Buying new tow vehicle on somewhat of a budget, don't have money for truck or full size suv and want to stick to reliable brands, I've landed on Subaru Outback potentially but want to make sure this will be good for towing our 1994 13' Scamp along with carrying a couple kayaks through the mountains. Anyone have any experience or thoughts?
Sat, 01/30/2021 - 11:42
#1
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5 engine Tow 13’?
We pulled our 2019 13 with bath with a 2018 crosstrek 2.0 and 6 spd manual trans. It worked but was really at the limits of power sometimes due to the lack of torque and manual trans. With the auto it would be easier most of the time in tight spaces. and maneuvering around. The stated limit is 1,500 and really need to keep it as light as possible and be aware of steep grades. and getting in situations where a bigger engine would be needed by planning ahead. We really were glad about having the electric brakes with rainy and down hill corners and panic stops in traffic emergencies.
2019 Scamp 13 standard
My 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5 does fine towing my 2017 Scamp front bunk. I do have the brakes which makes it a better experience. As far as pulling the Scamp up a mountain, it gets there. I'm sure a larger vehicle would do that better but it does work. A couple years ago I pulled the Scamp over Monarch Pass on Hwy 50 while traveling from Gunnison to Denver.
I actually think when I have kayaks on the car when I'm towing the Scamp the gas mileage gets better. I think they cut the drag that normally occurs.
Good luck car shopping.
Sarah
What we learned from towing a 13 with our 2012 subaru is they are not meant to tow anything despite the ads to the contrary. We went to four dealers in DC area and one in MT and they all admitted the subaru was not built to tow. Trying to get 7pin connector installed was a problem and settled for 3pin. Our suby was a outback V6 and barely made it up the mountains in the west. Can't imaging towing with a 2.5. Hitch weight is low as well. We traded the suby for kia sorento and are much happier now.
bill & valerie 2016 13' 2017 Kia Sorento EX V6, AWD
We had good luck towing our 16' Scamp with our 2.5 Outback, although we had to pack light to stay within the 2700/200 limits. It always felt safe and secure. The 2020 Outbacks now have a 270 lb tongue weight available standard, and the optional turbo can haul 3500 lbs and 350 tongue weight.
You are correct that they are not made for towing, very few SUVs are actually designed with towing in mind (including Kia Sorento) but they perform OK within their limits.
I'm handy enough that I ran the three extra wires for the 7 pin myself (trailer brakes, backup lights, and 12 volt charge).
John/Dave and Marilyn Haggerty
2005 Scamp 16 standard side dinette
04 Dodge Dakota Quad cab 4.7
17 Dodge Durango 3.6
19 Ford Ranger Supercrew Ecoboost
Our Outback was the 2.5 engine with 2700 lb tow limit. We preferred taking that over our Dodge Dakota V8 for local trips because it handled well, has a great safety record, and gets lots better fuel economy. We had a 16' Scamp and would keep it around 2500 lbs and 200 lb tongue weight. The 13' Scamp is lighter than the 16.
For longer trips we would take the Dodge because we loaded the Scamp with more stuff and would exceed the 2700 lb limit.
Since we mostly used the Outback locally around GA the highest hills we crossed were East coast hills, like crossing through the Smokies between Cherokee and Pigeon Forge.
Carrying our kayak or canoe on top while towing didn't seem to hurt fuel economy and actually kept more bugs off the front of the Scamp.
John/Dave and Marilyn Haggerty
2005 Scamp 16 standard side dinette
04 Dodge Dakota Quad cab 4.7
17 Dodge Durango 3.6
19 Ford Ranger Supercrew Ecoboost
I just returned firm the maiden voyager with my 13' with bath. My 2018 Outback 2.5 did just fine. I was pleasantly surprised with how stable it felt and what I consider a reasonable level of power. I'm in NM where the elevation ranged between 2,000-5,000' and had no issues. On the freeway I had to watch my speed to stay under 70. I didn't climb any mountains but went up several long inclines. Without pushing it hard, we slowed down but not drastically. I never felt on the edge. I wired the 7-pin connector making use of the 4-pin connector that was installed with the hitch. It was easy running wires to the front and any trailer shop could easily do it for you.
A couple of people at Scamp have told me that the Outback is the most common TV picking up 13' trailers
Tom