Subaru’s are a natural choice for people who love adventures. They are known for their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that gives them the ability to travel anywhere.
When it comes to camping adventures, nothing can fit the bandwagon better than the Subaru Outback.
Even more fun, campers, trailers, or even boats can be towed along.
Here is an exclusive breakdown of the maximum towing capacity for Subaru Outlook and the types of campers it can tow.
Can Subaru Outback Tow RV?
For new compact SUV seekers searching for a new vehicle to match their quest for adventure, the new Subaru Outback will fulfill all your daily commuting needs and weekend tours.
The outlook is ideal for the married couple or small active family who loves exploring new highways and roads.
But, can it be able to tow a camper?
Subaru Outback cannot haul a large-sized RV but it still has a significant power to pull lightweight trailers and other small travel trailers. With a maximum towing capacity of 3500 lbs an Outback can tow a decorously sized camper without struggle.
Outback can also haul most lightweight fiberglass or aluminum boats, lightweight utility trailers, motorcycle trailers, compact/lightweight campers, and some lightweight horse trailers.
Even if you require to take on rough weather and rugged terrain, your Subaru ensures you get a smooth adventure.
The Subaru Outback is a new unique model with a bold stature. Its aerodynamic and sleek body is useful in the highways and the standard 175 horsepower engine and the available option for the 256-horsepower six-cylinder engine.
The standard symmetrical all-wheel drive gives the vehicle extra grip on various road conditions and off-road terrains.
Other features of the Subaru Outback that allow you to tow with confidence are the X-mode feature and 8.7 inches of ground clearance and that offers maximum traction when the roads are wet. The Hill Descent Control enhances stability.
If you are searching for a versatile and reliable SUV to take your touring adventure to the next level, the Subaru Outback is designed just for your outdoor tours.
With a relatively spacious cargo space of about 74 cubic feet, you have a large area for your luggage. The vehicle also comes with an integrated roof rack to attach rooftop or carrier accessories that support kayaks, bikes, or other camping gears.
Generally, if you are looking forward to take a family camper to your favorite camping site, the Subaru Outback has a significant towing capacity and high pull power to tow a small to medium size camper with partial gear packed into it.
The vehicle will also be efficient in hauling dirt bikes or dual ATVs to and from the track. As long as you keep the camper’s overall weight in check, there is no reason you cannot enjoy the great outdoors with your Subaru Outback.
What Type Of Campers Can Outback Tow?
Subaru built the Outback as a rugged backcountry vehicle. Regardless of your camping adventure, you can pull some additional weight at the back of your Subaru Outback.
Subaru outback has maximum towing capacity of 3500 lbs which is good enough to pull teardrop trailers, pop-up campers and small to medium sized travel trailers.
With a hauling capacity of 3500 pounds, the Outback cannot tow a full-sized RV, but it can still pull many small RVs.
Subaru outback can tow airstream travel trailer models that weigh under 3000 lbs like Bambi and Basecamp.
Some of the types of campers an outback can tow include;
Teardrop Trailers
These are compact trailers that generally have space for;
- Sleeping space for two adults
- A small cooking galley
- Storage for clothes and other essentials
The average teardrop trailer has a dimension of about 4-6 by 8-10 fee. These trailers weigh between 500 to 3200 pounds.
Typically, teardrop trailers have an average weight of 1500 pounds. The teardrop trailers with a weight of 2000 to 3200 pounds come with a range of amenities, including a double-deck and a full alley.
You should, however, keep in mind that your teardrop trailer will have more weight after loading it with all your stuff you want to take to your adventure.
If the total weight of a loaded-up teardrop trailer weighs more than 2700 pounds, you should not use a Subaru Outback to haul it. To be on the safe side, get a teardrop trailer that is less than 2000 pounds. This will allow you to add your gear and still tow safely.
Pop-Up Campers
A pop-up camper is a small camper that consists of a solid shell bottom and a pop-up top made of canvas, vinyl, or another strong fabric. These campers are usually roomy and large.
Their weight ranges between 700 to 3800 pounds. A typical pop-up camper has storage cabinets, two sleeping bunks, a fold-down dinette, a basic kitchen, a water heater, a water tank, air and heating conditioning, gas, and electricity. Essentially, a pop-up camper provides most of the amenities a typical RV offers.
However, they tend to be lightweight because most of the camper shell is made of fabric. If you have a Subaru Outback and you are searching for a camper that provides lots of amenities, a pop-up camper should be your best option.
Small Travel Trailers
Are you surprised that your Subaru Outback can tow a trailer? Yes! Believe it or not, some small travel trailers weigh less than 2700 pounds. You might even find one that comes with bathrooms and kitchens.
Of course, you would require to carry out some research and take the total weight into considerations. Fortunately, the Outback has some cargo room so that you can pack it up with extra stuff.
For towing your trailer, you would need to install a trailer hitch on your outback that would cost around $475 and an additional cost of around $100 for installation.
Key Towing Terms to Consider
Before you tow anything behind your Subaru Outback, it is essential to know and understand some critical towing terms. These include;
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
This is the highest disseminated weight that can be placed on the rear and front axles of your vehicle and is usually specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
This refers to the upper limit loaded weight specified by the manufacturer. This consists of the weight of the vehicle, cargo, and vehicle inside.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
This is the total mass of the camper plus its load. This is measured by placing the burdened camper on an automobile scale.
Tongue weight (TW)
This is the descending force applied on your vehicle’s back by the cargo within the trailer. This may be influenced by the positioning of the load within the trailer and is vital in maintaining control and balance of the car.
The recommended tongue weight is approximately 10-15 percent of the vehicle’s Gross Trailer Weight. Always your cargo and trailer should not exceed the appropriate weight.
How Much Can Subaru Outback Tow?
Knowing your vehicle’s towing capacity is essential before packing up and hitting the road.
While some say a Subaru Outback is an SUV, some refer to it as a station wagon while others insist it’s a crossover.
The debate on what actually an Outback is can go on, but we can all agree on one thing: the SUV/crossover/wagon is more robust than it seems. Thanks to its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Subaru Outback can handle all your off-road adventures.
Whether on an outing to the countryside or up the mountains, it’s possible to tow some extra weight behind your Subaru Outback. But what capacity can you tow behind your trusty Subaru?
The Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds which places it ahead of the Edge and Escape, both of which have a capacity of 2000 pounds. Subaru designed the Outback to conform to its title; a rugged car able to tackle the backcountry adventures like an expert.
This takes in having the ability to tow necessary backcountry things.
Subaru forester has lower towing capacity of 1500 lbs which is significantly less as compared to the outback. They also make cars that have higher towing capacities. Subaru Ascent has a towing capacity of 5000 lbs which is pretty good for pulling larger travel trailers.
The Subaru Outback engine supports a 2.5L-inline 4-cylinder engine. An engine of such capacity can generate 175 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The SUV features a low-mounted engine that the car uses to balance during the travel by distributing power uniformly to the four wheels.
The Subaru also supports a 3.6L engine with a flat-6 cylinder. Both the engine options can enable you to tow extra cargo in a trailer or bring with you some extra recreational vehicles on your next adventure.
Regardless of what engine capacity you select, the Subaru Outback towing capacity is approximately the same.
Remember that while the trailer may be light enough for your Subaru to tow, you must immediately load up additional cargo and add the additional weight to the trailer weight. Too much weight can cause permanent damage to your Subaru, and no one wants that.
You should also accelerate steadily and slowly, never drive more than 55 miles per hour and ensure to load sixty percent of the load weight in the front of the camper to avoid swaying.
Extra Towing Safety Features
Even better, the Subaru Outback comes with added towing safety features. The vehicle was listed as the top safety pick by the IIHS and had an NHTSA 5-star rating. Its additional towing safety features include embedded stability control, anti-lock brakes for passenger safety, and eight airbags.
The vehicle also has an EyeSight suite feature, although it’s optional to choose it. The point is that the inbuilt towing safety features are sufficient in avoiding any obstacle while towing.
Besides the towing capability and punctual performance of the Outback, it also comes with excellent technology. The SUVs Dynamic Control adheres to control and stability.
For drivers searching for peace of mind throughout the camping tour when towing a trailered camper or other recreation, the Outback has special features to help you achieve that.
Other features include; automatic reverse braking, High Assist Beam for night-time trekkers, rear-vision camera, and Blind Spot Detection that boosts your response time and signals a warning in case there is another obstacle or vehicle in your blind spot. The Blind Spot Monitor checks your vehicles’ sides and enables you to know when another car is just out of sight.
Its towing capability also does not affect the interior space and comfort of the vehicle. The Subaru Outlook has been built to be sufficiently spacious for the load and the passengers too.
The folding and unfolding of the seats and the leg and headroom are convenient so that you won’t feel any riding discomfort because you have towed extra luggage behind the vehicle.
Best Campers That Subaru Outback Can Tow
As stated earlier, the Outback can haul small travel trailers that are below 2700 pounds.
Some of the best travel trailers you can tow with a Subaru Outback include;
- Casita
- Aliner Scout
- Scamp 13′
- Flagstaff E-pro
- Forest River R-Pod
- Jayco Hummingbird
List of pop-up campers you can tow with your subaru Outback.
- Forest River Rockwood
- Coleman Americana LE
- Aliner Classic
- Coachman Clipper 12.0TD
- Palomino Base Camp
Pop-up campers are also referred to as foldable or tent campers. They have roofs and sides that lift stationary, giving you extra room. By replacing the rigid walls with lightweight tent material, the weight is significantly lower.
List of teardrop campers you can tow with your Outback.
Tear Drop campers are distinctive in that they are lighter, shorter, and easy to haul. If you are tired of tent camping, you should go for teardrop campers.
- Little Guy Mini Max
- Liberty Outdoors Camp Rover
- Viking Clipper Express 9.0TD
- Braxton Creek Bushwacker
- No camp TAB
List of retro-style and vintage campers you can tow with your Outback.
If you are searching for a classic camper to tow with your Subaru Outlook, which is safely under your Subaru’s weight limits, these camper options will fit the bill. Some of the best vintage and retro-style campers for your Outback include;
- Keystone Vintage
- Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser
- Casita Liberty
- Happier camper
In Summary
If you love adventure, selecting a Subaru Outback for hauling purposes would be a perfect decision. Due the remarkable Subaru Outback towing capacity, you will not have to leave behind your amazing toy as it has a towing capability, so be sure to enjoy your trip to the fullest. But always ensure to assess the exact hauling capabilities and load limits before trying any camper to avoid damage to your Subaru Outlook.
