Subaru Outback Towing Guide: The Ultimate Adventure Wagon

Know Your Engine: 2.5L vs. XT Turbo

Before you start shopping for an RV, check your liftgate. The badge on the back determines your towing reality.

• The 2.5L Standard (Base, Premium, Limited, Touring): If your Outback has the standard 2.5-liter engine (182 hp), your towing capacity is rated at 2,700 lbs. Crucially, your maximum tongue weight is usually limited to 270 lbs.

  • Best Match: Teardrop Trailers or ultra-light Pop-Up Campers.

• The 2.4L Turbo (Onyx XT, Limited XT, Wilderness): If you have the "XT" badge or the rugged Wilderness trim, you have the turbocharged engine (260 hp). This boosts your towing capacity to 3,500 lbs and your tongue weight limit to 350 lbs.

  • Best Match: Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs, such as larger teardrops or small stand-up retro campers.

What Can I Tow With a Subaru Outback?

Because the Outback sits lower than a truck and has a softer suspension for ride comfort, "Aerodynamics" and "Tongue Weight" are your two biggest factors.

• Teardrop Trailers: This is the perfect match for any Outback. Models like the Braxton Creek Bushwhacker or nuCamp units sit low behind the vehicle, creating very little wind resistance.

• Prolite Trailers: Built in Quebec specifically for small SUVs, Prolite offers models like the Cool or Mini that weigh under 1,500 lbs, making them an easy load for even the 2.5L engine.

• Pop-Up Campers: By folding down while towing, pop-ups eliminate wind drag. A Rockwood Freedom or similar tent trailer is an excellent choice for families wanting to tow with an Outback.

• Small "Standy" Trailers: For Wilderness and XT owners, you can step up to a Travel Trailer Under 3,000 lbs like the Winnebago Micro Minnie 1700BH or Forest River Wolf Pup, provided you manage your cargo weight carefully.

The "Tongue Weight" Trap

This is where most Subaru owners get into trouble. Your Outback might have a 3,500 lb "pulling" limit, but the 350 lb tongue weight limit is strict.

• The Issue: A 3,500 lb trailer often puts 400-500 lbs on the hitch (10-15% of trailer weight). This exceeds the Outback's limit, causing the rear suspension to sag dangerously.

• The Fix: Stick to trailers with a dry hitch weight of under 250 lbs to allow room for propane and batteries.

Essential Upgrades for Subaru Towing

• Brake Controller: The Outback does not come with a factory trailer brake controller. Towing anything over 1,500 lbs without trailer brakes is dangerous and often illegal. Our Service Department can install a wireless Echo Mobile controller or a dash-mounted Redarc unit.

• 7-Pin Wiring Harness: Most Outbacks come with a flat 4-pin connector (for lights only). You will likely need to upgrade to a 7-Pin Connector to control trailer brakes and charge the RV battery while driving.

Ready to Adventure?

Your Outback is capable of taking you further than you think.

• Shop Ultra-Lite: Browse our inventory of RVs Under 2,500 lbs to find the safest matches for your wagon.

• Value Your Trade: ready to ditch the ground tent? Value Your Trade and upgrade to a teardrop today.

• Get Hitched: Need wiring or a hitch installed? Schedule an appointment with our Service Team.