The Subaru Outback is a rugged SUV with several impressive features. It’s a unique blend of the station wagon and SUV.
Since its inception in 1994, the Outback has been a popular choice for outdoor adventurers. It is reliable, rugged, and boasts impressive ground clearance. It also boasts an impressive fuel economy compared to some SUVs.
All these features of the Subaru Outback set it apart. But then, what’s the Outback’s towing capacity? You may want to figure this one out before splashing the cash.
Now, let’s address the common question below.
Can a Subaru Outback tow a camper?
Subaru Outback can tow RVs conveniently. But keep in mind that campers come in different sizes and weights.
So, the Subaru Outback can tow small-size campers, not full-size ones. Its towing capacity is 3500 lbs, which places it far ahead of the Escape and Edge.
The Subaru Escape and Edge both have a towing capacity of 2000 lbs.
Keep reading for more on this topic.
What Campers Can Subaru Outback Tow Conveniently?
Knowing your vehicle’s towing capacity is important. It will help you avoid towing a trailer that’s heavier and damaging your vehicle in the process.
For instance, you cannot use a vehicle whose towing capacity is 3500 lbs to pull a camper or an item weighing 5000 lbs. It will be a big disaster for the vehicle.
As earlier mentioned, Subaru Outback’s towing capacity is 3500 lbs. Thus, it can tow pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and travel trailers (small to medium sizes).
Now, let’s discuss the different types of campers the Outback can conveniently tow.
The Pop-up camper:
The pop-up camper weighs between 700 to 3800 lbs. So It is light in the weight department but has enough space inside.
The pop-up camper has space for a water tank, two sleeping bunks, a storage cabinet, a basic kitchen, a fold-down dinette, heating and air conditioning, and electricity.
In short, this camper has space for items that will fit into full-sized RVs. In addition, it is lightweight because of its shell, made of solid fabric material.
The Subaru Outback can tow the pop-up campers conveniently.
A Handy Tip: Fabric used to make pop-up campers aren’t waterproof. Thus, the camper may become wet consequently. A damaged or torn fabric would also be a disaster under heavy rain.
So these are the reasons most people don’t fancy pop-up campers, despite their size and lightweight.
However, if you have an Outback and are planning to splash the cash on a pop-up camper, you can consider the options below.
Types of Pop-up campers your Subaru Outback can tow.
- Aliner Classic
- Palomino Base Camp
- Coleman Americana LE
- Forest River Rockwood
Teardrop trailers:
These trailers are compact and boast an average weight of 1500 lbs. They have sleeping space for at least two adults, a tiny cooking gallery, and space where you can store basic items like clothes, etc.
You’ll find teardrop trailers weighing between 2000 to 3200 lbs. But the exciting thing about them is that they may contain a wide range of amenities.
So, can a Subaru Outback tow a teardrop trailer conveniently? Yes, it can. But there are things you must take into consideration when setting up your trailer.
A teardrop trailer’s weight would increase after you finish arranging your gears. Therefore, when choosing a trailer, consider the weight of the gears you would like to carry.
Now, here is the thing. If you plan on towing your teardrop trailer with an Outback, ensure the trailer’s original weight doesn’t exceed 2700 lbs.
Why? Keep in mind that you’ll be adding other items in the trailer, and your Outback can only two items weighing 3500 lbs. That’s its maximum towing capacity.
The lower the weight, the easier towing the trailer would be for your Outback.
A Handy Tip: Teardrop trailers are easily to tow. But one disadvantage they have is that one can suffocate inside if there’s no proper ventilation. So leave a window, door, or skylight open during the night to improve ventilation inside your teardrop trailer.
Another downside of the teardrop trailer is that they are quite expensive and boasts limited storage space.
If you plan to get a teardrop trailer since you have an Outback that can tow it, here are some options to consider.
Types Teardrop trailers Subaru Outback can tow
- No Camp TAB
- Little Guy Mini Max
- Braxton Creek Bushwacker
- Liberty Outdoors Camp Rover
- Viking Clipper Express 9.0TD
- Forest River Rockwood GEO Pro G12RK
Small travel trailers:
Most people might be surprised to find out that Subaru Outback can tow small travel trailers conveniently. But don’t forget the Outback is a powerful and rugged SUV, so this shouldn’t be a surprise.
By the way, some small travel trailers weigh 2700 lbs or even less while the Outback’s towing capacity is 3500.
However, you have to consider the total weight of your small travel trailer when buying one. Its total weight shouldn’t exceed the maximum the Outback can handle.
Here is a list of small travel trailers that the Outback can tow.
- Casita
- Scamp 13’
- Flagstaff E-pro
- Aliner Scout
- Jay Hummingbird
- Forest River R-Pod
What Is The Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity?
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek isn’t as powerful as the Outback in the area of towing capacity. Its towing capacity is just 1500 lbs.
So, what can the Subaru Crosstrek tow? You can use a Crosstrek to tow a fiberglass or aluminum boat, lightweight campers, and motorcycle trailers.
What Is The Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity?
Subaru is stepping up the game regarding towing capacity of their vehicles. You’ll discover that the Subaru Ascent, one of the company’s latest models, can tow heavier items.
For the record, the Subaru Ascent is the company’s largest model currently and it has an impressive 5000 lbs towing capacity.
You can use this Subaru vehicle to tow a wide range of fiberglass and aluminum boats, lightweight trailers, horse trailers, lightweight utility trailers, motorcycle trailers,
What Does A Subaru Outback Need To Tow A Trailer?
Before you can start using your Subaru Outback for towing, you must ensure it has the necessary fittings.
You need to ensure the Outback has a hitch and ball, a hitch receiver, and a wiring harness. However, you’ll discover that some Outbacks have trailer wiring and hitch receiver pre-installed on them. You may only have to install the hitch to start towing your trailers.
Conclusion
Can a Subaru Outback tow a camper? Yes, the Outback can tow a camper. However, don’t forget that campers come in diverse sizes and weights.
The Outback’s towing capacity is 3500 lbs, which is quite impressive. You’ll also find small-sized lightweight campers that weigh far less than this.
Subaru has stepped up its effort in producing a more powerful SUV for towing heavier items. An example is the Subaru Ascent, capable of towing items weighing up to 5000 lbs.
The Ascent’s tow capacity is 5000 lbs. So you can use it to tow a wide range of campers conveniently.
