The Subaru Outback has been a popular outdoor adventure vehicle ever since its release in 1994, thanks to its unique blend of SUV and station wagon.
As it offers many benefits of an SUV, such as a higher ride height and superior ground clearance, while also providing the advantages of a sedan, including improved fuel efficiency and enhanced on-road handling.
But what many Subura Outback owners don’t know is that the Outback also makes a pretty good tow vehicle as well.
As the Subaru Outback is capable of towing teardrop campers, small lightweight travel trailers, and even some pop-up campers.
Why the Subaru Outback Makes a Great Little Tow Vehicle
While there are certainly tow vehicles out there with better towing capability and higher towing capacities compared to the Outback, such as full-size trucks, like the RAM 1500 and SUVs like the Ford Expedition.
For its size and weight, the Subaru Outback makes a great little tow vehicle, that’s capable of towing a wide variety of small and lightweight campers.
This makes this Subaru SUV a great alternative for those who don’t want to drive a full-size truck or SUV but still want the ability to tow a small trailer.
But just what makes the Subaru Outback such a great tow vehicle?
Well, it turns out quite a few things, which we’ve listed below.
- 2,700 to 3,500 Pound Max Tow Capacity (Depending on the Year, Trim Level, and Options)
- Turbocharged Subaru Boxer Engine Provides Plenty of Power for Towing
- All-wheel drive Helps to Maintain Traction Even While Towing Off-Road
Best Campers for the Subaru Outback (Least to Most Expensive)
Due to the Subaru Outback’s somewhat limited towing capacity of between 2,700 and 3,500 pounds, the best campers for the Outback will generally be lightweight and ultra-lightweight campers such as small teardrop campers, compact stand-up campers, and lightweight pop-up campers.
The good news though, is that there are hundreds of amazing lightweight campers on the road today, that can be easily pulled by the Outback.
So to help narrow down the list, we’ve highlighted some of the best campers you can pull with a Subaru Outback.
| Make/Mode/Trim | Camper Type | Dry Weight | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD | Pop-Up | 1,514 lbs | $11,000 |
| 2. Timberleaf Pika | Teardrop | 1,025 lbs | $14,750 |
| 3. KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB | Travel Trailer | 2,350 lbs | $16,500 |
| 4. 13-Foot Scamp Trailer | Travel Trailer | 1,200 lbs | $17,000 |
| 5. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12S | Teardrop | 1,903 lbs | $18,000 |
| 6. Coachmen Viking Express 12.0TD XL | Pop-Up | 2,164 lbs | $18,500 |
| 7. nuCamp Tab S | Travel Trailer | 2,095 lbs | $26,000 |
| 8. Little Guy Trailers Meerkat | Pop-Up | 1,180 lbs | $29,470 |
| 9. Aliner Expedition | Pop-Up | 1,850 lbs | $30,000 |
| 10. Happier Camper HC1 | Travel Trailer | 1,100 lbs | $32,950 |
1. Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $11,000
- Dry Weight: 1,514 Pounds
- Closed Length: 11 Feet 9 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
- Bathroom: None
The first and cheapest camper on this list that can easily be pulled by a Subaru Outback is the Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD, which has a dry weight of only 1,514 pounds and an average cost of just $11,000.
Making it one of the most affordable RVs you can buy.
But don’t let its cheap price fool you, as this little pop-up camper from Forest River has everything you need for a quick weekend getaway.
Including such features as a fully-equipped kitchenette, a four-person dinette booth, as well as two fold-out bunks for sleeping.
But probably the best feature of this pop-up camper is its high sleeping capacity.
As this little pop-up camper can sleep up to six campers at a time, which is pretty amazing considering its compact size.
For more information on the Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
2. Timberleaf Pika
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $14,750
- Dry Weight: 1,465 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: None
For those looking to do adventure and off-grid camping with their Subaru, one of the best options available is the Timberleaf Pika, as it was designed to be the perfect minimalist basecamp for camping off-grid and dry camping.
Thanks to its simple and utilitarian design.
That provides everything you need and nothing you don’t, which keeps the weight of the trailer down and allows you to truly be a part of nature instead of just camping in it.
Despite its simpler and basic design, the Pika is still a major upgrade from tent camping.
As it offers a rear outdoor galley kitchen, an onboard 12V, and 110 electrical system, and a cozy interior cabin with a double-size mattress, LED lighting, a 4-speed electric fan, and an optional Propex heater.
And thanks to its rugged exterior and available off-road package, the Pika is just as capable off-road as the Outback is, allowing you to go further off the beaten path.
For more info on the Timberleaf Pika or to order one, check out Timberleaf’s website by clicking here.
3. KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $16,500
- Dry Weight: 2,350 Pounds
- Length: 16 Feet 9 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
The KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB is one of the cheapest and lightest fully self-contained travel trailers out there that can be pulled by a Subaru Outback.
The Sportsmen Classic 130RB has a dry weight of just over 2,000 pounds.
Despite its lighter weight though, it still has a two-piece dry bath, a well-equipped kitchenette, sleeping space for three, a 20-pound propane tank, and a fresh, grey, and black water tank, allowing you to camp off-grid without RV hookups.
So if you’re someone who wants to go camping but still wants all the creature comforts of home, this lightweight stand-up travel trailer from KZ RV might just be the right fit for you.
For more information on the KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB and to see a 360-degree virtual tour, check out KZ RV’s website here.
4. 13-Foot Scamp Trailer
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $17,000
- Dry Weight: 1,200 to 1,500 Pounds (Depending on Floorplan/Version)
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 or 4 (Depending on Floorplan)
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath (Optional)
One of the most iconic and popular lightweight campers on the road today is the 13-foot Scamp Trailer.
Which is instantly recognizable, thanks to its two-piece fiberglass hull that looks like an egg.
But the fiberglass hull isn’t just for looks, as it provides several unique advantages, with the biggest one being weight.
As the rigid fiberglass hull does not require an internal framework or stick frame construction, which greatly reduces the weight of the camper.
Also, Scamp trailers are much less likely to leak because the roof is made from a one-piece fiberglass shell, with no seams or joints.
The 13-foot Scamp trailer is also completely customizable, as Scamp trailers are ordered directly from the manufacturer and are built to order for each customer.
Allowing you to configure the camper to your particular needs and wants.
For more information on the 13-foot Scamp Trailer or to order one, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here.
5. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12S
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $18,000
- Dry Weight: 1,903 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet 3 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: None
If you’re looking for a small teardrop camper but still want the same features offered in larger stand-up campers, then you need to look no further than the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12S.
As this little camper has pretty much every feature and amenity you could want (minus a bathroom), despite its smaller size and lighter weight.
Including a full outdoor kitchenette with a fridge, a microwave, a sink, and an outside griddle, a gaucho couch that converts into a bed, an AC and furnace, an eight-foot power awning, dual propane tanks, and a 200-watt solar panel with a 1,800-watt inverter.
Allowing you to power this versatile teardrop camper with just the sun’s power when boondocking or dry camping.
For more information on the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12S and to see a 3D tour of the interior, visit Forest River’s website here.
6. Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max
Quick Specs
- Price: $18,500
- Dry Weight: 2,164 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet 11 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: Porta Potty
One of the most unique pop-up campers on the market today is the Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max, thanks to its single hinge design and hybrid approach.
As this pop-up pivots up at a single point while in camp mode, allowing for full standing height in the main living area.
While maintaining a fixed lower height in the front of the camper, where the sleeping area is.
This provides a simple and easy-to-operate pop-up configuration that greatly reduces the amount of work and steps required to raise and lower the pop-up.
In addition, this pop-up camper from Coachmen is also loaded with comfort and convenience features.
Including a three-person sleeping capacity, a small kitchenette, a 20,000 BTU furnace, an optional 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a 200-watt solar panel, and a roof rack.
For more info on the Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max and to see a full list of its features, check out Coachmen’s website here.
7. nuCamp Tab 320 S
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $26,000
- Dry Weight: 2,095 Pounds
- Length: 15 Feet 3 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath
For those looking for a completely self-contained camper, the nuCamp Tab 320 S makes a great option for the Outback.
As this little camper by nuCamp has everything you need for your next camping trip whether you’re camping in a campground with full hookups or dry camping while boondocking.
Including a fully-equipped kitchenette, a three-piece wet bath, onboard batteries, and propane, as well as a 19-gallon freshwater tank, an 18-gallon grey water tank, and a 5-gallon black water tank.
But the features and amenities don’t stop there on this loaded teardrop camper, as the Tab 320 S also comes standard with electric brakes, an outdoor shower, and LED lighting throughout.
For more information on the nuCamp Tab 320 S, check out NuCamp’s website by clicking here.
8. Little Guy Trailers Meerkat
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $29,470
- Dry Weight: 1,180 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: Porta Potty
One of the most unique campers on this list is the Little Guy Trailers Meerkat, which is a cross between a stand-up camper and a pop-up camper, thanks to the small pop-up dome towards the front of the camper.
Which reduces the trailer’s height while in travel mode but provides standing room height while in camp mode.
Making the camper much more usable and comfortable to live in than say a teardrop camper.
And thanks to this pop-up dome feature and lower exterior height of only 6 feet 4 inches, this camper can fit in any standard garage, allowing for super easy storage, when not in use.
In addition, with a dry weight of only 1,180 pounds, the Meerkat is also one of the lightest trailers on this list, making it super easy to tow and maneuver with a Subaru Outback.
For more info on the Little Guy Trailers Meerkat and for information on how to order one, check out Little Guy Trailer’s website by clicking here.
9. Aliner Expedition
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $30,000
- Dry Weight: 1,850 Pounds
- Closed Length: 18 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: Cassette Toilet
While the Aliner Expedition is still a pop-up camper, thanks to its hard-sided A-frame design, it’s anything but a standard pop-up.
As the fold-out hard-sided walls of the Expedition provide several unique advantages over the standard canvas tent walls found on most pop-up campers.
Including superior insulation and R-value, making it much easier to cool in the summer and heat in winter.
This is one of the reasons the Aliner Expedition made it on our list of the best pop-up campers for winter camping.
To see the complete list of the best pop-up campers for winter camping, check out our blog post, “The 8 Best Pop Up Campers for Winter Camping“.
The other big advantage of the hard-side walls on the Expedition is the superior sound-deadening capability, which provides a much quieter interior.
As opposed to canvas tent pop-ups, where you can pretty much hear everything going on outside the camper.
For more info on the Aliner Expedition, check out Aliner’s website by clicking here.
10. Happier Camper HC1
Quick Specs
- Price: $32,950
- Dry Weight: 1,100 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet 5 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: Optional Toilet
First introduced in 2015, another ultra-lightweight camper great for the Subaru Outback is the Happier Camper HC1, which features a one-of-a-kind flexible modular interior called the Adaptiv™ system.
That gives you the ability to completely customize the interior of the HC1 to your specific needs and wants.
The Happier Camper HC1 has a unique honeycomb floor and heavy-duty interchangeable molded fiberglass pieces called Adaptiv™ components that can be used to build out the interior of the camper, with everything from benches to beds, to couches and countertops.
In addition, the HC1 also comes standard with a large rear hatch door making it super easy to load and unload the camper.
For more information on the Happier Camper HC1 and to order one, check out Happier Camper’s website by clicking here.
Towing With a Subaru Outback
If you decide to pull a camper with your Outback, there are some things you’ll need to do before it’s ready for towing.
While the Subaru Outback does have the ability to tow a trailer as well as a max towing capacity of between 2,700 and 3,500 pounds, the Outback does not come standard with a tow package or a tow hitch pre-installed.
This means you will have to install or have the necessary items installed on the Subaru Outback for towing, including the tow hitch, wiring harness, and potentially a brake controller, depending on the weight of the camper you’re pulling.
Can You Put a Trailer Hitch on a Subaru Outback?
While the Subaru Outback does not come with a trailer hitch or tow package, you can install a trailer hitch on a Subaru Outback using either an aftermarket or OEM tow hitch.
Most people, however, usually go with an aftermarket tow hitch, as they are more widely available, generally cheaper, and made for a wider variety of production years.
There are many aftermarket tow hitches available for the Subaru Outback, from a variety of retailers and manufacturers but probably the two most popular are from Curt and etrailer, which both mount directly under the bumper of the Outback.
To see the Curt tow hitch options for the Subaru Outback on Amazon click here.
To see the etrailer tow hitch options for the Subaru Outback on etrailer.com click here.
If you have a newer Subaru Outback though made within the last few years and want a more clean-looking install, you can opt for the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tow hitch directly from Subaru.
The OEM trailer hitch from Subaru is incorporated directly into the bumper, instead of being mounted under the bumper like aftermarket options.
However, if you go this OEM route, be aware that the installation process is far more complicated and challenging.
Plus, the hitch will cost more.
Whether you choose the aftermarket option or the OEM option though, make sure you are buying the correct tow hitch for your particular year and trim level.
As there a many different tow hitch options out there for the Subaru Outback, to fit various years and trim levels.
How Much Does It Cost to Put a Hitch on a Subaru Outback?
To install a tow hitch on a Subaru Outback, it will usually cost anywhere from $200 to $400 for the hitch itself and typically another $300 to $400 to have the hitch installed by a professional.
Bringing the total cost to have a tow hitch installed on a Subaru Outback from $500 to $800.
How Do You Put a Hitch on a Subaru Outback?
While the OEM tow hitch for the Subaru Outback is the most challenging install.
Whether you go with the OEM or the aftermarket tow hitch, they are both pretty challenging and complicated installs.
As they both require partial disassembly of various parts and components of the Outback as well as some minor modifications to accommodate for the tow hitch.
So unless you’re handy and know what you’re doing, I recommend leaving the hitch installation to a professional.
However, if you want to see what’s involved in installing a tow hitch on a Subaru Outback, check out this YouTube video that shows the entire process.
OEM Tow Hitch Installation on a Subaru Outback
Can a Subaru Outback Tow a Happier Camper?
Thanks to the Happier Camper HC1’s ultra-lightweight of just 1,100 pounds, the Subaru Outback can easily tow an HC1, no matter what year or trim level.
As the lowest towing capacity on an Outback is 2,700 pounds.
Can an Outback Pull a Pop-Up Camper?
While the Subaru Outback can pull a pop-up camper, thanks to its respectable towing capacity, the Outback can not pull every pop-up.
As many heavier pop-up campers exceed the max towing capacity of an Outback.
If you’re looking for specific pop-up campers that the Subaru Outback can tow, however, we’ve listed eight popular options below.
Popular Pop-Up Campers a Subaru Outback Can Tow, Plus Their Dry Weights
- Sylvansport Go Trailer – 840 Pounds
- Aliner Scout Lite – 1,180 Pounds
- TAXA Outdoors Tiger Moth – 1,310 Pounds
- Coachmen Viking Express 9.0TD – 1,418 Pounds
- Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD – 1,465 Pounds
- Coachmen Clipper LS 806XLS – 1,642 Pounds
- Coachmen Clipper 108ST Sport – 1,863 Pounds
- Black Series Alpha Camper – 1,997 Pounds
Can a Subaru Outback Tow a Tab Trailer?
nuCamp currently makes three versions of their popular Tab trailer, including the Tab 320 S, the Tab Clamshell, and the Tab 400.
And while the Tab S and the Tab Clamshell can be pulled by all Subura Outbacks, their largest Tab camper, the Tab 400, can only be pulled by Outbacks with the highest towing capacity, due to the weight of the Tab 400.
Subaru Outback Max Tow Capacity – 2,700 to 3,500 Pounds
nuCamp Tab Dry Weights
- Tab 320 S – 2,095 Pounds
- Clamshell Tab (CS-S) – 2,105 Pounds
- Tab 400 – 2,866 to 2,876 Pounds
As a word of caution though, if you do have the Subaru Outback with the highest 3,500 max towing capacity and choose to pull the Tab 400 with it.
You need to watch how much cargo weight you load into the camper.
As the dry weight of the Tab 400 is already at 80 percent of the Outback’s max towing capacity, which you should ideally never exceed as the 80 rule for towing states.
To see what kind of campers other Subarus can tow, check out our blog posts “10 Small Campers You Can Pull with a Subaru Forester” and “10 Small Campers You Can Tow With a Subaru Crosstrek“.
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