Can A Subaru Outback Tow A Camper? If So, How Big Of A Camper?

The Subaru Outback is a magnificent car that is known for being a small but rugged form of transportation. 

Sometimes, you might need your car to take more than just yourself to a new destination, which brings up the question of if the Subaru Outback has what it takes for your camping needs.

Can A Subaru Outback Tow A Camper?

The Subaru Outback may be able to tow a camper if it has the modifications to improve the towing capability and the camper is under the recommended tow weight of 2,700 lbs. for a 2.5 model and 3,500 lbs. for a turbo model. The camper would need to remain under the tow weight when loaded as well.

Although a Subaru Outback may be able to tow lightweight campers and travel trailers, there is a need to understand more about the Subaru Outback and its towing capabilities. 

Let’s discuss more about what you need to know when towing with a Subaru Outback, what you need to know about your camper before you attempt to tow it, and how you can transport your camper if your Subaru Outback is not able to handle the weight.

The Subaru Outback and its Towing Capabilities

The Subaru Outback has had a consistent tow capacity for the last couple of years. 

The weight of a Subaru Outback since 2014 has been sitting around 2,700 pounds.

But it is always important to check out your own model’s weight capacity, especially if your model is older than 2014.

You can see the specific weight that is safe for your Subaru Outback to tow in the owner’s manual, on the doorpost, or by looking up the make and model online.

You will be able to see a variety of numbers connected to towing which are important to understand.

The numbers you will be interested in are the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Gross Axle Weight Rating, and Tongue Weight. 

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the total amount of weight that your SUV can handle. 

This number includes the normal weight of the car, the passenger weight, and the amount possible to be towed. 

This number is the company’s recommended weight to keep your car safe and in good repair. 

You should not try and push your car to pull more than that because it can destroy your transmission, axles, engine, cooling system, and other parts of the car. 

The Gross Axle Weight Rating is the weight that is safe for the axles to carry.

Something important to remember with this weight rating is that this is a maximum weight.

If you go over this amount, it will lead to damage to the car and potential danger for you and your passengers. 

It is best to stay under this weight.

Tongue weight is the amount of pressure that is being pushed into your hitch and thus into your car.

Once again, being aware of this number is crucial for you and your car’s safety.

Once you know what these numbers are for your specific Subaru model, you are able to start looking into pulling a camper.

What You Need to Know About Towing a Camper

Towing a camper is something that you need to know a decent amount about so you can be safe throughout the towing process. 

The towing process requires knowing the technicalities of pulling a camper and planning out the number of supplies and items you need/can hold.

Some of the most important things to keep in mind are that pulling a camper, if done improperly, can lead to some big consequences. 

If you overload your car with your camper, you can have some massive malfunctions that can hurt you, your car, and others on a busy highway.

It is vital that you are aware of your camper’s weight before and after you load it.

The weight of a camper without supplies needs to be significantly less than the maximum weight your Subaru can tow. 

The big reason behind this is once you add supplies you can add a lot of weight without realizing it. 

A first-time camper can accidentally add 500-1000 pounds without realizing it. 

You can weigh your trailer at the RV dealership, or you can weigh it at truck stops to ensure a safe weight by all the different weight ratings previously mentioned.

Another important thing to consider is that you need to make sure the weight is as evenly distributed as you can. 

By doing this, you ensure that you aren’t putting too much or little weight on the hitch. 

The weight that impacts the hitch is important because it can impact your experience driving and reduce trailer sway.

Camper Models a Subaru Outback Can Pull

The Subaru Outback has a large towing capacity in comparison to other models made by Subaru. 

This makes it the car to be able to pull a variety of things, such as a jet ski, motorcycle, and small teardrop campers. 

However, this is a generalization: there are many good models you can confidently pull that we recommend.

The main type of model we strongly recommend you look into as a camper consumer are models that are classified as ultralight campers.

These campers tend to fall around 500-2,000 pounds.

This weight range is a good weight range for you because it accounts for the additional weight that will be added in camping supplies.

Some more specific model types that you can look into are utility trailers, pop-up camper trailers, and teardrop trailers.

All of these models of campers are typically under the weight limits imposed by the Subaru Outback, which makes it optimal for you to purchase.

They also have some other benefits, such as making your trips more gas efficient. 

The only things they lack are some basic amenities you might value, like showers, kitchens, and other things that would increase the weight.

Now that you understand the ins and outs of your Subaru Outback and your camper, you will be able to travel and adventure happily!