Trailer Towing (2012 OB 2.5i 4cyl)

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by mcbrew

No, here's the Euro tow specs:

2.0 diesel: 1,700kg (3,740 pounds)
2.5 gas: 1,800kg (3,960 pounds)
3.6 gas: 2,000kg (4,400 pounds)

Max un-braked trailer load for all models in Europe is 750kg (1,650 pounds), and max nose weight (tongue weight) I'd 82kg (180 pounds).

European tow ratings are usually based on required manufacturer testing. US tow ratings are based on lawyers' opinions.

Actually US tow ratings are supported by Hot temp performance testing all generally done in Eastern Southern CA and AZ during the summer. Also where most spy shots are taken of new models etc.

The lawyers only get involved when you have stupid people playing stupid car stunts. Towing a 4000lb load with a 4000lb passenger vehicle would be a stupid car stunt.

[mcbrew]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

Towing a 4000lb load with a 4000lb passenger vehicle would be a stupid car stunt.

Your opinion.

[jackw49]

Originally Posted by mcbrew

Your opinion.

Last Fall I drove 2011 OB 3.6R towing 1800 lbs teardrop trailer for 8000 miles.

I was doing fine I but believe it was pretty much close to the reasonable and comfortable maximum. Yes, OB is a serious towing machine but you need take into consideration the speed (steady 60 to 65 MPH ), safe braking distances, reasonable mileage (16 MPG+ but sometimes much better sometimes much worse) and the ability to drive comfortably against strong wind for many hours.
In other words towing 1800 lbs trailer seems to be comfortable on long trips most of the time... but sometimes is not ...if it it very windy.
Another criterium of comfortable driving (subjective for each driver) is whether you need to think a lot that you are towing the trailer etc...
In my opinion anything above 2000 lbs would be problematic in terms of pleasant, worry free towing by Outback on long trips.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by jackw49

Last Fall I drove 2011 OB 3.6R towing 1800 lbs teardrop trailer for 8000 miles.

I was doing fine I but believe it was pretty much close to the reasonable and comfortable maximum. Yes, OB is a serious towing machine but you need take into consideration the speed (steady 60 to 65 MPH ), safe braking distances, reasonable mileage (16 MPG+ but sometimes much better sometimes much worse) and the ability to drive comfortably against strong wind for many hours.
In other words towing 1800 lbs trailer seems to be comfortable on long trips most of the time... but sometimes is not ...if it it very windy.
Another criterium of comfortable driving (subjective for each driver) is whether you need to think a lot that you are towing the trailer etc...
In my opinion anything above 2000 lbs would be problematic in terms of pleasant, worry free towing by Outback on long trips.

Same here I came to that conclusion years ago with my old legacy in 2.5 format. Towed great for 10yrs. My goal for our go anywhere rig was 1300lbs or less which gave me a fair buffer given even at 1600lbs it still tows well. The distances covered, conditions and the climbs etc all play a role in what the car can tow. Moving a heavy load across town 2700lbs no problem. Hauling a bunch of gear 800 miles over a major Pass 1800lbs is stretching it 1500lbs your working it hard and 1300lbs you'll hardly notice.

[chilanzar]

I do not have 2012 On, but 2001 OB Base Auto. and I have towed U-haul 600-800 lb trailers, 750 miles, with some Smoky mountains roads in the end, loaded with:
-- side by side refrigerator, couple of flat TVs, misc
-- rugs, furniture ( smallest coverred trailer, filled to the roof )
-- so many things I cannot even remember now.

I belive the 2001 is rated to tow 2000lbs, while 2012 can tow 2700. I think you will be fine.
Also, for the sake of saving on weight, you may consider Uhaul "motorcycle" trailer. it has lower sids so it weighs less than comparable size open regular trailer.

As far as wiring harness goes, I bought mine at Pep Boys ($40, had to order as they did not have in store). I do not know about 2012, but in my old 2001 it plugs into the harness outlet that is hidden behind the little felt "door" on the right side of cargo area. Then you just run the wire out, shut the hatch and plug it into the trailer connector. Uhaul will help you test the lights. I can only speculate that the new OB will have some similar set up.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by chilanzar

I do not have 2012 On, but 2001 OB Base Auto. and I have towed U-haul 600-800 lb trailers, 750 miles, with some Smoky mountains roads in the end, loaded with:
-- side by side refrigerator, couple of flat TVs, misc
-- rugs, furniture ( smallest coverred trailer, filled to the roof )
-- so many things I cannot even remember now.

I belive the 2001 is rated to tow 2000lbs, while 2012 can tow 2700. I think you will be fine.
Also, for the sake of saving on weight, you may consider Uhaul "motorcycle" trailer. it has lower sids so it weighs less than comparable size open regular trailer.

As far as wiring harness goes, I bought mine at Pep Boys ($40, had to order as they did not have in store). I do not know about 2012, but in my old 2001 it plugs into the harness outlet that is hidden behind the little felt "door" on the right side of cargo area. Then you just run the wire out, shut the hatch and plug it into the trailer connector. Uhaul will help you test the lights. I can only speculate that the new OB will have some similar set up.

My 2010 replaced my 2001 legacy GT limited correct the legacy and outback both had a 2000lb limit however that was very generous limit in anything over 80 degree temps. The 2000-2002 2.5's suffered heat build up issues on the exhaust side of things and in hot temps easily out stripped the cooling capacity under any type of extended climb.

The 2010 and newer the trailer wiring plug is behind the driver side rear wheel cover accessed via pulling out the foam inserts and running your finger up under/behind the felt cover over the wheel well in the trunk area. Mine was folded back over its self and taped to its self which made it tough to find and pull loose with two fingers. Then the harness plugs in sits in the spare tire space and gets pulled out and passed under the rear hatch when needed. Works great stays out of the elements when not used and the hatch can be used to pin/hold the wire clear of the hitch gear. I actually prefer this set up over a fixed plug outside the car. I can't tell you how many plugs I've had to replace on my truck due to broken wires and corroded fittings due to being out in the elements. My 2001 subaru went 10yrs with zero wiring issues via the trunk storage approach and it always 100% worked when I needed it.

[crabjoe]

Originally Posted by LensCap

I find it interesting that Subaru rates the Outback higher for towing in the UK. I wonder if it's due to increased ride height on the US version or just because most American drivers are inept and litigious?

Speaking of towing, has anyone added additional cooling to their CVT to reduce the "5 miles of climbing" and high temp weight limits?

In Europe, most all tow using a weight distribution hitch. Using a WD setup has always increased the max tow rating because it redistributes the tongue weight across both axles, instead of it just being over the rear, allowing for better stability.

[mcbrew]

Originally Posted by crabjoe

In Europe, most all tow using a weight distribution hitch. Using a WD setup has always increased the max tow rating because it redistributes the tongue weight across both axles, instead of it just being over the rear, allowing for better stability.

Could you post a link? I have only seen US style WD hitches that go in a receiver. Since Euro hitches don't use a receiver, I am interested to see how they work. I have been to Europe, and have seen a lot of people over there towing trailers... But I don't remember seeing any WD hitches over there.

[RobMunach]

Originally Posted by crabjoe

In Europe, most all tow using a weight distribution hitch. Using a WD setup has always increased the max tow rating because it redistributes the tongue weight across both axles, instead of it just being over the rear, allowing for better stability.

Seems like they do sell them over there. I can't imagine, however, that the thin sheet metal in the Outbacks rear frame rails could accommodate the pitch torque of a weight distributing hitch for too long.

FWIW, I hired a guy to do some landscape work. He pulls a double axle dump trailer with a relatively new, 2WD 1/2 ton chevy pickup. The trailer weight 5k empty and he regularly puts about 10k of load in it. The truck has been doing this since new - 115k miles and still has the original drivetrain. He does not even use a weight distributing setup. Fortunately, he has trailer brakes. I think my next truck will be a Chevy.

[bradze]

do tow ratings here in the US have to do with stopping distances with a load? my friend thinks that may be it, and i think it makes sense