If you own or are considering a Subaru Forester and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Subaru Forester tow a camper?
Yes, a Subaru Forester can tow a camper or travel trailer up to 1500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer with your Subaru Forester which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With A Subaru Forester
So, can a Subaru Forester pull a camper? Yes: the Subaru Forester towing capacity is 1500 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1500 lbs your Subaru Forester can safely tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing your camper using your Subaru Forester.
Subaru Forester Tow Package Details
Does The Subaru Forester Come With A Tow Package?
Some Subaru Forester models like the 2021 year come with a tow package included, while some older model year and trim levels do not.
If you don’t have a trailer hitch on your Forester then you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
What Do I Need To Pull A Camper With A Subaru Forester?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Subaru Forester.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Camper With A Subaru Forester?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Subaru Forester Tow Package Cost
Subaru Forester Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Subaru Forester trailer hitches run between $100-$200.
- Round Tube Max-Frame receivers are designed for trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles
- 2" Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Weight Carrying Capacity 3500 pounds (GTW), Weight Distributing Capacity 4000 pounds (GTW)
- All-Frame Attachment, Solid All-Welded Construction, with A-Coat Base with Black Powder Coat Finish
- Custom Built According to Manufacturer and Model Year Ensures Perfect Fit and Top Towing Performance. Fits : 2014 - 2018 Subaru, Forester, All Styles
A Subaru Forester trailer hitch wiring harness should cost less than $30.
- EASY TO INSTALL — No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR — This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a wide variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC — This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Subaru Ascent, Forester, Outback, Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek
- RELIABLE POWER — This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER — To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover to easily fit onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Subaru Forester Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $250 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Subaru Forester (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Subaru Forester Brake Controller Cost
Subaru Forester brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part and up to $300 for the installation of the brake controller.
Subaru Forester Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Subaru Forester?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Subaru Forester, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
Subaru Forester Towing Camper – What Size?
The Subaru Forester can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1500 lbs:
- Scamp 13’ Camper
- Oregon Trailer DoDrop Alpha
- TAXA Outdoor TigerMoth
- Meerkat Camper
- Colorado Teardrop Basedrop
- Rustic Trail Teardrop Papa Bear
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Subaru Forester.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Subaru Forester, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 1500 lbs so your Subaru Forester can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 1500 pounds.
Can A Subaru Forester Tow A Teardrop Trailer?
Most teardrop trailers weigh less than 1500 pounds which is the most weight a Forester can pull, so yes you can tow a teardrop trailer with a Subaru Forester.
What Size Trailer Can A Subaru Forester Pull?
The Subaru Forester can pull most trailers under 15’ in length, but make sure to check the specs of your trailer or camper to confirm they are under 1,500 pounds.
How Much Can A Subaru Forester Tow
So, how much weight can a Subaru Forester tow?
A Subaru Forester towing capacity is up to 1,500 pounds.
Subaru Forester Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs
Subaru Forester GVWR: 4891 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Subaru Forester can tow your camper or travel trailer:
CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Subaru Forester GVWR or Subaru Forester towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Subaru Forester Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a trailer with a Subaru Forester as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1500 pounds).
If your Subaru Forester didn’t come with a towing package installed, you’ll need to add one to the vehicle, and after that, you’re ready to hit the road and start camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Subaru Forester, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our helpful RV repair guides:
- What to do if your RV water pump keeps running
- How to perform RV toilet foot pedal repair
- Our guide to RV roof reseal cost
- What to do if your RV heater is blowing cold air
- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
- How to fix an RV toilet not holding water
- How to fix a sagging RV slide out
- Preparing for an RV one night freeze