October 11, 200718 yr OK , I need to know what you guys have towed w/yer subies? Im planning on selling my 94 Isuzu Trooper and getting a post 93 Legacy or Outback. Question is though. Can the Legacy/Outback handle pulling a tow dolly with another subie on the dolly? It would be towed on flat to mellow inclines , just up and down the I-5 corridor here in Oregon. Thanx all . I just really want my subie back but dont know if it can handle the work load I need it to do?
October 11, 200718 yr Might want to have your brakes looked at if you haven't lately. Those, more than the engine power, would be my concern.
October 11, 200718 yr Author Yes brakes will be my 1st check out. I use to load tractor trailers for united rentals so load and towing are in my background. AT cooler and brake upgrades will be on the list aswell.
October 11, 200718 yr Towing another soob probably exceeds the rated towing capacity, especially if you're using a trailer. You probably already know for AWD soobs a dolly (like front wheels off the ground) is not permissible. I think soob wants trailer brakes over 1000lbs. http://www.cars101.com would show the towing ratings.
October 11, 200718 yr It might be cheaper in long run, and less risky to rent a truck. just my 2 cents.
October 11, 200718 yr I googled subie towing capacity, it seems to vary between 2000 and 2700lbs, with trailer brakes recc. for over 1000lbs. My '03 with the 3L 6 says 2400. Dave
October 11, 200718 yr I think you are asking any Subie to do more than what it was designed to do. Towing a loaded car hauler is too much for any vehicle that is of unibody construction such as a Subie. Your tow vehicle needs to be something with a full frame under it, like a full size p/u truck with a V-8 motor.
October 11, 200718 yr horrible idea. yes it can do it but it's very unsafe and irresponsible. if you're the type that likes doing irresponsible things that risk your life, the lives of others, and then gloating about it when it "goes okay", "you pulled off what others suggested was a bad idea" and you "beat the odds", then definitely start towing with your subaru. it can do it, but it's a very, very bad idea. it's highly unsafe and not nearly up to the task. brakes will be very, very weak and too much weight. have a dedicated vehicle for towing only, it'll be less costly in the long run anyway. if you can't afford to do that, then don't sell the isuzu.
October 11, 200718 yr I used to tow two jet skis on trailer with my 93 Leg wagon.I'll be honest and say it did it power wise no problem other than pulling long hills or grades.I'll also be honest and say going down those same hills and grades was down right dumb, I luckily never lost control but there were times I was very uncomfortable. I took the hitch off just so i couldn't tow anything anymore. I wouldn't recommend it
October 12, 200718 yr I posted earlier that I think it is a bad idea, others think so too. Therefore, it doesn't take much imagination for a cop seeing this towing rig to think it is a bad idea also. If so, expect to receive a hefty violation ticket for breaking some law. Next, their would be towing fees and in-pound lot fees, when the whole mess is hauled away.
October 12, 200718 yr A soob with the appropriate brakes, both vehicular and trailer, wouldn't be that bad. Just keep it out of overdrive and be cautious. Remember that you are doubling your weight. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to do it on a soob with a manual transmission due in part to a good number of ratios, and the lack of reliance of fluid to transfer the power to the wheels.
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