Have Subaru Outback, Want 2417

[Avalie]

I have a 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6. TM dealer says I can pull a 2417 SS with my car. I have a tow rating of 3000 lbs. I also have trailer brakes.

I currently tow my Starcraft Comet 1221 with no problem.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has used a vehicle like mine as a TV.

[Padgett]

Definite maybe. First you have to have the right class III hitch like this (http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Subaru/Outback+Wagon/2013/75673.html?vehicleid=2013301542) and you may need to add suspension capability and a Weight Distributing Hitch.

OK basically you have a 3650 lb car with a unibody rated to pull 3000 lbs (and by implication a 300 lb tongue weight).

2417 has a dry weight of 2200 lbs and 320 lb tongue (TMs are tongue heavy to reduce sway so you are marginal but a 1,000 lb WDH may help). However when loaded could exceed 3,000 lbs easily.

Next issue is the Unibody (does not have a separate frame). My GC is a Unibody also with a 3.6 V6 but the chassis was designed for towing up to 7,000 lbs and has a class IV receiver. I hardly notice the 2720SL out back but am also patient when in tow.

Powertrain is certainly up to the job though may need to add oil and trans coolers if in a hot climate. Those are essentially bolt-ons.

What I would be concerned about is the rear sub frame or lack of one on a car not really designed for towing. I towed A Lot with a Pontiac Minivan with 3.8 V6 also rated at 3,000 lbs but tongue weight was not an issue.

Since I don't think you would want to wind up with a bent car the tongue weight is the real issue to be concerned about particularly if you tow on rough roads. I would look into being able to strengthen the rear possibly with added channels from the receiver to the rear suspension and adding load levelers to the rear

This can be done but you probably should consider something larger for your next car if you plan on a lot of camping. Might mention that your Outback and a 2014 GC have the same EPA MPG rating on 87 PON (plug)

[Redtail Cruiser]

There's another issue of the 2200 pound dry weight of a 2417. That is with out any options, if you add an AC unit and an awning, the weight will increase by approximately 150 to 200 pounds before you even add propane, water and camping gear. Your Subaru would probably be maxed out pulling a TM.

[Padgett]

I think your attitude is more important than absolute ratings. Note what Trailmanor says (http://www.trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Camping-Towing/tow-vehicles.html) "MODERATE TOWING CONDITIONS
Mostly low altitudes, only occasional steep grades, part time service, normal highway speeds - Models 2417 through 3023 need at least 3500 pound tow rated vehicles and Models 3124 need 4000 pound ratings."

You might be able to shave that a bit for a 2417 since it is the shortest/lightest and you may be able to buy some bolt-ons that would increase the effective capacity of your Outback (for that you need to consult with an Outback expert) but is may be more cost effective to trade up your TV to something like a Tribeca with towing package which is rated for 3500 lbs.

Am personally biased but made a very careful study before switching from over 30 years of GM based on the specs. and towing capability was a big consideration.

As to the Outback, it is definitely below TrailManor's suggested minimums but in the end it is up to you however the hitch you have is marginal to begin with and needs to be derated to the vehicle's maximums.

Do you have the option of a more capable TV ?

[LoveToCamp]

I had a 2417 Sport, and weighed it when starting out on a camping trip. We always dry camp, so I had a full load of water (40 gals), two propane tanks, and one battery.

Add to that an AC, (no awning), food/drinks, kitchen equipment, and probably 200 lbs of stuff in the rear storage compartment.

It weighed 3450 lbs. If I take out some of the stuff in the storage bins, I may drop 100 lbs. If you travel with only half the water, drop another 160 lbs, to bring you to 3190 lbs.

I now have a 2417 KD, but have not been to a scale, so I can't say for sure how much a 2417 KS may weigh. Based on weights listed on the TM site, my guess is that I will be towing a 3650 lb trailer when we hit the road.

Use those weights as you wish. I don't believe we packed heavy, but if you take no water, you could weigh less. If you don't need two propane tanks, you save a little.

Hope this helps.

[Avalie]

Looks like my Outback is not an appropriate TV for a TM. I am disappointed that the towing info I got from TM website and the dealers is not totally accurate.

I want to be able not just to tow my trailer, but to tow it safely anywhere I want to go without damaging my car. There is no point in having a camping trailer that can't go up into the mountains and across the country to the ocean.

I'll stick with the StarCraft Comet. I can take it anywhere and I don't have to buy another new vehicle.

Thanks again, everyone.

[TM Pilot]

I own a 2019 Subaru Outback Limited with a 3.6R engine.

Regardless of what a 2" Class III hitch claims to support (ex. 4000lbs; 600lbs tongue), the car is rated to towing a 2700lbs trailer (with trailer brakes) with a 200lbs tongue weight max. Every hitch I've seen manufactured specifically for this vehicle says not to use a WDH.

The total max cargo (Passengers, cargo, roof rack, tongue weight, etc.) is about 900lbs. Subtract a 200lbs tongue weight and one is left with 700lbs of payload. With 2 adults and a couple of kids plus gear, the car will be maxed out quick.

The Subaru Outback is made to tow small trailers at best (ATV, small boat, bike rack, etc.). It may pull a small 1-2 person ultra-lightweight camper. But not a Trailmanor. Sorry, folks.

Now the new "Wilderness" Subaru Outback is a slightly different story. That model increases towing capacity to 3500lbs and a 350lbs tongue weight. Still not enough, in my opinion, to tow a Trailmanor. But it's a welcome improvement.

[Wavery]

This thread is 8-years-old.