How big of a boat can a Subaru Forester tow?
The Subaru Forester’s official towing limit for modern models is 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, which covers many small boats with light trailers.
In practice, the weight of the boat, trailer, gear, fuel, and passengers determines what you can tow. The following guide explains what that limit means, what kinds of boats commonly fit within it, and how to tow safely with a Forester.
Official towing capacity and what it means
The 1,500-pound rating applies to most contemporary Foresters (roughly 2019 model year onward) when the vehicle is equipped with the manufacturer’s recommended hitch and towing setup. Some older or higher-performance trims (such as turbocharged variants from earlier generations) could tow more, but those configurations are not representative of the current lineup. Always verify the exact rating in your owner’s manual or on the compliance label on your vehicle.
What 1,500 pounds covers
The rating accounts for the combined weight of the boat, trailer, gear, fuel, and passengers. It assumes a typical, properly loaded trailer with appropriate weight distribution and equipment. Exceeding the limit can affect handling, braking, and warranty coverage.
To illustrate practical options within the limit, consider these general guidelines. Note: weight figures vary by boat model, trailer type, and equipment, so always verify before towing.
- 12–14 ft aluminum boats with a light trailer are commonly well under 1,500 pounds total
- 14–16 ft fiberglass boats with compact trailers often run around the 1,000–1,400 pound range
- Small inflatable boats on a trailer with a light motor also typically stay under the limit
Bottom line: For most Forester owners, the practical takeaway is to target small boats on lightweight trailers, ensuring the overall weight stays at or below 1,500 pounds.
Practical towing tips for Forester owners
Beyond the numerical limit, several best practices help ensure safe, legal towing and comfortable handling on the road.
- Verify the exact towing capacity for your model year and trim in the owner’s manual or on the vehicle’s compliance label.
- Use the proper hitch and wiring harness as specified for your Forester; check that the hitch class and tongue weight ratings align with the trailer.
- Ensure the trailer has functioning brakes if its weight requires them under local regulations; configure braking appropriately.
- Keep tongue weight around 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight to avoid handling issues.
- Distribute load evenly, secure gear, and inflate tires to the recommended pressures on both vehicle and trailer tires.
- Plan for longer braking distances, gentler acceleration, and slower speeds on hills or in crosswinds; avoid sustained high engine loads.
- Check local towing rules and license requirements, as some states impose restrictions on tow setups or require additional equipment.
Following these guidelines helps ensure you stay within the Forester’s 1,500-pound limit while towing and maintain safe handling on the road.
Considerations for used Foresters or turbo models
Some older Subarus with turbocharged engines (the Forester XT) offered higher towing capacities. If you’re shopping for a used Forester with a turbo or a different generation, verify the exact weight rating for that model year and equipment. Do not assume a higher rating applies across all years or trims.
Summary
For most current Subaru Forester models, the official towing limit is 1,500 pounds. That translates to towing small aluminum or light fiberglass boats with a compact trailer and gear within a total weight limit. Always confirm the exact rating for your vehicle, use the appropriate hitch and braking setup, and follow best-practice towing tips to ensure safe and legal operation on the road.
