Best Campers For Towing With A Subaru Forrester

The Subaru Forester is a popular choice for those looking for a durable and reliable SUV. With its impressive horsepower and torque, it can tow small campers with ease. But what exactly can it tow?

The towing capacity of the Subaru Forester varies depending on the production year and trim level. The base model has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the Wilderness trim level offers a higher capacity of 3,000 pounds. This means that the Subaru Forester can tow smaller campers, such as pop-up campers and teardrop trailers.

So, if you're looking to explore the great outdoors with a camper in tow, the Subaru Forester is a great option to consider.

The Subaru Forester's towing capacity

The towing capacity of the Subaru Forester depends on the model year and trim level of the vehicle. The base model of the Forester has had a variety of towing capacities since its release in 1997, ranging from 1,500 to 2,400 pounds depending on the production year. For example, the 2018 model year has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the 2022 model year has a towing capacity of 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. The 2024 Subaru Forester has either a 1,500 or a 3,000-pound towing capacity depending on its trim level. The Forester, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels all have the same 1,500-pound towing capacity, while the Wilderness trim level offers a 3,000-pound towing capacity.

It's important to note that the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester is not just affected by the production year but also by the trim level. Therefore, it's crucial to know the specific towing capacity of your Subaru Forester before attempting to tow anything. Additionally, the hitch receiver on the Subaru Forester is typically 2 inches wide and tall, while most campers require a hitch receiver that is at least 4 inches wide and tall. A hitch adapter can be used to make the receiver wider, but it won't increase its height, so it might not work with certain types of campers.

Despite these limitations, the Subaru Forester is still a popular choice for towing small campers, trailers, and other lightweight equipment. Its impressive horsepower, torque, and ground clearance make it a capable and versatile vehicle for those who enjoy camping and off-roading.

Hitch weight rating

The hitch weight rating is an important consideration when towing a camper with a Subaru Forester. The hitch weight rating refers to the maximum tongue weight that the hitch can safely support. Tongue weight refers to the downward force exerted by the tongue of the trailer onto the hitch of the towing vehicle. A safe tongue weight typically falls between 9% and 15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW).

For a Subaru Forester, the hitch weight rating can vary depending on the model year and the type of hitch installed. For example, the 2019 Subaru Forester has a hitch weight rating of 176 lbs, while the 2018 model has a lower rating of 150 lbs. It's important to refer to the specific owner's manual or vehicle specifications to determine the exact hitch weight rating for your particular Subaru Forester model.

Aftermarket hitches, such as the EcoHitch, can provide higher hitch weight ratings. For instance, the EcoHitch for the 2019-2024 Subaru Forester has a tongue weight rating of 525 lbs, which is significantly higher than the OEM hitch. However, it's important to note that the hitch weight rating should not exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle itself, as stated in the vehicle's owner's manual.

When planning to tow a camper, it is crucial to consider not only the hitch weight rating but also the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester, as well as the weight of the camper and any additional cargo. Ensuring that you stay within the specified limits will help prevent potential damage to the vehicle's transmission or engine.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the hitch receiver size on the Subaru Forester is typically 2 inches wide by 2 inches tall, while most campers require a hitch receiver of at least 4 inches wide by 4 inches tall. Hitch adapters can be used to widen the receiver, but they won't increase the height, so it's important to consider the specific requirements of your camper.

Teardrop campers

The Subaru Forester is a popular choice for those looking for a vehicle that can tow a camper. Its powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel drive, large cargo-carrying capacity, and 9-inch ground clearance make it a great option for those who want to go camping and off-roading.

When it comes to teardrop campers, the Subaru Forester can tow smaller options. However, it's important to note that the towing capacity of the Forester varies depending on the production year and trim level. The base model's towing capacity has ranged from 1,500 to 2,400 pounds since its release in 1997. For example, the 2024 Subaru Forester has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds for the Forester, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels, while the Wilderness trim level offers a higher capacity of 3,000 pounds.

• Little Guy Trailers MyPod: With a dry weight of just 760 pounds, it's a great fit for the Forester's limited towing capacity. It offers features like 12V and 110V power, interior and exterior LED lighting, a three-speed fan, wall-mounted AC, and an entertainment center with a built-in TV.
• Sylvansport Go Trailer: At 840 pounds dry weight, it's the lightest pop-up camper on the market. It sleeps up to four people and has a versatile design, including a tent pod, a large equipment rack, a storage box, and a gear deck.
• InTech Flyer Chase: This camper has a rugged, all-aluminum welded frame, weighing 1,060 pounds dry weight. It offers off-road capabilities with 11.5 inches of ground clearance and optional aggressive off-road tires. The interior is versatile and minimalist, perfect for off-grid camping.
• Happier Camper HC1: With a dry weight of 1,100 pounds, the HC1 offers a unique modular interior with interchangeable furniture pieces. It's highly customizable but comes with a high price tag, starting at $32,950.
• Little Guy Trailers Meerkat: Produced by the same manufacturer as the MyPod, this camper offers a hybrid design with the benefits of both a stand-up and pop-up camper. It has superior insulation, sound-deadening, and a low exterior height of 6 feet 5 inches.
• Aliner Scout Lite: Weighing 1,180 pounds dry weight, it's one of the cheapest and lightest hard-sided pop-up campers. It offers features like a large convertible dinette booth, a vent fan, a kitchen sink, stabilizer jacks, and optional wall-mounted AC.
• Braxton Creek Bushwhacker 10HD: With an average price of $12,000, this teardrop camper is a great budget option. It includes features such as a wall-mounted AC, Bluetooth stereo, a roof vent, and a rear exterior kitchen.

When considering a teardrop camper for your Subaru Forester, be sure to check the specific towing capacity of your vehicle and choose a camper that falls within that range, taking into account the weight of your gear and passengers.

Pop-up campers

The Subaru Forester is a popular choice for those looking to tow a small camper. Its impressive horsepower and torque make it a great option for towing pop-up campers with ease. The towing capacity of the Subaru Forester varies depending on the production year and trim level, ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds.

When choosing a pop-up camper for your Subaru Forester, it is important to consider the weight restrictions. Many pop-up campers exceed the towing capacity of the Forester, so it is crucial to find one that falls within the weight limit. One option is to look for older models, such as a 1987 Coleman camper, which can be stripped down to meet the weight requirements.

• Sylvansport GO Trailer: Weighing just 840 pounds, the Sylvansport GO is a unique pop-up camper that offers a utilitarian design with a tent pod that sleeps up to four people, a large equipment rack, a storage box, and a gear deck. Its lightweight and versatile design make it a perfect companion for outdoor adventures.
• Aliner Scout Lite: With a dry weight of 1,180 pounds, the Aliner Scout Lite is one of the cheapest and lightest hard-sided pop-up campers available. It offers a spacious interior with a large convertible dinette booth, a kitchen sink, a fantastic vent fan, and other amenities, making it a comfortable choice for your travels.
• Little Guy Trailers Meerkat: This pop-up camper is a hybrid between a stand-up and a pop-up camper, offering superior insulation and sound-deadening thanks to its fiberglass shell. With a dry weight of 1,180 pounds, it can comfortably fit in a standard-size garage when not in use, making it a convenient option for storage.
• Happier Camper HC1: Featuring a modular interior design, the Happier Camper HC1 allows for customization to meet your specific needs. With a dry weight of 1,100 pounds, it offers versatility and comfort for your camping trips. However, it comes with a higher price tag, starting at $32,950.

It is important to note that before towing any camper, you should ensure that your trailer hitch is properly installed and always stay within the weight limits to avoid damaging your vehicle.

Trailer brakes

When it comes to towing with a Subaru Forester, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure your safety and compliance with local regulations. Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between braked and unbraked towing capacity. The braked towing capacity of the Subaru Forester is 1800 kg, while the unbraked capacity is 750 kg. This means that the vehicle can safely tow a trailer with brakes on both wheels of at least one axle, allowing for better control and safety.

Now, let's talk about trailer brakes. Trailer brakes are essential for safe towing, especially when dealing with heavy loads. There are two main types of trailer brakes: surge brakes and electric trailer brakes. Surge brakes are mechanical and activate automatically when the vehicle slows down. They are commonly found on boat trailers and rental cargo trailers. Electric trailer brakes, on the other hand, require an accessory trailer brake controller and offer more precise braking. While Subaru does not sell or equip vehicles with brake controllers from the factory, they do provide the necessary wiring in their trailer hitch kits.

When determining whether trailer brakes are needed, it's important to consult your vehicle's owner manual and local regulations. In general, trailers heavier than 3000 pounds will require trailer brakes. Additionally, it is recommended to use electronic trailer brakes when towing anything over 1000 lbs with a Subaru Forester, as mentioned in the owner's manual for the 2004 model.

To ensure safe towing, it is crucial to prepare your vehicle and trailer properly. This includes checking your wheel bearings, brakes, tyre pressure, taillights, and more. It is also important to give your engine regular breaks to avoid overheating when towing heavy loads. By following these guidelines and staying within the recommended weight limits, you can confidently and safely tow a variety of lightweight caravans, boats, trailers, and more with your Subaru Forester.

Frequently asked questions