We recently bought a 2018 Outback 3.6R Limited. This has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and a towing capacity rated at 2700 lbs.
We also ordered a Scamp 13 Standard Layout 1 - no toilet, no water, no heater, and only 1 propane tank. But roof-top air conditioning and an awning add to the weight. We also ordered the electronic brakes and the brake controller that Scamp puts on the trailer. Maybe 1400 lbs total?
This will be our first trailer camper - ever. Our initial research indicated an Outback and a Scamp 13 would go well together. Having read more about towing, we are now uncertain. We live in northern California and would like to take the camper into the mountains to places like Yosemite.
- We thought we would get the dealer-installed hitch, but have read these are not substantial enough. What have others used and recommend for receiver hitch, ball mount, etc?
- Do we need sway bars?
- Is the CVT potentially an issue, and should we get a transmission cooler?
- What do you towing experts recommend for extending the side view mirrors?
- What else do we not know about? Have we made a terrible mistake??!!
Many thanks! 
Some interesting reads and info.
https://www.etrailer.com/question-272637.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/Subaru_Outback/comments/7bhvrv/subaru_outback_3...
You should be within specs to handle a 13 Scamp. Loaded with gear for trip you'll probably come in at around 1850 to 2000 lbs. The specs are right there on the tongue weight so that may be the only area you'll have to be cautious of.
Shouldn't need a sway bar with 13 Scamps, and I wouldn't think you will need to have mirror extensions.
No you haven't made a terrible mistake, you've started an awesome adventure! You may find you'll want a more robust tow vehicle when you get two foot itis and want the Scamp 16, but for now you should be ok.
Our Trailers:
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Thanks, Greg! We really liked the links. We won't install a hitch ourselves, but now we know what an installer will (and won't) have to do.
Appreciate the reassurance we can move forward with our plans, as well!
I have pulled our 13 footer all over the U.S. and Canada since Nov. 2005.
Our small Chevy SUV has the small receiver for the hitch.
Never needed a sway bar after I learned to NEVER load the trailer heavy on its rear. Keep at least 10% of the trailer total weight on the tow ball!!
I use strap on mirror extentions when the trailer is hooked onto the car but, that is just me being nosey about what is happening around me on the highways.
Get the auxillary tranny cooler. It is money well spent as the tranny costs huge bucks if damaged due to over working in the mountains. With a smaller car, shift to a lower gear if you feel the motor is working too hard. Do not wait till things are hot and "smoking".
Your peace of mind is worth considering in all equipment choices. After all, you are out Scamping for fun not to be worrying over stuff. ;>)
Bob D
2005 13' Scamp "Lil Critter"
Brenda, AZ
Thanks, Bev and Bob! Appreciate the pointers about tongue weight, mirror extensions, and auxiliary transmission cooler.
As far as I know all automatic transmissions have transmission coolers. If you are towing a trailer you should have an auxiliary cooler. That is, a second cooler for the transmission. The second cooler mounts in the transmission oil cooling line between the radiator and the transmission.
If Subaru says your Outback with the CVT transmission can tow #2,700 the CVT shouldn't be a problem as long as you stay under that weight.
Thanks, athearn2! Will follow up in a PM with some follow-up questions.
Btw: like the kayak. We're looking at getting one too!
I bought a Subaru Outback 2017 before I realized I wanted a Scamp. The biggest bummer was that Subaru does not recommend towing a travel trailer with the Outback. In the manual it clearly states that the Subaru is designed for transporting people, not towing. I traded my Subaru less than 6 months later and lost $7000 in the deal. I however gained over $10000 worth of confidence in towing and subsequently moved my trailer order to a 17'. I tried a 16' Scamp but the #s at the time didn't make sense. Many folks obviously tow with Subaru without incident, if you are in doubt, however, is it worth it?
Mark
Thanks for making us feel so welcome.
If you have a choice, Please buy, "Made in America"
Thanks for chiming in, Mark.
Our Outback is a 2018 3.6R Limited. The owner's manual repeats what your manual indicated but for a Legacy, but then goes on to talk about a trailer hitch and trailer towing tips for an Outback. It also encourage Outback drivers to use genuine Subaru towing equipment.
A service manager at a Subaru dealership in Michigan advised 1) never tow a trailer uphill using cruise control (as does the owner's manual), and 2) even though the CVT's fluid is supposed to be good for a lifetime, to bring it in to have it changed once a year (less then $100 as I recall).