If you own or are considering a Subaru Outback and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Subaru Outback tow a camper?
Yes, a Subaru Outback can tow a camper or travel trailer between 2700 to 3500 pounds depending on the year and engine specs of your Outback. Outback XT models can tow up to 3500 pounds, while other trim levels can tow up to 2700 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a travel trailer with your Subaru Outback which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With A Subaru Outback
So, can a Subaru Outback pull a trailer? Yes: the Subaru Outback towing capacity is up to 3500 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 3500 lbs your Subaru Outback can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing your camper using your Subaru Outback.
Subaru Outback Tow Package Details
Does The Subaru Outback Come With A Tow Package?
The Subaru Outback has an optional tow package, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally if yours does not already have one.
What Do I Need To Tow A Camper With A Subaru Outback?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Subaru Outback.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Camper With A Subaru Outback?
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 Outback Tow Package Cost
Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Subaru Outback trailer hitches run between $100-$300.
A Subaru Outback trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $35-$50.
Here’s an option that includes both in one package:
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Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Subaru Outback (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Subaru Outback Brake Controller Cost
Subaru Outback brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Subaru Outback Tow Hitch 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 Outback trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Subaru Outback?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Subaru Outback, 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.
Campers That A Subaru Outback Can Pull
Your Subaru Outback can tow a camper, trailer, or pop-up camper under 3,500 pounds which is going to be most lightweight campers.
The Subaru Outback can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 3500 lbs:
- Forest River Wolf Pup 16FG
- Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFG
- Vintage Cruiser 19CSK
- Forest River R-POD RP-180 & RP-172
- Oliver Legacy Elite
- Aliner Ascape Camp
- Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD
- Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
- 17’ Deluxe Casita Travel Trailers
- Scamp 13’, 16’, and 19’ Deluxe Models
- Droplet Camper
- Taxa Outdoors Cricket
- Airstream Nest
- Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Subaru Outback.
In fact, the 2014 Subaru Outback was rated the Tow Car of the Year by Hooked-Up:
When determining what travel trailers or campers you can pull behind your Subaru Outback, 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 3500 lbs so your Subaru Outback 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 3500 pounds.
Subaru Outback Towing Capacity
So, how much weight can a Subaru Outback tow? This varies by year, trim level, and engine specs. Refer to the following chart to find the towing capacity of your Subaru Outback.
Subaru Outback Towing Capacity Chart
| Subaru Outback Model | Subaru Outback Towing Capacity |
| 2021–2020 Subaru Outback 2.5L Boxer Engine | 2,700 lbs |
| 2021–2020 Subaru Outback 2.4L Turbocharged Boxer Engine | 3,500 lbs |
| 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder | 2,700 lbs |
| 2019 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder | 2,700 lbs |
| 2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder | 2,700 lbs |
| 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder | 2,700 lbs |
| 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder | 2,700 lbs |
| 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder | 2,700 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder | 2,700 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder | 3,000 lbs |
| 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder | 2,700 lbs |
| 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder | 3,000 lbs |
| 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder | 2,700 lbs |
| 2014 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder | 3,000 lbs |
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Subaru Outback 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 Outback GVWR or Subaru Outback towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Subaru Outback Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Subaru Outback as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 3500 pounds).
If your Subaru Outback didn’t come with the optional towing package installed, you’ll need to add one to the vehicle, and after that, you’re ready to hit the road!
What hitch did you choose for your Subaru Outback, and how did the installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
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