Can a Subaru tow a small camper?
As an experienced auto service provider, I often get asked about the towing capabilities of various vehicles, particularly when it comes to popular models like Subaru. If you're considering taking your Subaru on a camping adventure with a small camper in tow, it's essential to understand the towing capacity and the factors that influence it.
Understanding Subaru's Towing Capacity
Subaru vehicles are known for their all-wheel-drive systems and versatility, making them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. However, not all Subaru models have the same towing capacity. Generally, the towing capacity for most Subaru models ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the specific model and year.
Factors to Consider When Towing
When determining if your Subaru can tow a small camper, consider the following factors:
- Model and Year: Different Subaru models, such as the Outback, Forester, and Ascent, have varying towing capacities. For instance, the Subaru Outback can typically tow up to 2,700 pounds, while the Ascent can handle up to 5,000 pounds.
- Camper Weight: Ensure that the weight of the camper, including any gear and supplies, does not exceed your Subaru's towing capacity. Small campers usually weigh between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds.
- Towing Equipment: Proper towing equipment, such as a hitch and wiring harness, is crucial for safe towing. Make sure your Subaru is equipped with the right accessories.
- Load Distribution: Properly distribute the weight in the camper to maintain stability while towing. This helps prevent swaying and improves handling.
Tips for Towing with Your Subaru
To ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Check Your Owner's Manual: Always refer to your Subaru's owner's manual for specific towing guidelines and capacity limits.
- Practice Towing: If you're new to towing, practice with your camper in a safe area before hitting the road.
- Monitor Your Vehicle: Pay attention to your Subaru's performance while towing. If you notice any unusual sounds or handling issues, stop and assess the situation.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, a Subaru can tow a small camper, provided that you choose the right model and ensure that the camper's weight is within the vehicle's towing capacity. With the right preparation and equipment, you can enjoy a fantastic camping experience with your Subaru!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a small camper weigh?
Camper Weight Chart
| Camper Type | Average Empty Weight (lbs.) | Empty Weight Range (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Travel Trailer | 2,800 | 1,200 to 3,900 |
| Large Travel Trailer | 6,700 | 4,500 to 8,700 |
| Toy Hauler | 7,600 | 3,600 to 11,400 |
| 5th Wheel Camper | 12,700 | 5,000 to 16,000 |
Do all Subarus have a tow hitch?
The answer's that while the new Subaru Outback does not come standard with a trailer hitch, the option to add and install one is always present and the following accessories are also available for purchase from Subaru: 2-Inch Thule Hitch Adapter. Hitch Mounted Thule 4 Bike Carrier. Thule Hitch Platform 2 Bike Carrier.
Can a Subaru pull a small camper?
When the Subaru Forester Wilderness was added to the lineup in 2022, the maximum towing capacity increased to 3,000 pounds. Kathleen Mongeon chose a 2022 Forester Wilderness to haul her Bushwhacker camper (1,500 to 1,940 pounds), both purchased new.
How much does a 5x8 trailer weigh?
A 5x8 aluminum cargo trailer is a compact, lightweight choice, weighing in at an average trailer weight of 200–500 pounds.
What Subaru can tow a trailer?
2023 Ascent SUV
The new Subaru SUV with the best hauling power, the 2023 Ascent SUV, can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Can a Subaru Outback really tow 2700 lbs?
The average tow capacity for all years of Subaru Outback ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 pounds. When you choose a newer model, the standard towing capacity is 2,700 pounds.
Which Subarus can tow 5000 lbs?
2021 Subaru Ascent SUV
The 2021 Subaru Ascent SUV has a max towing capacity of 5000 lbs on selected trim levels when equipped with the available Class III trailer hitch.
Can you pull a small camper with an SUV?
Most light-duty SUVs aren't very capable of towing campers and other recreational vehicles because they're designed on the chassis of a sedan. As a result, their trailing limits max out around 1,200 pounds, which is fine if you're towing a cargo trailer, but not if you're serious about RVing.
What size camper can a Subaru Forester pull?
However, if you get a small, lightweight camper, your Subaru Forester can tow it. Always check the weight of the camper you are trying to tow and ensure it's within the threshold your Subaru Forester can handle, typically no more than 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Can a car pull a teardrop camper?
We design teardrop trailers to provide the greatest amount of comfort in a small amount of space. They weigh only one to two tons, on average. This lightweight layout makes them towable by almost any vehicle with a hitch. Even motorcycles and bicycles, in some cases.
