Subaru Outback 3.0 (or 3.6) v Honda CRV??.

[johnsoba]

Two very different tow vehicles are our choices for pulling an '82, stripped down (small catalytic furnace, removed ice box and water tank, removed bunk beds, porta-potty only) 13' Scamp w/ retrofittted brakes. BUT WHICH?? Help! or tell us we're crazy not to get something else.

Ann + Bruce

[honda03842]

Ann and Bruce,

A Scamp 13 with brakes properly loaded can easily be towed by many modern 4 cylinder vehicles. The 4 cylinder Suburau is used by many tow Scamps including the Scamp 16.

Though you appear to have lightened your Scamp, it is not necesary for towing by either of your vehicle choices.

Glad to share our experiences. Do not hesitate to PM me.

Safe Travels,

[MC1]

Back in the 50's this 180HP Mercury towed this 4,000lb+ trailer over 90 MPH.

Generally speaking, modern 4 and 6cyl engines with 4+ gear trannys work very well for towing glass eggs.

[Carol H]

Ann & Bruce, I am on my 3rd Outback and 4th Subaru, its a great all round car to own. I have kept each of them between 5 to 7 years and never had any warranty work done on any of them. It will give you more tow cap than a CRV should you choose to upgrade your trailer in the future. I have been towing a Scamp 16' with mine for over 5 years - all it be one of the lighter plans (2550lbs loaded) and its been thousands of miles on various grades without any problems. Things I love about the Outback is the interior rear cargo space - can easily fit a bike in the rear area without even taking the wheels off of it. Can fit 3 very big dogs in the very rear without a problem or 3 sets of golf bags and folding carts. Actually has more rear cargo space than a Volvo station wagon. If you ever do a home reno you will be surprised what all you can fit in it. If your a skier you will not find a better car for driving in the snow - #1 reason I am reluctant to switch to another tow vehicle in the future.

[Daniel H]

HI, I have a 13' Scamp that I pulled with my 2001 Outback and generally it did fine. A couple of hills on I94 did slow me down but that's it so a H6 (3.0or3.6) should be a breeze to pull a scamp. I did have a 1997 CRV and it was fine for our older 6' pop up but I would not even attempt to pull the Scamp with it as it was underpowered. Just my two cents
Daniel

[honda03842]

Daniel,

The 2nd (our 2004) and 3rd generation of Honda CRVs have about 50% more horsepower and torque than your 1997 CRV, a rather significant increase while at the newer generations also have significantly better fuel efficiency. In the case of the CRv also with increasing size and volume efficiency.

Most newer vehicles are adding power and torque with better mileage. I think the future of four cylinders is moving in the right direction for towing small fiberglass trailers.

Discounting Honda's N.American towing ratings we have had no issues towing our Scamp 16.

[Carol H]

Daniel is correct there is in addition to the big difference between the two vehicles in regards to tow capacity - Honda 1500lbs Subaru 2800lbs(2.5) & 3000lbs (3.0) which will keep you out of trouble in the event of an accident & your vehicles towing cap is brought into question but there is also a difference in horsepower between the two vehicles:

All 2013 models:
CRV (all models) Torgue 163 @ 4400 Horsepower 185 @ 7000
Outback 3: Torgue 247 @ 4400 Horsepower 256 @ 6000
Outback 2.5: Torgue 173 @ 4400 Horsepower 174 @ 4100

[honda03842]

Our Maine son tows his Casita 16 with a Suburau Outback and it works very well for him. It is very similar to our Honda CRV in terms of spaciousness, comfort and size.

The Suburau does have a larger engine and full time 4 wheel drive and as would be expected tyhe Suburau gets good but poorer mileage. Carol quotes high reliability and my Honda experience is the same.

They both seem good, solid vehicles.

Safe travels