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Topic ClosedSubaru Outback 3.6
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jefflee View Drop Down
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Joined: 12 Dec 2014
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Posts: 1 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Subaru Outback 3.6
    Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 1:52pm
We just purchased a RPOD 179 which weighs 2600 pounds. The Outback pulls 3,000 pounds. Is this vehicle acceptable or can someone please tell me a similar type SUV that would be better??

Thanks!
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Mountainrev View Drop Down
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Joined: 22 Jul 2014
Location: Eagle, Colorado
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Posts: 193 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 1:59pm
Hi, jefflee.  You will get many opinions about tow vehicles and what's safe and advisable, but I believe the general consensus on your Subaru is that it is not up to snuff for what you're asking of it.  Remember that the 2,600 lbs you quote is the weight without things like battery, propane tanks, food, supplies (and probably not appliances like microwave, A/C, etc.).  The actual weight of your 179 will likely be well over 3,000 lbs.  This is not a safe set up, and will cause undo strain on your Subie. 

You should probably looking at SUVs that are rated to tow at least 5,000 lbs, in my opinion.  Outbacks really aren't SUVs--they're small (although capable) wagons.  (By the way, I'm a Subie owner myself, but tow with a Dodge Durango).
2014 177
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel

"I lift my eyes to the hills."
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Seanl View Drop Down
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Posts: 633 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 2:07pm
My Opinion is no it is not acceptable. You could probobly get away with a TV that could handle 3500lbs but that would be the absolute minimum in my opinion. You never want to tow right at your limit and you would be once you had the trailer loaded. 
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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sailo25 View Drop Down
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Posts: 37 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 8:59pm
I started pulling my 151 with my 4 cyl Subaru and did not feel comfortable, weighs 2,100 empty mfr weight tag, 2,700 weight with water tanks empty after first trip
Paul & Karie
2009 151
2013 Honda Pilot
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dsmiths View Drop Down
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Posts: 866 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 9:31pm
I think Mountainrev is giving good advice. The Subie might be ok to move the pod around short distances and low speeds but not for the long haul. you need a longer wheelbase, bigger brakes and something with a frame. better safe than sorry.
Dane and Donna Smith
2011 RP-172
2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4
lift kit
prodigy wireless brake controller
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Podster View Drop Down
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 12:34pm
Agreed, there is not enough "junk in the trunk" of the boo-boo-boo to tow the POD, comfortably.Smile Some excess capacity is your friend when towing and makes things easier and a little safer. 

Look for something with at least 125" length in wheel base minimum, longer is better. At least 5,000 lb tow capacity and get something that already has a tow package on it. That is, with a trans cooler, tow receiver, and a 7 pin connection would be awesome. Finally stick with something that has at least 225 hp minimum (give or take a few), 250+ hp is nice to have when pulling uphill on steep grades!

Good luck! Please come back and let up know how things work out!
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Keith-N-Dar View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Apr 2011
Location: Mayville, WI
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 4:53pm





















































FR lists ship weight at 2630 pounds.  when you add propane tank, battery, air conditioner, microwave and such you are over 3000.  Add your gear and supplies and you are way over.



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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150
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ilmor View Drop Down
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Joined: 09 Dec 2014
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Posts: 5 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 7:15pm
Originally posted by jefflee

We just purchased a RPOD 179 which weighs 2600 pounds. The Outback pulls 3,000 pounds. Is this vehicle acceptable or can someone please tell me a similar type SUV that would be better??

Thanks!

I would not do that.  My plan, to pull and R 171 (a smaller trailer), is to obtain Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 or Diesel.
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 7:29pm
Originally posted by jefflee

We just purchased a RPOD 179 which weighs 2600 pounds. The Outback pulls 3,000 pounds. Is this vehicle acceptable or can someone please tell me a similar type SUV that would be better??

Thanks!


Not for a moment would I pull that setup. It's not just about weight.. Look in your owners manual about "frontal area" you pod has about 48 sqft of it..
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FreeRangePod View Drop Down
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Posts: 10 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jun 2016 at 5:31pm
I am using a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 with tow package. Doing well so far. I don't have a brake controller installed on the Jeep. Do you think I should?
FreeRangePod
2016 RPod 178
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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