Can you tow a camper with a Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent is a popular midsize SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and all-wheel-drive capability. But if you're considering towing a camper with this vehicle, it's essential to understand its towing capacity, features, and limitations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Understanding the Subaru Ascent's Towing Capacity
The Subaru Ascent is designed with towing in mind, making it a great option for families and adventurers alike. When properly equipped, the Ascent has a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. This capacity is available on models equipped with the factory-installed trailer hitch and transmission cooler, which are part of the optional towing package.
For lighter towing needs, such as small utility trailers or lightweight campers, the base model of the Ascent can tow up to 2,000 pounds. However, if you're planning to tow a larger camper, you'll need to ensure your vehicle is equipped with the towing package to handle the additional weight safely.
What Types of Campers Can the Subaru Ascent Tow?
With its towing capacity in mind, the Subaru Ascent can handle a variety of campers. Here are some examples:
- Pop-Up Campers: These lightweight campers typically weigh between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds, making them an excellent match for the Ascent.
- Teardrop Trailers: Compact and aerodynamic, teardrop trailers usually weigh between 500 and 2,000 pounds, well within the Ascent's capabilities.
- Small Travel Trailers: Some smaller travel trailers weigh under 5,000 pounds, but it's crucial to check the specific weight of the trailer and ensure it doesn't exceed the Ascent's towing capacity.
Key Features That Make the Subaru Ascent a Great Towing Vehicle
The Subaru Ascent is equipped with several features that enhance its towing performance and safety:
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: This system provides excellent traction and stability, especially when towing on uneven or slippery surfaces.
- Turbocharged Engine: The Ascent's 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing the power needed for towing.
- Trailer Stability Assist: This feature helps maintain control by reducing trailer sway during towing.
- Rearview Camera with Guidelines: Makes hitching a trailer easier and safer.
Tips for Towing a Camper with Your Subaru Ascent
To ensure a safe and smooth towing experience, follow these tips:
- Check the Weight: Always verify the weight of your camper, including any cargo, to ensure it falls within the Ascent's towing capacity.
- Use the Right Equipment: Make sure your Ascent is equipped with the factory-installed towing package, including the trailer hitch and transmission cooler.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Properly balance the load in your camper to avoid putting too much strain on the hitch or causing instability.
- Drive Cautiously: Allow for longer stopping distances, take turns slowly, and avoid sudden maneuvers while towing.
- Perform Regular Maintenance: Ensure your Ascent is in top condition, including brakes, tires, and engine, before embarking on a towing trip.
Conclusion
The Subaru Ascent is a capable and reliable vehicle for towing a camper, provided you stay within its towing capacity and use the proper equipment. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, the Ascent's combination of power, safety features, and all-wheel-drive capability makes it a solid choice for towing. Always prioritize safety and preparation to make the most of your towing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Subaru to tow behind an RV?
The Subaru Ascent is the largest Subaru SUV, and it also has the highest maximum towing capacity – up to 5,000 pounds in all trim levels but the Base trim1 – along with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending upon the trim level.
What is the trailer hitch rating on the Subaru Ascent?
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.
How big of a camper can a Subaru Ascent tow?
5,000-pound
The new Subaru Ascent can easily tow smaller campers with its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. While you won't find this SUV hauling fifth-wheel models, the new Ascent can still handle campers large enough to sleep the whole family.
What years did Subaru have CVT transmission problems?
Subaru owners have complained about problems with the Lineartronic CVT transmissions and Subaru extended the warranty for cars from model years 2010 to 2018. Usage: 2010–current Subaru Legacy / Outback / Exiga / Impreza / Levorg / Forester / XV and 2015 Subaru WRX Premium and Limited Editions.
Can I add a hitch to my Subaru Ascent?
The price range of a hitch for a Subaru Ascent ranges from $180 to $185. U-Haul carries several different classes of hitches and offers different sizes to accommodate both 1¼ to 2-inch receivers.
Is the Subaru Ascent good for camping?
I have two children, and a wife. We camp a lot on the ascent and it's been great. We had a boxer (70lbs) and he easily fit in the back. There are a ton of car divider options online. I personally like Orvis or Duluth, they're pricey but last forever.
What is the lifespan of a Subaru Ascent?
between 200,000 to 250,000 miles
How Many Miles can a Subaru Ascent Last? The Subaru Ascent is a durable vehicle that is predicted to last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. With a yearly average of 15,000 miles, that adds up to around a 13-17 year lifespan.
Can you tow a Subaru Ascent behind an RV?
Subaru vehicles with manual transmission can be towed with all four wheels on the ground and the transmission in neutral. Subaru vehicles with automatic transmission can only be towed with all four wheels OFF the ground.
Does the Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?
Even so, one of the most common problems reported by Ascent owners is related to its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In this article, we'll take a closer look at what causes these issues and what you can do to deal with them.
Can the Subaru Ascent really tow 5000 lbs?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is engineered to meet the demands of both daily commutes and adventurous excursions. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, it stands as the most capable Subaru vehicle to date, allowing you to confidently haul trailers, boats, or recreational equipment.
