV/Subaru Impreza

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

tow dolly vs. Tow bar

Creative Towing

Towing Speeds

Tow Bars

Towing MPG