What size camper can a Subaru Forester tow?
The Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, which generally limits you to lightweight campers such as teardrops or small pop-up trailers.
In practice, towing capacity depends on factors like payload, hitch rating, and the trailer’s weight. Understanding gross trailer weight, tongue weight, and how they interact with the Forester’s limits helps you pick a camper that won’t overload the vehicle.
How the towing numbers work
To plan your tow, it’s important to distinguish between trailer weight and the car’s payload. The Forester’s official maximum is 1,500 pounds of gross trailer weight (GTW). Tongue weight — the downward force the trailer applies to the hitch — is typically about 10–15% of GTW. Your vehicle’s payload includes passengers, cargo, and the hitch itself, and must remain within the Forester’s rated capacity. Always verify exact numbers in the owner's manual for your model year and trim.
Practical camper options that fit under the limit
These camper types are commonly found in the lightweight end of the market and can often stay within the Forester’s 1,500-pound limit when loaded modestly. Weights vary by model and options, so check the specific trailer’s GTW before purchasing.
- Teardrop trailers: typically around 1,000–1,200 pounds GTW, making them a frequent match for lightweight towing.
- Small popup campers: commonly about 1,000–1,400 pounds GTW, depending on canvas, appliances, and options.
- Micro campers on light trailers: often in the 800–1,200 pounds GTW range, emphasizing compact builds and minimal amenities.
Choosing the right trailer involves confirming the trailer’s GTW and ensuring your loaded setup stays well below the 1,500-pound ceiling. Weighing the trailer as shipped and after loading gear is a prudent step.
Important considerations for safe towing
Beyond the sticker on the trailer, several practical considerations influence what you can safely tow with a Forester. These factors affect real-world performance and safety on the road.
- Payload capacity: Ensure the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and towing equipment does not exceed the Forester’s payload rating.
- Tongue weight: Aim for roughly 10–15% of GTW; too little or too much tongue weight can affect stability and steering.
- Hitch and wiring: Use an appropriately rated hitch (and wiring harness) for a 1,500-lb GTW load, with correct ball size and safety chains.
- Braking and trailer brakes: Lightweight trailers without brakes are common; if your trailer has brakes, it will affect stopping distances and control.
- Vehicle dynamics: Towing reduces acceleration, cornering, and braking performance; plan for longer stopping distances and gentler handling.
With careful selection of a lightweight trailer and proper setup, many Forester owners successfully tow campers that stay within the 1,500-pound limit.
Summary
Bottom line: a Subaru Forester can tow up to approximately 1,500 pounds of gross trailer weight when properly equipped, which favors compact campers such as teardrops, small pop-up trailers, and micro campers. Always verify current specifications in the owner's manual and with the trailer manufacturer, and perform accurate weight calculations before towing.
Is Subaru Forester good for towing trailers?
Subaru rates the Forester Wilderness up to 3,000 pounds and pairs it with Trailer Stability Assist from the factory. This rating carries through from its 2022 debut into the 2025 model year. For small boats or a teardrop camper that creeps past 1,500 pounds loaded, Wilderness is the correct choice.
Can a Subaru Forester tow 5000 lbs?
2024-2025 models: The 2024 and 2025 Forester keep the features of the 2023 model, maintaining the 3,000-pound towing capacity for the Wilderness trim and the 1,500-pound towing capacity for the other trims.
How big of a camper can a Subaru Forester pull?
1,500 pounds
The Subaru Forester can tow anything up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
What is the 80 20 rule for towing?
The "80/20 rule" for towing is a guideline suggesting you should not tow a trailer with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that exceeds 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a 20% buffer for safety, comfort, and to account for variables like extra gear, passengers, and road conditions. The primary benefits are improved safety, reduced wear and tear on the vehicle, and better control.
Why the 80/20 rule is recommended
This video explains the 80/20 towing rule and why it's important: 54sThe Northwoods RV LifeYouTube · Jan 23, 2022
- Improves safety: It helps maintain better control, especially during emergencies, on steep inclines, or in windy conditions.
- Reduces vehicle strain: Operating below the maximum limit reduces stress on your engine, brakes, and transmission, which can prolong their lifespan.
- Accounts for real-world variables: The rule provides a buffer for factors not always accounted for in the manufacturer's ratings, such as cargo, passengers, and variations in road conditions.
- Prevents overloading: It's a simple way to avoid exceeding your vehicle's limits, which can be illegal and dangerous, and could lead to breakdowns or frame damage.
How to apply the rule
- Find your vehicle's max towing capacity: Check your owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb for the maximum weight your vehicle is rated to tow.
- Calculate 80%: Multiply your vehicle's max towing capacity by 0.800.800.80 to find your recommended maximum trailer weight.
- Example: If your vehicle's max towing capacity is 10,00010 comma 00010,000 lbs, your 80% target is 10,000×0.80=8,00010 comma 000 cross 0.80 equals 8 comma 00010,000×0.80=8,000 lbs.
- Verify trailer weight: Ensure the trailer's GVWR is less than your calculated 80% limit.
