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swimmer_spe's avatar
swimmer_spe
Explorer
May 22, 2021

Towing with a 2019 Honda CRV/Subaru Impreza

Currently we own a Rockwood ultralight that is registered at 1200kgs.

We also own 3 vehicles.
1) 2013 Ford F150
2) 2019 Subaru Impreza
3) 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 Impreza
https://www.carsguide.com.au/subaru/impreza/towing-capacity/2019
Braked capacity is 1200kgs.

2019 Honda CRV.
https://www.autotrader.com.au/honda/cr-v/towing-capacity/2019
Braked 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.

14 Replies

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