Subaru Outback 3.6
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5619
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Topic: Subaru Outback 3.6
Posted By: jefflee
Subject: Subaru Outback 3.6
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 1:52pm
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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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Replies:
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 1:59pm
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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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Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 2:07pm
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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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Posted By: sailo25
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 8:59pm
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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 |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 9:31pm
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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 |
Posted By: Podster
Date 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. 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) |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 4:53pm
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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. r ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: ilmor
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 7:15pm
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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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 7:29pm
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.. ------------- |
Posted By: FreeRangePod
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2016 at 5:31pm
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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 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2016 at 6:02pm
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Ditto! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2016 at 6:17pm
You may wish to start a new thread with your question, since you've tacked it on to the end of a rather old thread dealing with a different question. But here's my answer: Yes! You need a brake controller! Without a brake controller, your R-pod brakes are not functioning currently. That's not safe. Be prepared, however, for a little bit of wiring and frustration. Even though your Grand Cherokee has the tow package, Chrysler didn't see fit to include a pre-wired receptacle for the brake controller. The tow package has the receiver hitch and the Bargmann 7-pin plug-in, and it's wired from the hitch to the dashboard, but that's it. You'll need to mount the brake controller, tap into the line from the hitch, tap into the brake lights, and then run a wire through the firewall and to your battery for power. I just did that a couple of months ago. It's not that hard, but a pain working under the dashboard. Here's some good info on doing it: http://www.wkjeeps.com/trailer/electric_brake_inst_wk.jpg - http://www.wkjeeps.com/trailer/electric_brake_inst_wk.jpg ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills."
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2016 at 10:37pm
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Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2016 at 6:37am
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Without functional trailer brakes, you tow vehicle is doing all the work of stopping both vehicles. It is also much more susceptible to a jack knife situation. Also, every state has laws concerning the max un-braked trailer weight, and most of those limits are near 1600 ponds. The R-Pod exceeds that my a wide margin. Get the trailer brake controller quick. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2016 at 7:22am
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Agreed, plus some states like Vermont also have a clause in their inspection manual that also says that if the trailer has electric brakes, then the tow vehicles must have them not matter what the weight is.
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |