Subaru Outback 3.6r Limited

[Rarebird]

Hi, looking for opinions on a new tow vehicle, our Pilot is just getting too old. Will be looking at a Subaru Outback 3.6 this afternoon. We own a 1978 Trillium 4500.
It seems like a nice match to me, any thought? Thanks so much in advance, so glad I have this group to turn to. Marjie.

[Ttocs M]

I've been pulling my 13ft Scamp Deluxe with a 2002 Subaru Outback 3.6 without a problem - goes up mountains like a champ! There are some 2015-2016's near you with low mileage. Very reliable, parts are always available.
I do pack my heavy equipment in the car, not in the trailer. I always have a kayak + gear loaded on top of the car.

[Radar1]

Our 4 cylinder Outback pulled our 16' Scamp just fine. Only issue is that the Outbacks prior to this year were limited to 200 lb tongue weight, so if you can work with that they are great!

[Ttocs M]

My 3.6l is a 6 cylinder...I wouldn't haul a deluxe Scamp with a 4 cylinder if you plan on driving in a lot of mountains. With my 3.6l, I zip up mountains but have to monitor my accelerator on freeways to keep from driving too fast.

[Tony D]

I have a 3.6 Outback and tow a 13 ft scamp. The power is more than adequate, but that isn't all there is to consider.

My trailer weighs just under 2,000 lbs loaded, and I have to use a stowage rack on the back of my Scamp to take some weight off the tongue. The 3.6 Outbacks do have a 200 lb tongue limit. The other item of note with the outback is the cargo limit. The vehicle can only handle 900 lbs -- 200 on the tongue and lets say 350 in the front seats only leaves 350 lbs for cargo. It is enough for us, but hardly a lot. Final note, all wheel drive is not the best choice for towing. The complicated transmission has to deal with some added strains while towing caused by side forces on the ball.

I owned the 2015 Outback when I got my scamp. I determined I'd be fine with the Scamp 13 but decided against the 16. I am happy so far, but there are limits.

[Jon in AZ]

The 200# tongue weight rating could be a problem. A 15' trailer typically weighs around 2000-2200# pounds, which means it will likely have a bit over 200# tongue weight. That becomes a problem if you carry much in the way of gear or extra passengers in the rear of the vehicle. One forum member reported premature wear requiring repairs to rear suspension components from towing a 16' trailer that regularly exceeded the 200# rating. In fairness, others have said all was well.

One thing all seem to agree on is the 3.6L has plenty of oomph. Does the unit you're looking at have a conventional automatic or a CVT?