Can the Subaru Forester Really Tow a Camper?

The Subaru Forester is a popular SUV for outdoors-focused people, but can its towing capacity handle a camper?

We see crossover SUVs just about everywhere we go these days, but the Subaru Forester was one of the first. Introduced in 1997, the Forester was billed as having the best of both worlds—the comfortable ride of a station wagon plus the toughness and versatility of an SUV.

An interesting idea, indeed. Let’s take a look!

The Scoop on the Subaru Forester

The Forester is the automotive equivalent of that friend who’s always up for a hike but won’t shut up about their granola recipe. Introduced in the late ’90s, the Forester has been the go-to choice for people who want the practicality of an SUV without the obnoxious footprint.

It’s the Swiss Army knife of vehicles: compact yet spacious, rugged yet comfortable, and unassumingly capable.

With its symmetrical all-wheel drive, the Forester has been lauded for handling everything from city streets slick with rain to mountain roads peppered with snow. It’s the kind of car that says, “I could go off-road, but I also value my fuel efficiency.” It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. The Forester is the reliable sidekick in your life’s adventure novel, quietly ensuring you get from point A to point B without any drama.

But let’s get to the heart of the matter: Can this understated hero tow a camper trailer without keeling over?

Subaru Forester Towing Capacity

Here’s where the plot thickens. The standard towing capacity of a Subaru Forester is 1,500 pounds. Yes, you read that right. A meager 1,500 pounds—roughly the weight of a great white shark or, more relevantly, a teardrop camper and a cooler full of regret. If you’re thinking that’s not exactly Herculean strength, you’re not wrong.

However, Subaru threw a curveball with the introduction of the Forester Wilderness edition. This off-road enthusiast’s dream bumps the towing capacity up to 3,000 pounds. Suddenly, the Forester is flexing muscles we didn’t know it had. It’s like when your quiet coworker demolishes everyone at the company arm-wrestling contest.

But before you start dreaming of towing a mansion on wheels, let’s temper those expectations. Even at 3,000 pounds, we’re still talking about a relatively modest towing capacity in the grand scheme of RVs and campers.

Additional Specs and Features of the Forester

Let’s delve into what makes the Forester tick—or rather, hum politely. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine delivering a respectable—but not exactly thrilling—182 horsepower. It’s paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which is great for fuel efficiency but about as exciting as a decaf latte.

The Forester boasts symmetrical all-wheel drive, making it adept at handling diverse terrains. It’s equipped with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, or 9.2 inches if you opt for the Wilderness trim. That’s enough to clear most obstacles, like stray rocks or your neighbor’s misplaced ego.

Inside, the Forester is surprisingly roomy. With up to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, you can haul a decent amount of gear—or a small band’s worth of instruments if that’s your thing. Tech-wise, it’s got all the modern conveniences: touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety features under the Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology umbrella.

But let’s be real—the Forester isn’t winning any drag races. It’s built for comfort and reliability, not for setting land speed records or towing gargantuan loads.

Can a Subaru Forester Tow a Camper?

So, can a Subaru Forester tow a camper? The snarky answer: Depends on how much you value your engine and your sanity.

With a standard towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, you’re limited to the lightest of the light—think teardrop campers, small pop-up trailers, or maybe a trailer carrying your collection of vintage vinyl (because priorities). If you’ve got the Wilderness edition with its 3,000-pound capacity, your options widen slightly to include some small travel trailers.

But here’s the kicker: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Towing at maximum capacity isn’t exactly a recipe for a stress-free drive. You’ll be pushing the Forester to its limits, which could lead to increased wear and tear, reduced fuel efficiency, and the kind of engine noises that make mechanics rub their hands together with glee.

Moreover, towing isn’t just about what’s on paper. Factors like terrain, weather conditions, and your own driving experience play significant roles. Towing uphill in the Rockies is a different beast than cruising along flat coastal highways.

If you overload your Forester, you risk compromising its handling and braking capabilities, turning your serene road trip into a white-knuckle ordeal.

Possible Campers to Tow with Subaru Forester

Assuming you’re not deterred by my doom-and-gloom cautioning, let’s explore some campers that your Forester can tow without inducing a mechanical meltdown.

1. Teardrop Trailers

These minimalist wonders typically weigh between 500 to 1,500 pounds. They’re compact, aerodynamic, and offer just enough space for a bed and some storage. Perfect for those who believe camping should involve as little comfort as possible.

2. Pop-Up Campers

Also known as tent trailers, these can weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds. If you’ve got the Wilderness edition, you’re in luck. These campers expand to provide more space but collapse into a more tow-friendly size when on the road.

3. Small Utility Trailers

Perhaps you’re more into the DIY camping experience. A small utility trailer loaded with camping gear, bikes, or a kayak or two would be well within the Forester’s capabilities.

4. Ultra-Light Travel Trailers

Some manufacturers specialize in ultra-light travel trailers that tip the scales under 3,000 pounds. Models like the Scamp 13′ or the Happier Camper HC1 could be viable options for Wilderness owners.

Remember, always check the exact weight of the camper, including cargo and fluids. The manufacturer’s listed weight often doesn’t account for your gear, that extra case of craft beer, or your partner’s inexplicable need to pack six pairs of shoes for a weekend trip.

How Much is a Subaru Forester?

Let’s talk dollars and cents—or sense, depending on how you view financial decisions involving vehicles.

The 2024 Subaru Forester starts at around $26,500 for the base model. As you climb the trim ladder, prices increase accordingly:

Premium: Starting around $29,000
Sport: Approximately $30,500
Limited: Circling $32,000
Wilderness: Starting near $33,000
Touring: Topping out at about $36,000

If you’re eyeing the Wilderness edition for that sweet, sweet 3,000-pound towing capacity, expect to shell out in the mid-$30k range before options and taxes. Not exactly pocket change, but in the realm of SUVs with all-wheel drive and decent towing abilities, it’s competitively priced.

Factor in Subaru’s reputation for reliability and strong resale value, and it’s a financial proposition that doesn’t require a PowerPoint presentation to justify—unless you enjoy those sorts of things.

Where the Subaru Forester Towing Capacity Falls Short

While the Forester is a jack-of-all-trades, it’s a master of none when it comes to towing heavy loads. The standard 1,500-pound capacity is, to put it mildly, underwhelming. Even with the Wilderness edition’s 3,000-pound limit, you’re still confined to the lighter end of the camper spectrum.

Here’s where the shortcomings become glaringly apparent:

1. Limited Camper Options

Want to tow a medium-sized travel trailer with a full kitchen, bathroom, and space to swing a cat? Not with a Forester. Your options are restricted to the minimalist lifestyle—great for some, claustrophobic for others.

2. Engine Strain

That 2.5-liter engine isn’t exactly brimming with torque. Towing near the maximum capacity will strain the engine, leading to reduced performance and potential long-term damage. It’s like asking a marathon runner to haul a sled—possible but not advisable.

3. Fuel Efficiency Takes a Hit

One of the Forester’s selling points is its respectable fuel economy, averaging around 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Throw a camper into the mix, and those numbers plummet faster than a lead balloon. You’ll be stopping at every gas station, contemplating life choices as you watch the dollars tick upward.

4. Handling and Safety Concerns

Towing reduces your vehicle’s handling capabilities. Braking distances increase, acceleration slows, and stability can become an issue, especially in adverse weather conditions. The Forester isn’t equipped with advanced towing aids found in larger SUVs or trucks, making the whole experience more precarious.

5. Transmission Wear

The CVT is efficient but not renowned for handling heavy loads over extended periods. Excessive towing can lead to overheating and premature wear, resulting in costly repairs that will make your wallet weep.

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Towing with a Subaru Forester: The Final Verdict

So, can the Subaru Forester tow a camper trailer? Technically, yes. Should you rely on it as your primary towing vehicle for regular camping excursions? That’s a harder sell.

The Forester excels at many things: it’s reliable, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and capable of handling rough roads with ease. But when it comes to towing anything beyond the lightest campers, it starts to show its limitations.

If your heart is set on owning a Forester and you occasionally want to tow a small trailer for weekend getaways, go for it—just be mindful of the weight and don’t push the vehicle beyond its limits. However, if towing a larger camper is a significant part of your lifestyle, you might want to consider vehicles with higher towing capacities.

In the end, the Forester is like that multi-instrumentalist in a band who’s good at everything but doesn’t necessarily steal the show. It’s reliable, versatile, and always hits the right notes—but it won’t be delivering any mind-blowing solos in the towing department.

So, maybe it’s time to rethink that spontaneous camper-towing road trip—or at least adjust your expectations and your cargo list. After all, sometimes the best adventures come from embracing limitations, not ignoring them.

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