
The Subaru Outback is a popular outdoor adventure vehicle that offers many benefits of an SUV, such as a higher ride height and superior ground clearance, as well as the advantages of a sedan, including improved fuel efficiency and enhanced on-road handling. The Outback is also a great tow vehicle, with a capacity of between 2,700 and 3,500 pounds, depending on the model and year. This means it can tow small and lightweight campers, such as teardrop campers, compact stand-up campers, and lightweight pop-up campers.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Max Towing Capacity | 2,700 to 3,500 lbs |
Engine | 2.5L Turbocharged Boxer, 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder, 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder |
Year | 2013-2022 |
What You'll Learn
Teardrop trailers
The Subaru Outback is a popular outdoor adventure vehicle that has been around since 1994. While it is not a dedicated tow vehicle, its all-wheel drive, fuel efficiency, and SUV-like features make it a great option for those who want to tow small campers or trailers.
If you're an Outback owner looking for a camper to tow, a teardrop trailer could be a perfect choice. Teardrop trailers are compact and typically offer enough space for two adults to sleep, a small galley for cooking, and storage for clothes and other essentials. They are an ideal option for those who want to camp off-grid without sacrificing all the comforts of home.
The average teardrop trailer measures 4-6 feet in width and 8-10 feet in length, with a weight ranging from 500 to 3,200 pounds. The more basic models weigh around 1,500 pounds, while the fancier ones with additional amenities can weigh up to 2,000-3,200 pounds. When choosing a teardrop trailer for your Outback, it's important to consider the total weight, including your gear, to ensure it doesn't exceed the Outback's towing capacity of 2,700 pounds.
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12S: Weighing 1,903 pounds, this trailer offers a full outdoor kitchenette, a convertible couch/bed, air conditioning, a furnace, and even a solar panel for off-grid camping.
- NuCamp Tab 320 S: With a dry weight of 2,095 pounds, this fully self-contained camper includes a kitchenette, a three-piece wet bath, onboard batteries, propane, and freshwater and wastewater tanks.
- Happier Camper HC1: Weighing just 990 pounds, this ultra-lightweight camper features a unique honeycomb floor and interchangeable molded fiberglass pieces that allow you to customize the interior to your needs.
- Little Guy Trailers Meerkat: With a dry weight of 1,180 pounds, this innovative trailer combines the best of both worlds, offering the height of a stand-up camper and the convenience of a pop-up design. Its compact size makes it easy to tow and manoeuvre with the Outback.
When choosing a teardrop trailer, it's important to consider your budget, sleeping capacity, and desired features. Additionally, keep in mind that you may need to install a hitch receiver, a hitch and ball, and a wiring harness on your Outback to prepare it for towing.
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Pop-up campers
A pop-up camper is a small camper with a pop-up top made of vinyl, canvas, or another sturdy fabric. They are large and roomy and usually weigh between 700 and 3,800 pounds. Inside, you'll typically find a basic kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, and many also come with heating and air conditioning.
The Subaru Outback has a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, so it can tow many pop-up campers. When choosing a pop-up camper to tow with your Outback, it's important to consider the total weight of the loaded camper. Some things to keep in mind are:
- The weight of your gear and other necessities
- The number of people sleeping in the camper
- Whether you plan to tow on flat roads or hilly terrain
- The impact on gas mileage, which can be significant when towing with a Subaru Outback
- It is recommended to install a hitch receiver, a hitch and ball, and a wiring harness on your Outback if it doesn't already have them.
- Some users have recommended adding a transmission or oil cooler to help manage the added stress of hauling a load.
- Trailer brakes are important for safety, especially for trailers weighing over 1,500 pounds.
- Be cautious and leave plenty of room for downshifting when coming to stops to avoid hard-braking situations.
- Keep in mind the impact on handling and visibility, especially when towing a larger trailer.
Overall, a pop-up camper is a great option for Outback owners looking for a camper that offers many amenities while still being lightweight and towable by their vehicle. Just be sure to choose a camper that keeps the total weight below the Outback's towing capacity and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
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Small travel trailers
A Subaru Outback is a great option for towing small travel trailers. The Outback has a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, which means it can handle most small RVs and some compact campers.
When it comes to small travel trailers, there are a few different types to consider. Teardrop trailers are a popular option, known for their compact size and ease of towing. These trailers typically include a small galley for cooking, sleeping space for two adults, and storage for clothes and other necessities. The average teardrop trailer is 4-6 feet wide and 8-10 feet long, with a weight of around 1,500 pounds.
Another option is a pop-up camper, which offers a roomy interior and can weigh as little as 700 pounds. Pop-up campers typically include a basic kitchen with amenities like a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, and often come with heating and air conditioning.
For those looking for something more durable and sleek, a fiberglass trailer might be the perfect choice. These trailers are made of fiberglass and offer a lightweight, aerodynamic design. They come in various sizes and styles, and some even include luxury features like a bathroom and air conditioning.
When choosing a small travel trailer, it's important to consider factors such as size, layout, quality, and durability. Additionally, make sure the trailer is equipped with essential safety features like brakes, lights, and reflectors. It's also crucial to ensure that your vehicle has the proper hitch and towing capacity to handle the trailer safely.
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
- Scamp Travel Trailer
With the right small travel trailer in tow, you'll be ready to hit the road and explore new destinations with ease and comfort.
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Trailer towing parts
The Subaru Outback is a great option for those looking to tow a camper. While it can't tow a full-sized RV, it can tow many small RVs and campers. The standard max towing capacity of a Subaru Outback is 2700 lbs, while certain trims can pull up to 3500 lbs when properly equipped.
If you're looking to tow a camper with your Subaru Outback, there are a few essential trailer towing parts you'll need:
- Hitch receiver: Not all Outbacks come with a hitch receiver from the factory, so you may need to install one. The hitch receiver is the structural component that bolts onto the underside of the vehicle and provides a connection point for the trailer.
- Hitch and ball: You'll also need to install a hitch and ball, which is the immediate connection point between your vehicle and the trailer. The hitch ball mounts onto the trailer hitch and allows you to turn corners and travel smoothly.
- Wiring harness: A wiring harness is essential for connecting the electrical system of your vehicle to the trailer. It supplies power to the trailer lights and synchronizes them with your vehicle's taillights.
- Safety chains: Safety chains are a must-have for any towing setup. They are strong enough to keep the trailer from completely separating from the vehicle if it becomes disconnected while towing.
- Trailer coupler: A trailer coupler connects the trailer to your vehicle in conjunction with the trailer ball. It latches onto the trailer ball and articulates around it for smooth towing.
- Hitch pin: A hitch pin is a small metal rod that keeps the ball mount shank and other trailer hitch parts from sliding out of the hitch receiver tube.
- Hitch lock: A hitch lock is a key-operated hitch pin that adds security and deterrence against theft.
When equipping your Subaru Outback with trailer towing parts, it's important to consult a professional or a dealership to ensure you have the proper equipment and that everything is installed correctly.
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Towing capacity by model year and engine
The towing capacity of a Subaru Outback depends on the model year and engine type. The standard 2021 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 lbs, while the 2021 Outback XT can tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped. The same is true for the 2022 and 2023 models.
For older models, the towing capacity varies depending on the engine. For example, the 2019 Subaru Outback with a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine has a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 lbs. On the other hand, the 2019 model with a 3.6L SUBARU BOXER® six-cylinder engine has the same maximum towing capacity of 2,700 lbs.
The 2018 and 2017 Subaru Outback with a 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder engine can tow up to 2,700 lbs, while the 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder engine models of the same years can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
The 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 Subaru Outback with the 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder engine have a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 lbs. The 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder engine models of these years can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
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