2016 outback premium 2.5 and towing

[humpty-TNT]

Hi all, I am planning on renting a trailer (< 1500 pounds fully loaded, closer to ~1350 without water) and it doesn't have any brakes. I've heard some people say that it shouldn't be a problem towing it with my outback but I'm more concerned about stopping power. I understand the towing limit without brakes outside the US is for ~1600 pounds. Anyone with personal experience? I'm planning on using downpaddles/engine braking, keep lots of room ahead for stopping distance. Coming down from Crater lake to Eugene on highway 58, ~60 miles and steepest portion is a 6% grade for 5 miles. Thanks!

 

[gudmund-TNT]

did the same trip in '18 on our TearJerker Crawl - two of our participants in the group tow with an Outback and a Forester - both towing trailers weighing 1500/2000 lbs, with both seemingly to be doing just fine!! I have spoke to both over the years about how they are holding up so far? = neither saying anything negative about having had had any problems with either of them. The Forester was again with us this last year ('19) doing the Idaho Crawl - I followed them for many a mile with them never falling behind when going though the mountains. (in fact - I had to pick it up a few times just to keep up with Ed, and yes he has told me a time or two that I drive too slow = which maybe true being I do drive the speed limit for the most part - not so much for him...) Neither of them use/have trailer brakes and both are 4cyl's.....

 

[humpty-TNT]

Wow, thanks. That is very reassuring to hear that you did the same trip without trailer brakes!

 

[djohnsonnv]

Glad to hear the positive reviews on the Outback/Forester. I have a 2019 Forester that will be my tow vehicle if I ever get to build a teardrop. Currently I only tow about 300-400 pounds with it.

Sent from my moto e5 cruise using Tapatalk

 

[pchast]

I've had no problems with my 2012 outback premium 2.5 My tear is under 1000 lbs.
But I also regularly pull a trailer load of stone for my driveway or a motorcycle to
the dealer an hour and half away.

You should be good to go if you stay aware of your speed and following distances.
Engine braking can help but I would not rely on it beyond controlling decents...
You will have more gentle stops with just your brakes.

 

[Homebrewer25]

While my trailer is a long way from being done, I had to replace a vehicle last fall, and I wanted to get something that would be a good TV for when the trailer is done. I estimate that it will be about 1200 lbs empty, 1600 loaded.

I wanted an AWD vehicle because we are in a higher elevation with winding roads and sometimes have difficulty getting in and out with a 2WD. So it came down to an Outback (rated to tow 2700) or a Forester (rated to tow 1500). I wondered why such a difference. They have virtually the same HP and Torque ratings, and the Outback is about 140 lbs heavier, 9" longer, and 3" lower. The Outback as 12.4" front and 11.8" rear disk brakes, while the Forester has 10.8" disks all around.

These seem like rather minor differences to warrant a nearly doubling of tow capacity. Any thoughts?

BTW, I ended up going with a 2018 Outback

 

[pchast]

The rating depends on the type and style of brakes on the vehicle.