Subaru Outback Towing a 16' Scamp?

[Ken in SW VA]

Wow, that was fast. We plan to pick up our 13' with all the extra weight of a toilet and shower and A/C. I don't remember from various threads, but do you have an added transmission cooler (or is your Subie a manual transmission)?

[Radar1]

Originally Posted by Ken in SW VA

Wow, that was fast. We plan to pick up our 13' with all the extra weight of a toilet and shower and A/C. I don't remember from various threads, but do you have an added transmission cooler (or is your Subie a manual transmission)?

We have the added weight of the toilet, shower, and A/C also. Weighed it on the CAT scale with a full load including full fresh water and hot water tanks to ensure we didn't exceed the 2700 lb Subaru limit, although we normally travel lighter than the full load. Subaru specifies an 8-11% tongue weight.
I added a trans cooler as extra insurance, as well as a brake controller, although the Subaru seems to have great cooling capacity. My temp gauge seems to be the same spot whether I'm solo or towing, but I haven't pulled it up any really big hills yet.
The 13' Scamp should be an even easier combination to pull than the 16, as it's probably at least a couple hundred pounds lighter.

[mcbrew]

I tow my 13' Scamp with a 4 cylinder 2011 Outback. It tows beautifully. It should, too.. as the European version has nearly a 4,000 pound tow rating with the same engine/trans combo. I have not added anything other than the tow hitch (Curt 2" receiver) and the lighting converter. The Outback is pre-wired for lights but not for a brake controller. I may be adding a brake controller if and when I add brakes to the Scamp. I really don't feel that I need it, but I am probably going to be replacing the axle, anyway... so a brake upgrade wouldn't cost too much.

I was impress with the Subie when I had to pull the Scamp up a steep hill that was wet and covered in fall leaves. It didn't even think of losing traction!

[Mike Magee]

Subaru Pulling Truck out of Snow up Hill! - YouTube

Here is a youtube video that proves the Subaru is underrated in tow capacity. Well, sort of...

[Charley]

Hey,
I am new here but I am happy to report that I just put 780 miles in my 2008 Forester, pulling my 13' Burro. Went from Asheville NC to Louisville KY and back. Those who know, will recognize that means some tough hill climbs on I-75, I-40 and I-64. I already have 110,000 trouble free miles on the Subaru. BTW we were hauling quite a load, doing a trade show. I averaged 60 to 65 mph and got 18mpg. Never any question that the Subaru could handle it.

[Happy Haggis]

This may sound like a silly question, but how are you guys coming up with these exact tonque weights
in your back yards, how are you weighing it

[Radar1]

Originally Posted by Happy Haggis

This may sound like a silly question, but how are you guys coming up with these exact tonque weights
in your back yards, how are you weighing it

I just use a bathroom scale. I measure mine on my driveway, making sure the camper is level front to rear. If it's not level, you'll get an inaccurate reading due to shift of center of gravity between front and rear. My scale is rated to 320 lbs and my tongue is always below that. If you suspect that your tongue weight exceeds your scale capacity, try using this method at the Curt link;
Tongue Weight

I measure the rest of the camper using CAT scales at a truck stop. If you go to a CAT scale, bring a step stool so you can reach up to push the intercom button since they are set at a height for truckers to reach from their truck cab.

[cpaharley2008]

this is what you should be using to measure your tongue weight and use it inserted/under in your ball receiver, not under your jack.
Sherline Trailer Tongue Weight Scales

[Happy Haggis]

Thanxs for that guys!! I am not "site savvy' yet so thanks to Honda for the PM also regards HH

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Happy Haggis

This may sound like a silly question, but how are you guys coming up with these exact tonque weights
in your back yards, how are you weighing it

Bonnie, it should be noted that most of the tongue weights that appear on the real world weight list here where not done in back yards by the owners. Frederick who is a member here did the weighing of most of those trailers over a few years at a meet in Bandon Oregon using proper equipment.

[Happy Haggis]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

this is what you should be using to measure your tongue weight and use it inserted/under in your ball receiver, not under your jack.
Sherline Trailer Tongue Weight Scales

Thanks for that, with one of these I won't have to fight with anyone over the bathroom scales,the price is quite reasonable too

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Happy Haggis

Thanks for that, with one of these I won't have to fight with anyone over the bathroom scales,the price is quite reasonable too

Nice tool, but how do you balance on it back in the bathroom?!