Outlander's Camper-Towing Capacity: Can It Handle The Load?

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a popular mid-size SUV with an impressive towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, depending on the model year and engine type. This makes it possible to tow small, lightweight campers such as teardrop, stand-up, or pop-up campers. The 2024 model has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which is still enough to tow a variety of campers and other recreational vehicles. So, if you're planning a camping trip with your Outlander, you can rest assured that it's capable of towing a small camper within its weight limits.

What is the Mitsubishi Outlander's towing capacity?

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a mid-size SUV that has been on the market since 2003 and has gained popularity for its decent towing capacity. The maximum towing capacity of the Mitsubishi Outlander varies across different model years and trim packages.

Towing Capacity by Model Year:

For the 2024 model year, the Mitsubishi Outlander can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is the same towing capacity as the 2023 model. Some older models, such as certain 2018 and 2019 versions, have a higher towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Towing Capacity by Trim Package:

The towing capacity also depends on the trim package of the vehicle. The GT 3.0 S-AWC trim, for example, has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while other configurations are rated for 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.

Factors Affecting Towing Capacity:

The towing capacity of the Mitsubishi Outlander is influenced by factors such as the engine type and the number of cylinders. The 4-cylinder Outlander has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the 6-cylinder model can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Additionally, the weight of the trailer or camper being towed plays a crucial role, as exceeding the maximum towing capacity can lead to early wear and tear and excessive maintenance issues.

Examples of Campers That Can Be Towed:

The Mitsubishi Outlander's towing capacity makes it suitable for towing small to compact, lightweight campers, such as teardrop, stand-up, or pop-up campers. Some specific examples include the Little Guy Trailers MyPod, with a dry weight of 760 pounds, and the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK, with a dry weight of 1,252 pounds.

In summary, the Mitsubishi Outlander has a respectable towing capacity that caters to various camping and towing needs. However, it is important to consult the owner's manual and stay within the recommended towing capacity to ensure safe and efficient towing.

Can the Mitsubishi Outlander tow a teardrop, stand-up, or pop-up camper?

The Mitsubishi Outlander has a towing capacity of between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds, depending on the year and engine type. The 2024 model, for example, can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is enough to tow a small, lightweight camper such as a teardrop, stand-up, or pop-up camper.

Teardrop campers are one of the smallest and lightest types of campers, usually weighing under 2,000 pounds and often under 1,000 pounds. This makes them an excellent choice for the Mitsubishi Outlander. Some teardrop campers that can be towed by the Outlander include the Little Guy Trailers MyPod (dry weight: 760 pounds) and the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK (dry weight: 1,252 pounds).

Stand-up campers, or "standy's", are small, lightweight campers that allow you to stand up inside. They are typically less than 16 feet long and have a dry weight of under 2,000 pounds. Some stand-up campers that can be towed by the Outlander include the Little Guy Trailers Meerkat (dry weight: 920 pounds) and the Happier Camper HC1 (dry weight: 1,100 pounds).

Pop-up campers are also lightweight and are usually under 2,000 pounds. Some pop-up campers that can be towed by the Outlander include the Sylvansport Go Trailer (dry weight: 840 pounds) and the Aliner Scout Lite (dry weight: 1,180 pounds).

It's important to note that while the Mitsubishi Outlander can generally tow these types of campers, not all campers in these categories will be within the Outlander's towing capacity. It is crucial to check the weight of the specific camper you are considering and stay within the recommended towing capacity to avoid early wear and tear and excessive maintenance and repairs.

What factors affect the towing capacity of the Mitsubishi Outlander?

The towing capacity of the Mitsubishi Outlander depends on several factors. Firstly, the year of the model is important. For example, the 2024 model can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, while some 2018 and 2019 models are rated for up to 3,500 pounds. The introduction of the performance-minded GT trim in 2007 increased the maximum towing capacity to 3,500 pounds, which has been maintained in subsequent models.

Secondly, the engine type plays a significant role. The 4-cylinder Outlander has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the 6-cylinder model can tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, Mitsubishi discontinued the 6-cylinder engine in 2022, and all models now have a flat 2,000-pound towing capacity.

Thirdly, the trim level affects towing capacity. The GT 3.0 S-AWC trim allows for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while other trims are typically rated for 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.

It is important to consult the owner's manual or a Mitsubishi dealership to determine the exact towing capacity of a specific Mitsubishi Outlander model and ensure safe towing practices.

What are the benefits of the Mitsubishi Outlander for towing?

The Mitsubishi Outlander has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which is a lot compared to other hybrid SUVs. This makes it possible to pull a compact, lightweight camper such as a teardrop, stand-up, or pop-up camper. The Outlander's impressive towing capacity also means it can tow a boat trailer with a small watercraft, a hauler trailer with an ATV or jet ski, a grand piano, or a snowmobile.

The Outlander's towing capacity depends on the year and engine type. The 4-cylinder Outlander has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the 6-cylinder model can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 2022 model has a flat towing capacity of 2,000 pounds as Mitsubishi discontinued the 6-cylinder engine to improve gas mileage.

The Outlander is also available with an optional class 2 tow package, which includes a ball mount with a 2-inch ball and a protective cover for the 2-inch receiver. If your Outlander doesn't have this package, you can install a tow hitch and wiring harness to enable towing.

It's important to note that towing will impact your fuel economy and vehicle handling. It's recommended to do a test drive with all your towing equipment attached to get a feel for the changes in performance and to identify any issues with your towing connection.

When towing with the Mitsubishi Outlander, it's crucial to stay within the manufacturer's recommended towing capacity to avoid early wear and tear and excessive maintenance and repair costs. A good rule of thumb is the "80 Rule," which states that you shouldn't tow anything weighing more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum tow capacity.

What are the drawbacks of the Mitsubishi Outlander for towing?

The Mitsubishi Outlander has a respectable towing capacity of 1,500 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the year and engine type. However, there are several drawbacks to consider when using this vehicle for towing:

• Engine Noise: The petrol engine can be loud and harsh under full acceleration, especially when towing up to speed. This can be an unwelcome contrast to the quiet of driving with electric power alone.
• Hill Starts: The Outlander struggles with hill starts when towing, even with the electronic parking brake engaged. The vehicle may labour and produce lots of noise from the engine when pulling away on an incline.
• Stability: The Outlander's stability when towing could be improved. It moves around more in crosswinds than some other SUVs, requiring more steering corrections from the driver.
• Braking Distance: When towing, the Outlander's braking distance increases, so drivers need to allow more time to come to a stop.
• Fuel Economy: Towing will impact the fuel economy of the Outlander, as it requires extra fuel to pull the additional weight.
• Handling: Towing will alter the handling of the vehicle, making it more challenging to manoeuvre in tight spaces, corners, and turns.
• Limited Towing Capacity: While the Outlander can tow small, lightweight campers, it is not suitable for towing larger caravans or trailers. The legal towing limit of 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) is relatively low for its size and weight.
• Lack of Standard Tow Package: A tow package does not come standard with the Outlander, so additional costs may be incurred to install a tow hitch and wiring harness.

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