Anyone use a Subaru as a tow vehicle?

[Bheff01]

I have a full size Ram 1500 4x4 and thinking about downsizing some. But not sure if it's a good idea .
Looking for advice from Subaru owners and what they tow.

[Iconfabul8]

Here is a picture of a "Subaru towing" Haha Just Kidding, actually, as I was looking at pics I was surprised by the size of things people are towing with a subaru.

[flboy]

I bet they'd pull a teardrop or something similar meant for smaller vehicles. I assume you are talking about an Outback or something similar? What does the manual say about GVWR and tow capacity, hitch weight, etc..? I read somewhere they are good for about 2,700 lbs.. but I am sure that is max and I would not want to tow more than 60-70% of max just to give margin, safety, wear and tear on vehicle... etc..

[John61CT]

Done all the time but only sane with bitty ones.

A foamie teardrop or little tent popup, would want under 200# on the ball, max 2K# loaded, not much in the car either.

And if going up and down big hills, not too many trips per year and yes to trailer brakes please.

[KTM_Guy]

I went to a local teardrop campout (My wife and I went to get ideas for our build, we didn't camp) and I saw four Subaru's pulling tears. I talked to a few about it since my daughter is looking to buy an Outback. All said no problems pulling the tear, I think all were Outbacks. One guy had a 6 wide and wound tow it up in the mountains on forest service roads. I was somewhat impressed with where he has been with it. Now we are only up to 7,800'. If you are in Colorado at 12,000' might be a different story.

Todd

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I tow our teardrop with a Crosstrek. Its limited to 1500lbs though. I used to have an Outback 3.0R, which was rated to 3000lbs. Im not sure any of the newer years are rated that high, but Subaru is launching the new Ascent, with 5000lbs towing. Should be hitting lots in July.

[Shadow Catcher]

Yes and not a bitty one. Lesson learned on tear #1, Compass Rose does have brakes and is the 3.6L H6

[John61CT]

I stand by:

would want under 200# on the ball, max 2K# loaded, not much in the car either.

And if going up and down big hills, not too many trips per year and yes to trailer brakes please.

Your vehicle may be rated for 2500+ pounds, and have the engine for it.

But rear suspension axle ratings and most importantly the transmission will be limiting factors.

Sure you can do it, but if the TV wears out in 1/3rd the time you'd be better off getting a vehicle designed for the purpose.

Lighter weights, flatter landscapes, and just doing it less frequently are what allows a smaller vehicle to be suitable.

Full timing in the Rockies, not so much.

[QueticoBill]

Then there is the US tort law factor and marketing strategies. In Australia the Outback 3.6 is rated around 1600 pounds without brakes and near 4000 with. The Kia Soul - not recommended in US, 1200 w/o brakes or 2400 with in Australia. Crosstrek - US or without breaks in Australia 1500 but in Australia, 3000 with brakes.

I think towing is likely to shorten the life of any vehicle. Seems evident that brakes probably increase safety and reduce wear on the tow vehicle. I would never worry about towing to the limit of the US ratings.

I've been comtempatong a 2019 RAV4 but it looks like you need a spread sheet to figure those out. With the right model up to 3500 pounds.

I do wonder a little why US ratings don't distinguish for brakes.

[John61CT]

I believe because of greater delegation to individual States wrt regulation enforcement.

In the US nearly all such factors are only "enforced" by the fact your insurance doesn't need to pay out for accidents where you're inviolation of the law.

Australia may have more lenient numbers, but the police actually enforce them

[QueticoBill]

So if i buy a Kia Soul, which is "not recommended for towing", and buy a hitch fto E-trailer, tow 2500 pounds, I'm fine unless there is an accident and then not only doesnt insurance pay but I also get a ticket? But in Australia I get out on the highway, get pulled over, weighed, and get a ticket ?

[hankaye]

QueticoBill, Howdy;

So if i buy a Kia Soul, which is "not recommended for towing", and buy a hitch fto E-trailer, tow 2500 pounds, I'm fine unless there is an accident and then not only doesnt insurance pay but I also get a ticket? But in Australia I get out on the highway, get pulled over, weighed, and get a ticket ?

Well, not only that but you'll most likely be charged as the Party that is "At Fault" as you weren't being
compliant of the weight laws so you and your insurance will divorce (them gleefully), and you get stuck
with the entire fix-it and Hosp. for everyone.Bills, You truly are a generous person and you were worried
about what to do with the big lotto winnings ...

hank

[pchast]

My response disappears yet again. Why?

I tow with a 2012 Outback a light <600lb foamy without trouble.
75000 miles total 12000 was towing. I have an appointment to
change the CVT trans fluid as a precaution.

There was a link to a Subaru discussion board on various towing problems.

[Tigris99]

I don't think anyone realizes that different countries can get different specs for their models. Like a manual transmission in a car can tow more than an automatic.

Cvt transmissions are the worst possible options for towing in existence.

Towing on an automatic transmission pushing near or over the tow rating requires an aftermarket transcooler to prolong transmission life.

Another reason for towing capacity in the US is dumb ass drivers. Liability issues. Have to protect people from their own and others stupidity.

Also towing over capacity without proper trailer brakes is just stupid.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[dancam]

I would never worry about towing to the limit of the US ratings.

A big +1 to that statement. As far as cars go most can safely tow double or triple what they are rated for in the USA with just a mediocre driver. Not all, some will overheat and some have useless rear suspension that cant even handle 2 passengers in the back, but most are good.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk