
If you're looking to tow a camper, the Subaru Forester could be a good option. The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV crossover with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower. While it can't pull gigantic RVs, it can tow campers with a weight of up to 1,500 lbs, and in some cases, up to 3,000 lbs. This makes the Subaru Forester a good option for towing small campers, pop-up campers, teardrop campers, and lightweight stand-up campers. However, it's important to note that the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester depends on the production year and trim level, so make sure to check the specific towing capacity of your model before attempting to tow a camper.
What You'll Learn
The Subaru Forester's towing capacity
The Subaru Forester is a popular SUV known for its durability, four-wheel drive, and fuel efficiency. It has a comfortable interior that can seat five passengers and has ample cargo space. The Subaru Forester also makes for a good tow vehicle, with a towing capacity of up to 3,000 pounds, depending on the model year and trim level.
Towing Capacity by Model Year
The towing capacity of the Subaru Forester has varied over the years, with some models capable of towing more than others. Here is a breakdown of the towing capacity by model year:
- 2025 Subaru Forester: 1,500 pounds
- 2024 Subaru Forester: 1,500 to 3,000 pounds (depending on trim level)
- 2023 Subaru Forester: 1,500 to 3,000 pounds
- 2022 Subaru Forester: 1,500 to 3,000 pounds (with an oil cooler)
- 2021 Subaru Forester: 1,500 pounds
- 2020 Subaru Forester: 1,500 pounds
- 2019 Subaru Forester: 1,500 pounds (low limit)
- 2018 Subaru Forester: 1,500 pounds
- 2016 Subaru Forester: 1,500 pounds
- 2014-2021 Subaru Forester: 1,500 pounds (base capacity)
Trim Levels and Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the Subaru Forester also varies depending on the trim level. For example, the 2024 Forester has different towing capacities for different trim levels:
- Forester, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels: 1,500-pound towing capacity
- Wilderness trim level: 3,000-pound towing capacity
Factors Affecting Towing Capacity
It is important to note that the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester is not just determined by the model year but also by other factors such as the trim level, as mentioned above, and the production year. Additionally, the trailer hitch and the presence of an auxiliary transmission cooler can impact the towing capacity. The trailer hitch receiver can increase the towing capacity, while a lack of an auxiliary transmission cooler may restrict it.
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Campers that can be pulled by a Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a popular choice for those looking for a reliable vehicle with excellent safety ratings and good fuel efficiency. It is also a great option for those who want to tow a camper. However, it is important to note that the towing capacity of a Subaru Forester depends on the production year and trim level of the vehicle. For example, the 2022 Subaru Forester has a towing capacity of 1,500 to 3,000 lbs, while the base model's capacity has ranged from 1,500 to 2,400 lbs since its release in 1997.
- Little Guy Trailers MyPod - With a dry weight of just 760 lbs, this teardrop camper is a great fit for the Subaru Forester. It offers comfort and convenience features such as interior and exterior LED lighting, a three-speed fan, and an entertainment centre with a TV.
- Sylvansport Go Trailer - Weighing in at 840 lbs, this unique pop-up camper is the lightest on the market. It features a tent pod that sleeps up to four people, a large equipment rack, a storage box, and a gear deck that tilts to accommodate bikes, kayaks, and even a dirt bike.
- InTech Flyer Chase - This rugged and versatile camper has a dry weight of 1,060 lbs. It offers a customizable interior, off-road capabilities, and boondocking-friendly features such as a MaxxAir vent fan, LED dome lights, USB ports, and 120V outlets.
- Happier Camper HC1 - With a starting price of $32,950, the Happier Camper HC1 offers a modular interior that can be customized to your needs. It has a dry weight of 1,100 lbs and can sleep up to four people.
- Little Guy Trailers Meerkat - Produced by the same manufacturer as the MyPod, this hybrid stand-up and pop-up camper has a dry weight of 1,180 lbs. It offers superior insulation, sound-deadening, and a pop-top that provides standing room without increasing the exterior height.
- Aliner Scout Lite - The Aliner Scout Lite is the lightest and most affordable hard-sided pop-up camper, weighing in at 1,180 lbs. Despite its lightweight and low price, it is feature-rich, offering a convertible dinette booth, a fan, a kitchen sink, stabilizer jacks, and electric brakes.
When choosing a camper to tow with your Subaru Forester, it is crucial to consider not only the dry weight of the camper but also the weight of any additional gear, equipment, and consumables you will be packing. It is also important to ensure that the weight distribution is proper and that your trailer has the necessary brake systems to comply with state laws.
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The Subaru Forester's popularity
The Subaru Forester is one of the best-selling vehicles in the US and one of the most popular family cars to own. Its popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its reliability, safety, dependability, and affordability.
The Forester has a reputation for being a safe and dependable vehicle, making it ideal for families who are always on the go. It offers a comfortable ride and has a spacious interior, which is perfect for those who love camping in RVs. The vehicle also has excellent fuel efficiency, with a 2.5L engine that provides good gas mileage.
Another factor contributing to the Forester's popularity is its standard all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance, which are advantageous for those who enjoy off-roading and camping in remote locations. The vehicle's compact size and easy manoeuvrability make it a good choice for navigating tight spaces such as parking lots or campgrounds.
The Subaru Forester also offers a range of trim levels, allowing customers to choose the option that best suits their needs and budget. The base model starts at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value proposition.
In addition, the Forester has a loyal customer base due to Subaru's brand reputation for safety and durability. The company's five-star vehicle safety ratings and long-lasting durability have earned the trust of many drivers.
Overall, the Subaru Forester's combination of practicality, functionality, safety, and affordability has made it a popular choice for individuals and families seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle.
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What towing capacity means
The towing capacity of a vehicle is the maximum amount of weight it can safely pull. This capacity is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and is dependent on the vehicle's configuration, the weight it is already carrying, and how the load is distributed and controlled. It is crucial to note that exceeding the towing capacity of your vehicle can be extremely dangerous and may cause damage to the engine, tires, transmission, or frame.
Towing capacity is calculated using the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle and trailer combination. The GCWR is the sum of the weight of the vehicle, trailer, and their respective cargo loads. To determine the towing capacity, subtract the curb weight (weight of the vehicle with fluids but without passengers or cargo) from the GCWR. It is recommended to stay below 10% of the maximum towing capacity to account for any miscalculations or shifting loads.
When considering the towing capacity, it is important to distinguish between braked and unbraked towing capacity. Braked towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that can be towed when the trailer has its own braking system, while unbraked towing capacity refers to towing a trailer without an independent braking system.
The Subaru Forester, a durable SUV known for its all-wheel drive and fuel efficiency, has a towing capacity that varies depending on the model year. For example, the 2018 Subaru Forester has a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, while the 2022 model can tow up to 3,000 lbs with an oil cooler. The base Forester, since its release in 1997, has had towing capacities ranging from 1,500 to 2,400 lbs, depending on the production year. Additionally, the trim level can impact the towing capacity. For instance, the 2024 Subaru Forester has a towing capacity of either 1,500 or 3,000 lbs, depending on the trim level.
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Advantages and disadvantages of a Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that is ideal for those seeking a vehicle that is both affordable and dependable for lengthy journeys. It is one of the best-selling vehicles in the US and is renowned for its safety and dependability, making it a popular choice for families. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the Subaru Forester:
Advantages
- The compact size of the Subaru Forester makes it easy to manoeuvre in confined areas such as parking lots or campgrounds. This gives you greater control over your trailer.
- The compact SUV is easy to handle and has excellent fuel efficiency.
- All-wheel drive is standard on all models, allowing you to navigate challenging terrain with ease.
- The Subaru Forester has a roomy and quiet cabin, making it a comfortable ride.
- The Subaru Forester has a spacious interior, making it ideal for family adventures.
- The Subaru Forester has a powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.5-litre flat-four-cylinder engine.
- The Subaru Forester has a high ground clearance, which is beneficial for off-road camping.
- The Subaru Forester has a large cargo capacity.
- The Subaru Forester has standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction and control.
- The Subaru Forester is equipped with valuable active safety and driver technology, including pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection.
- The Subaru Forester has extensive cargo room, accommodating both camping gear and sports supplies.
Disadvantages
- Poor resale value: The Subaru Forester depreciates rapidly, resulting in a poor resale value within three years of purchase.
- Limited towing capacity: The Subaru Forester's maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, which is lower than the modern standard of 3,500 pounds.
- Small hitch receiver: The hitch receiver on the Subaru Forester is only 2 inches wide and 2 inches tall, while most campers require a larger hitch receiver of at least 4 inches by 4 inches.
- Base engine issues: The 2.5-litre 4-cylinder base engine lacks power and has a slow acceleration rate, taking nearly 10 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.
- Prone to noise: The Subaru Forester sits higher than other vehicles, making it more susceptible to wind noise and other sounds infiltrating the cabin, especially at higher speeds.
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Frequently asked questions
The towing capacity of a Subaru Forester depends on the model year. The 2018 model has a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, while the 2022 model can tow up to 3,000 lbs if equipped with an oil cooler.
The Subaru Forester can tow small campers, pop-up campers, teardrop campers, and lightweight stand-up campers.
You need to consider the dry weight or unloaded vehicle weight (UVM) of your camper, which should be listed in the specifications. Make sure this weight is below the towing capacity of your specific Subaru Forester model.
You will need a trailer hitch and wiring harness installed on your vehicle. Additionally, you may need a brake controller if your camper has electronic brakes. Always check your local laws and regulations for towing requirements.
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV with good fuel efficiency and all-wheel drive, making it suitable for off-road camping. However, it has poor resale value, and its hitch receiver may be smaller than what some campers require.