The Subaru Forester is a popular compact crossover SUV and a good companion for family recreational activities. However, can a Subaru Forester tow a camper for more adventurous activities? We have done the research for your reading pleasure.
The 2022 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds, depending on several factors. This is plenty for some small pop-up and teardrop campers.
However, we should make sure that the camper or trailer being towed should only be loaded up to or below your specific Forester's maximum towing capacity.
If you would like to know more about the Subaru Forester, then you have come to the right place. We have compiled some interesting data for you to understand how much camper weight the Subaru Forester can tow, especially for your outdoor camping trips.
How Much Weight Can A Subaru Forester Tow?
A vehicle's towing capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight that it can tow safely when pulling a camper or trailer. The two types of towing capacity ratings are as follows:
- Braked Towing Capacity - This rating refers to the heaviest weight that a vehicle can tow when the trailer or camper has an independent braking system. In most cases, vehicle specification sheets or brochures use this rating in defining the towing capacity.
- Unbraked Towing Capacity - In contrast, this tow rating is the maximum weight that the vehicle can tow when the camper or trailer does not have an independent braking system. A vehicle's unbraked towing capacity is almost always lower than its braked towing capacity.
When properly equipped, the 2022 Subaru Forester can tow a braked camper or trailer weighing between 1,500 to 3,000 pounds (lbs.).
Except for the Forester Wilderness variant, all other trims of the 2022 Forester have a 1,500-lb. towing capacity. The Wilderness variant, on the other hand, can pull 3,000 lbs.
In terms of unbraked towing capacity, all Forester variants have a 1,000-lb. rating.
What Can You Tow With A Subaru Forester?
As mentioned above, the 2022 Subaru Forester can tow some small, lightweight campers or trailers. We will list down some of these campers and trailers, along with their dry weights below.
A camper or trailer's dry weight is its manufacturer-specified weight, including its standard equipment. Dry weight does not include any fuel, cargo, passengers, fluids, or any optional equipment in its computation.
Some Campers And Trailers For Non-Wilderness Forester Variants
Most of the 2022 Forester's variants have a 1,500-lb towing capacity.
However, we need to consider that during actual camping trips, the trailer will carry the extra weights of the drinking water, luggage, some camping equipment, food, and other optional equipment that you may want to install.
For this reason, we chose campers and trailers that have dry weights below 1,000 lbs. This way, the camper can still accommodate extra weights between 500 to 850 lbs before hitting the non-Wilderness Forester's towing capacity.
Sylvansport GO
The 840-lb. Sylvansport GO is designed for three purposes, all in one package.
The GO can be a utility trailer for transporting gear and extra luggage. It can also be a toy hauler for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), mountain bikes, small kayaks, etc.
Finally, the GO also transforms into a camper that has enough sleeping space for four people.
Livin’ Lite Quicksilver 6.0 and Quicksilver 8.0
The 635-lb.Quicksilver 6.0 has an aluminum body and is one of the lightest pop-up tent trailers on the market.
This lightweight camper has enough sleeping space for up to three people and can be towed even by small cars with 1,000 lbs. of towing capacity.
The bigger Quicksilver 8.0 also uses aluminum for most of its construction, and it weighs 865 lbs. Despite this weight, the 8.0 can hold two double beds plus a convertible sofa for a total sleeping capacity of 6 people.
Go Little Guy MyPod
The 840-lb. MyPod is a teardrop camper with a 100% fiberglass molded body.
This ultra-lightweight sleeper trailer comes with a full-size bed and a gross axle weight rating of 2,200 pounds. Of course, if you stay below its highest weight rating, even small cars can tow this little camping companion.
Meerkat CampKat
The CampKat is another modern teardrop trailer that you can choose as a comfortable camping companion. Although Meerkat does not specify the CampKat's dry weight, the manufacturer advertises its curb weight at 880 lbs.
Some of the CampKat's standard equipment is as follows:
- Roof fan
- Interior LED lights
- Deep cycle battery
- Cabinets
- Mattress for two adults
Polydrop Camper
This uniquely-designed teardrop camper sports an aluminum body and weighs only 820 lbs.
The Polydrop's polygonal exterior design allows for the installation of a solar charging system that can power an induction stove or an airconditioner/heater.
According to the manufacturer, the Polydrop Camper is insulated better than some houses. Their objective is to allow campers to sleep in their luxurious two-person bed comfortably in "short sleeves", even in areas with sub-zero weather.
Some Additional Campers And Trailers For Wilderness Variant
Because the Forester Wilderness trim has a 3,000-lb. towing capacity, we prepared for at least 1,000-lbs of fuel, cargo, and equipment weight.
Clearly, the Wilderness variant can tow all the trailers mentioned above for the non-Wilderness variants. However, the extra 1,500-lb towing capacity allows the Wilderness variant to pull heavier loads. The following campers and trailers have dry weights below 2,000 lbs.
Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E-15TB
The Flagstaff E-Pro E-15TB is Forest River's smallest walkable travel trailer. This camper has sleeping space for two adults as well as a kitchen and a toilet. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, a small sink, and a microwave oven.
Even though this travel trailer has a lot of features, it still has a dry weight of only 1,983 lbs.
NuCamp RV TaB 320 CS-S
The Tab 320 is a lightweight trailer that rivals the Flagstaff E-15TB in terms of amenities.
Inside this teardrop-shaped trailer is a dinette that converts to a king-size sleeping area for two adults. Moreover, Tab 320 includes a wet bath that has a toilet, shower, and sink.
Integrated into the Tab 320's rear hatch is a well-equipped kitchen that includes a sink and a cooking stove. Even with all these amenities, the Tab 320 still weighs only 1,791 lbs.
Safari Condo Alto R1723
Last but definitely not least is the lightweight luxury travel trailer, the Safari Condo Alto R1723.
For more than a few extra bucks, this teardrop camper offers many comfortable features for a more luxurious outdoor camping experience. These features include:
- A 60″ X 76″ king-size bed
- A front dining area that converts to a single bed
- Convertibility to two distinct dinettes, the main one being a five-seater and the second one a two-seater
- Fixed flush toilet with shower
- Lithium self-heated Bluetooth batteries
- Well-equipped kitchen with refrigerator, sink, microwave, and cooking stove
What Kind Of Engine Does A Subaru Forester Have?
The American-spec 2022 Subaru Forester uses a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer powerplant.
This iconic engine provides 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. of torque. It is the same engine that powers other Subaru models, such as the Legacy, the Outback, and the Crosstrek.
Like other Subaru models, the Forester makes full use of Subaru's Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
This exclusively-developed transmission system mates with the Boxer engine to power all four wheels, thanks to Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system.
Is The Subaru Forester Fuel-Efficient?
Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) fuel economy ratings, the MY 2022 Subaru Forester is one of the most fuel-efficient crossover SUVs with an AWD system.
The non-Wilderness Forester variants chalked up 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. These figures give a combined city/highway rating of 29 mpg.
On the other hand, the Wilderness trim recorded 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The combined fuel economy rating for the Wilderness variant is 26 mpg.
These fuel efficiency numbers are impressive. However, they will not apply when the Forester tows heavy loads like a trailer or a camper.
Why Is The Subaru Forester Popular?
For several years now, the Subaru Forester has been a consistent best-seller in its category.
From 2018 until today, the Forester never fails to be in the top 10, usually placing 7th or 8th in terms of unit sales. Indeed, the Subaru Forester is one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs in America.
Moreover, the popularity of the Forester does not end within the US. The current-generation Subaru Forester has been steadily capturing the hearts of Canadian car buyers.
In fact, Canada is now Subaru's third-largest market in the world after the US and Japan.
The Forester is popular among car buyers because of its SUV-like utility and car-like driving experience.
According to a consumer-based review, the 2022 Forester combines a roomy interior with great fuel economy and plenty of safety features.
In a recent J.D. Power review, the 2022 Forester scored "great" in consumer scores for quality, reliability, and resale value. In fact, 97% of the Foresters sold in the past ten years are still on the road today.
Furthermore, for the past seven years, the Subaru Forester has retained its market value better than the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and all others in the compact crossover SUV class.
How Much Is The Subaru Forester?
We compiled the starting prices of the six grades of the Subaru Forester in America. As of May 2022, the prices are as follows.
- Forester (base)- $25,895
- Premium - $28,895
- Sport - $30,465
- Limited - $32,575
- Wilderness - $33,520
- Touring - $35,995
Wrapping Up
The Subaru Forester can tow small campers and trailers. However, the driver must ensure that the camper is not loaded to its maximum capacity in order to stay within the Forester's towing capacity.
Thank you very much for reading. We hope that we were able to help you understand more about the Subaru Forester's towing capacity and some campers that fall within this range.
For more interesting topics about the Subaru Forester and other automotive topics, check out these great articles:
How Much Does a Subaru Forester Weigh?
Thanks for all of these details! Any estimate on the fuel efficiency for the wilderness when towing 3000 lbs?