Hello:
I have a Coleman Taos tent trailer. It is about 1000 lbs. I've towed it with
a Subaru Loyale and a Subaru Legacy Wagon.
The Loyale (93hp!) was a brave little car, and did its best, but it
wasn't *close* to powerful enough. Also the brakes weren't anywhere near
being up to the task; on a long downhill run coming into Fundy National
Park, the brakes were *smoking* and had faded away to nothing at the end of
the hill... Scary! Obviously completely inappropriate.
We next bought a Subaru Legacy Wagon, 165hp, 2000 lb towing capacity. We
thought it would be a fine tow vehicle; the dealer said, "No problem".
Experience has showed me that this wasn't true.
We used it on three big trips: to the West Coast two years ago, and 2
trips to the East Coast. For our trailer it seemed to have enough power,
although it struggled a bit on the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton in some of the
really steep spots. No problem with the brakes, either. But...it had a
problem with the tongue weight of the trailer; after the long trip to the
West coast (we live in Southern Ontario), the back tires were worn unevenly
from the suspension being overloaded.
Even though the trailer is only *supposed* to weight 1000 lbs and the
Subie is rated to 2000 lbs, it works out to a whole lot more weight in the
real world with the trailer packed and the wagon packed and two kids and two
adults. I would add one other piece of information: we thought the Subie
could be fine if we installed air bags in the springs to help with the
tongue weight. However, the suspension design of the Subie prevents the use
of any kind of air bags or such-like devices to add stiffness to the rear
suspension. So...you can't overcome that limitation. Also, in neither Subie
were we able to see over the top of the trailer, which was very awkward when
backing, and not a good thing in general when driving. (Although the Outback
is slightly raised, you *might* just be able to see over the back...)
We bought a Toyota Sienna this past summer, and I am looking forward to
our summer trip to the West coast in a vehicle more appropriately suited to
pulling our tent trailer. It'll be nice to be able to see behind us for
once, as well!
Not what you want to hear, I'm sure. But, this has been my personal
experience.
P.S. You might want to post in alt.rv.pop-up-trailers - lots of towing
experts there!
Happy Camping!
Coleman Taos 2000
Toyota Sienna 2004
--
Fred Boer - Amateur Access Enthusiast
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