What is the maximum tongue weight for a Subaru?
When it comes to towing with your Subaru, understanding the maximum tongue weight is crucial for safety and performance. Tongue weight refers to the downward force exerted by the trailer on the hitch of your vehicle. Exceeding the recommended tongue weight can lead to handling issues, increased wear on your vehicle, and potential safety hazards. In this article, we’ll explore the general guidelines for Subaru vehicles and how to determine the appropriate tongue weight for your specific model.
What is Tongue Weight?
Tongue weight is a critical factor in towing. It typically ranges between 10% and 15% of the total trailer weight. For example, if your trailer weighs 2,000 pounds, the tongue weight should ideally be between 200 and 300 pounds. This ensures proper balance and stability while towing.
Subaru's Maximum Tongue Weight Guidelines
Subaru vehicles are known for their versatility and towing capabilities, but the maximum tongue weight varies depending on the model and year. Here are some general guidelines:
- Subaru Outback: The maximum tongue weight is typically around 200 to 300 pounds, depending on the trim and towing package.
- Subaru Forester: The tongue weight limit is usually around 150 to 200 pounds.
- Subaru Ascent: As Subaru's largest SUV, the Ascent can handle a tongue weight of up to 500 pounds when properly equipped.
It’s important to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the exact specifications, as these numbers can vary based on the model year and additional towing equipment.
How to Measure Tongue Weight
To ensure you’re within the recommended limits, follow these steps to measure your trailer’s tongue weight:
- Use a tongue weight scale, which is specifically designed to measure the downward force of the trailer on the hitch.
- If you don’t have a scale, you can use a bathroom scale and a sturdy piece of wood to create a makeshift setup. Place the scale under the trailer tongue and record the weight.
- Ensure the trailer is level during the measurement for accurate results.
Why Staying Within Limits Matters
Exceeding the maximum tongue weight can lead to several issues, including:
- Reduced steering control and braking efficiency.
- Increased wear and tear on your vehicle’s suspension and drivetrain.
- Potential damage to the hitch and towing components.
By adhering to the recommended tongue weight, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable towing experience.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and adhering to the maximum tongue weight for your Subaru is essential for safe towing. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidelines and consider investing in a tongue weight scale for accurate measurements. If you have any questions or need assistance with towing setup, feel free to contact us at Kevin’s Autos. We’re here to help you keep your vehicle in top shape and ready for any adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max tongue weight for a Subaru Outback?
Here's what you'll want to look for while you configure your new Outback: Trailer Hitch: 270-pound tongue weight and 2,700-pound towing capacity for the 2.5L engine, 350-pound tongue weight and 3,500-pound towing capacity for the 2.4L turbocharged engine.
What is the weight limit for the Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds, an excellent number for a wagon. Many wagons and compact crossovers of a similar size from other automakers can tow around 1,500 pounds. However, it's important to remember that the Outback has two engine options, each with a different towing capacity.
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.
How much tongue weight can a Subaru Outback handle?
Here's what you'll want to look for while you configure your new Outback: Trailer Hitch: 270-pound tongue weight and 2,700-pound towing capacity for the 2.5L engine, 350-pound tongue weight and 3,500-pound towing capacity for the 2.4L turbocharged engine.
Can a Subaru tow 4000 lbs?
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 happens if you exceed hitch tongue weight?
If the trailer has too much tongue weight, it can overload the tow vehicle. This can cause a loss of steering and braking control for the tow vehicle. It also puts too much stress and weight on the tow vehicle's rear axle, leading to the axle or suspension failure if not addressed.
How to increase towing capacity?
How to Maximize Towing Capacity
- Upgrading the Hitch. The same vehicle can tow more with a Class III hitch than with a Class II hitch.
- Installing a Weight-Distribution Hitch.
- Upgrading the Brakes.
- Replacing the Axles.
- Adding a Bigger Radiator.
What is the max tongue weight for a Subaru Forester?
176 pounds
Subaru Forester Specs
To haul all that cargo, it runs on a 2.5L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine that gets up to 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Forester's tow hitch also features a strong tongue weight of 176 pounds.
What is the acceptable tongue weight?
roughly 10 to 15 percent
What Is Proper Tongue Weight? For conventional trailers with ball-mounted hitches, proper tongue weight is roughly 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight.
What is the max tongue weight for a Subaru Crosstrek?
Extra Crosstrek Towing Tips
The 2021 Crosstrek maximum tongue weight of 150 lbs with tongue weight between 8 to 11 percent of total trailer weight.
