Subaru crossovers like the Crossstrek, Forester, and Outback have been popular with adventure seekers and nature lovers for years.
Thanks to their standard all-wheel-drive, high ground clearances, large cargo-carrying capacities, and rugged durability.
The Subaru Crosstrek, however, is often the go-to choice for those looking for a more compact and budget-friendly crossover.
Due to its shorter length and less expensive price compared to the larger Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback.
What many may not know though is that the Crosstrek actually makes a pretty good little tow vehicle as well.
As the Subaru Crosstrek is capable of towing smaller teardrop campers, lightweight stand-up campers, and even some small pop-up campers.
Why the Subaru Crosstrek Makes a Great Little Tow Vehicle
While there are certainly tow vehicles out there with much higher towing capacities compared to the Subaru Crosstrek, small trucks and full-size SUVs.
For its class and size, the Crosstrek has one of the best towing capacities available.
This makes the Subaru Crosstrek a great option for those that want to drive a smaller compact vehicle but still want some towing capability to pull a smaller trailer or camper.
You might be wondering though, what exactly makes the Crosstrek such a great little tow vehicle?
To answer this question, we’ve highlighted the key features and towing capabilities of the Subaru Crosstrek below.
- 1,500-Pound Max Towing Capacity Across All Trim Levels (Except for the Crosstrek Hybrid, which has a 1,000-Pound Max Tow Capacity)
- Powerful Yet Fuel-Efficient 2.0L or 2.5L Subaru Boxer 4-Cylinder Engine (Depending on Trim Level)
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Traction Control System
- 4-Wheel Independent Raised Suspension
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes with Brake Assist
Best Campers for the Subaru Crosstrek (Least to Most Expensive)
| Make/Model/Trim | Price | Camper Type | Dry Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Taxa Outdoors Woolly Bear ⬇ | $13,999 | Pop-Up | 1,270 lbs |
| 2. Little Guy Trailers MyPod ⬇ | $14,000 | Teardrop | 760 lbs |
| 3. Sylvansport Go Trailer ⬇ | $14,495 | Pop-Up | 840 lbs |
| 4. Aliner Scout Lite ⬇ | $14,500 | Pop-Up | 1,190 lbs |
| 5. Timberleaf Pika ⬇ | $15,500 | Teardrop | 1,025 lbs |
| 6. Bean Stock 2.0 ⬇ | $15,999 | Teardrop | 1,175 lbs |
| 7. inTech Flyer Chase ⬇ | $16,000 | Teardrop | 1,060 lbs |
| 8. 13-Foot Scamp Trailer ⬇ | $17,000 | Stand-Up | 1,200 lbs |
| 9. Little Guy Trailers Meerkat ⬇ | $30,000 | Stand-Up | 1,180 lbs |
| 10. Happier Camper HC1 ⬇ | $30,000 | Stand-Up | 1,100 lbs |
1. Taxa Outdoors Woolly Bear
Quick Specs
- Starting Price: $13,999
- Dry Weight: 1,270 Pounds
- Length: 10 Feet 8 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: N/A
If you’re looking for the ultimate off-road and off-grid pop-up camper that you can pull with the Subaru Crosstrek, then you need to look no further than the Taxa Outdoors Woolly Bear.
As this rugged camper features some of the best off-roading and boondocking capabilities available in a small lightweight trailer.
Thanks to its powder-coated steel chassis, torsion axle suspension, Lock-n-Roll hitch, and 15-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tires.
Despite its more rugged and utilitarian exterior though the Woolly Bear still offers plenty of comfort features as well.
As the Taxa Outdoors Woolly Bear features an onboard AGM battery, a pre-wired solar port, LED lighting, a basic kitchen, and multiple 12-volt USB outlets for charging devices and running small electronics.
With a dry weight of 1,270 pounds though, it’s worth noting that this basecamp-style pop-up is very close to the max tow capacity of the Crosstrek.
So you need to make sure you keep the trailer’s load out to a minimum to ensure you stay below the maximum tow capacity of the Subaru Crosstrek.
For more info on the Taxa Outdoors Woolly Bear, check out Taxa Outdoor’s website by clicking here.
2. Little Guy Trailers MyPod
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $14,000
- Dry Weight: 760 Pounds
- Length: 11 Feet 6 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 (5 with Optional Screen Room Tent)
- Bathroom: N/A
The lightest camper on the road today is the Little Guy Trailers MyPod, which has a dry weight of just 760 pounds.
Thanks in large part to its 100% molded fiberglass body and ultra-lightweight frame.
Despite its smaller size and lighter weight though, Little Guy Trailers still managed to cram a ton of features and amenities into this little camper.
As the MyPod comes standard with a full-size bed, a three-speed Fantastic fan, AC, an entertainment system with LED TV, both 12V and 110 outlets, and an optional roof rack for extra storage.
And for those with families that need to sleep more than just two campers at a time, the MyPod has you covered.
As the MyPod can be equipped with a 5-foot by 7-foot screen room tent that can double either as extra interior space for the camper or increase its sleeping capacity to five.
For more info on the Little Guy Trailers MyPod, check out Little Guy Trailer’s website by clicking here.
3. Sylvansport Go Trailer
Quick Specs
- Price: $14,495
- Dry Weight: 840 Pounds
- Length: 11 Feet 8 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: N/A
The Sylvansport Go Trailer is the lightest pop-up camper available with a dry weight of just 840 pounds.
To see other lightweight pop-up campers, check out our blog post “Top 10 Small Lightweight Pop Up Campers (With Pricing)“.
Making it a perfect fit for the more limited towing capacity of the Subaru Crosstrek.
The Go Trailer isn’t just a standard pop-up though, as it also doubles as an excellent storage and utility trailer as well.
Thanks to its rooftop equipment rack, spacious front storage box, and tilting gear deck.
Which allows you to bring all sorts of equipment and gear with you while camping, such as bikes, kayaks, and even dirt bikes.
And thanks to its one-of-a-kind sleeping pod, this small lightweight pop-up camper is even able to sleep four campers at a time.
Which is pretty impressive for a camper that’s less than 12 feet long.
For more information on the Sylvansport Go Trailer and to find out how to order one, check out Sylvansport’s website by clicking here.
4. Aliner Scout Lite
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $14,500
- Dry Weight: 1,190 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: N/A
The Aliner Scout Lite is one of the lightest and most affordable pop-up campers you can buy, with a dry weight of only 1,190 pounds and an average price of just $14,500.
Despite its ultra-lightweight and budget-friendly price though, the Aliner Scout Lite still provides a lot of great features and amenities.
Starting with the fact that you can actually stand up inside the Scout Lite, thanks to its unique hard-sided pop-up camper design.
That allows you to go from travel mode to camp mode in about a minute. Due to the lack of support poles and crank handles that are found on most tent-style pop-up campers.
Beyond its hard-sided pop-up design though, the Aliner Scout Lite also offers a lot of comfort and convenience features as well.
Which provides a substantial upgrade over tent camping.
As the Scout Lite provides an onboard battery with a solar port for off-grid power, exterior and interior LED lighting, a Fantastic vent fan, high-density foam hypoallergenic mattresses, a convertible dinette booth, a kitchen sink, and even an optional side-mount air conditioner.
For more info on the Aliner Scout Lite, visit Aliner’s website by clicking here.
5. Timberleaf Pika
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $15,500
- Dry Weight: 1,025 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: N/A
If you like to get off the beaten path with your Subaru Crosstrek while camping, one of the best options for this is the Timberleaf Pika.
As the Timberleaf Pika is loaded with off-road-friendly features, including an over-built fully welded, and powder coated 11 gauge steel frame, a 2,000-pound torsion axle, rugged enamel-baked aluminum sides, full aluminum fenders, and an extra-tall ride height.
And that’s just how the base Pika is equipped.
As the Timberleaf Pika can also be equipped with either the All-Road or the Off-Road package.
Which adds even more off-road capability to the camper, thanks to features like a 3,500-pound Timbren axle-less independent suspension, electric drum brakes, all-terrain tires, and a max-coupler articulating hitch.
Beyond its off-road capability though, the Timberleaf Pika is also a really well-equipped teardrop camper that makes the perfect basecamp for off-grid camping and boondocking.
As the Pika comes standard with a double-sized mattress, a four-speed electric fan, interior and exterior LED lighting, USB charging ports, a GFI outlet, and a large rear galley that offers tons of counter space.
And if you’re looking for even more comfort and convenience, you can also option the Pika with a Dometic’s CFX-35W 12-volt refrigerator as well as a Propex heater.
For more information on the Timberleaf Pika and to find out how to order one, check out Timberleaf’s website by clicking here.
6. Bean Stock 2.0
Quick Specs
- Starting Price: $15,999
- Dry Weight: 1,175 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet 2 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: N/A
One of the most well-received lightweight campers to hit the RV market in recent years is the Bean teardrop camper.
Available in several different models, including the Classic Bean, the Mean Bean, and the Black Bean, the Bean Stock 2.0 is the only version of the trailer light enough to be pulled by a Subaru Outback.
Just because it’s the lightest model though, doesn’t mean the Bean Stock 2.0 is a lesser version, as the trailer offers the same one-piece fiberglass shell and composite honeycomb side walls as the heavier models as well as a standard 2000-pound Timbren HD suspension.
Designed to be a no-frills off-road trailer for those who prioritize affordability, lightweight weight construction, and off-road capability.
Despite its compact lightweight size though the Bean Stock 2.0 still offers a surprisingly spacious interior with plenty of headroom as well as numerous standard comfort features.
Including a queen-sized bed, a Goal Zero Yeti 500, a solar power port, dimmable recessed lighting, a front storage rack, and a passenger-side screened door with a shaded port window.
To learn more about the Bean Stock 2.0 and to see how to order one, check out Bean’s website here.
7. inTech Flyer Chase
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $16,000
- Dry Weight: 1,060 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet 5 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 (5 with Optional Add-A-Room Tent)
- Bathroom: N/A
The inTech Flyer Chase is the first of many teardrop campers to make this list, due to their smaller size and lighter weight.
As teardrop campers are ultra-lite campers, which makes them a great choice for small crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek.
Designed to be the perfect basecamp for camping and boondocking, the inTech Flyer Chase provides numerous upgrades, despite its more affordable price.
As the Flyer Chase has a versatile interior, lots of storage space, a comfy full-size mattress, MaxxAir vent fan, bubble foil R7 insulation, LED lighting, Bluetooth stereo, and 12V USB and 110 outlets.
inTech Flyer Chase Floorplan
And if you need to sleep more than two, don’t worry, as you can easily add the optional add-a-room tent to the back of the camper to increase its sleeping capacity to five.
The add-a-room tent isn’t the only optional accessory available on the Flyer Chase though, as there’s a wide range of accessories that you can add to the camper to customize its build-out to your specific needs.
Including off-road tires, a roof rack, a roof-mounted AC with heat, electric brakes, a straight awning, and a batwing 270° awning.
For more info on the inTech Flyer Chase, check out InTech’s website by clicking here.
8. 13-Foot Scamp Trailer
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $17,000
- Length: 13 Feet
- Dry Weight: 1,200 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: None
Scamp trailers, which can trace their roots back to the Canadian-based Boler, have had a cult-like following ever since they were introduced in the US in 1971.
Thanks to their compact size and ultra-lightweight design.
Available in three different sizes, including the 13′, 16′, and 19′ fifth wheel, one of the most popular sizes is the iconic 13-foot Scamp Trailer.
Which has an overall length of 13 feet and an interior length of 10 feet, making it one of the smallest and shortest campers you buy.
To see other compact campers, check out our blog post “The Top 10 Shortest Travel Trailers on the Road Today“.
Despite its smaller size though the interior of the 13′ Scamp is surprisingly usable and functional, thanks to its well-laid-out floorplan and excellent use of space.
In fact, it’s so functional that YouTubers like Elsa Rhae and Barron have used it as their permanent home on wheels for the last 5 years. (They use a 2004 Subaru Forester XT as a tow vehicle.)
If you plan to tow the 13-foot Scamp Trailer with a Subaru Crosstrek though, you’ll need to opt for the lightest version of the trailer, which is the 13′ Standard Scamp without a bathroom.
13′ Standard Scamp Floorplan
As the 13′ Scamp layout with a bathroom or the deluxe version of the camper would exceed the max tow capacity of the Subaru Crosstrek.
The good news though, is that when you opt for the more basic 13′ Scamp trailer, you get a four-person sleeping capacity as opposed to just two, which is what is offered on the wet bath version of the trailer.
For more information on the 13 Foot Scamp trailer and to find out how to order one, visit Scamp’s website here.
9. Little Guy Trailers Meerkat
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $30,000
- Dry Weight: 1,180 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: Porta Potty
One of the lightest stand-up campers and definitely one of the most unique is the Little Guy Trailers Meerkat, which is made by the same company that makes the MyPod from above.
Designed to be a cross between a stand-up camper and a pop-up camper, the Meerkat features a unique tent pod at the trailer’s front.
This allows the trailer to keep a lower profile while in travel mode but still allows you to stand up when in camp mode.
In fact, the trailer has such a low profile that it’s one of the few campers that can fit inside a garage, thanks to its 6-foot 5-inch exterior height.
Little Guy Trailers Meerkat Floorplan
Beyond its unique pop-top though, this camper also offers several features not typically found on small lightweight campers, including a porta-potty as well as an interior kitchen.
This makes this lightweight stand-up camper one of only two campers on this list to offer a bathroom, albeit a somewhat limited one.
For more information on the Little Guy Trailers Meerkat, visit Little Guy Trailer’s website here.
10. Happier Camper HC1
Quick Specs
- Price: $32,950
- Dry Weight: 1,100 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet 5 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: Porta Potty
The Happier Camper HC1 is one of the most expensive campers you can pull with the Subaru Crosstrek but it’s also one of the most functional and versatile.
Thanks to its one-of-a-kind modular interior called the ADAPTIV™ floorplan, which allows you to use its modular honeycomb fiberglass floor and ADAPTIV™ components to build out the interior to fit your specific needs.
And to add even more functionality and versatility to the camper, all of the ADAPTIV™ components can be removed from the trailer.
Allowing you to use the camper as a fully enclosed utility trailer.
Which can be used for a wide variety of jobs, thanks to its large rear hatch door, frame-mounted D-ring tie-downs, and front drain.
Which actually helps to offset the higher cost of the trailer in a way.
Because when you purchase the Happier Camper HC1, you’re really getting two trailers for the price of one.
As your getting not only one of the most versatile and lightweight campers on the market today but you’re also getting a full-enclosed utility trailer, as well.
For more info on the Happier Camper HC1 and to find out how to order one, check out Happier Camper’s website by clicking here.
Have More Subaru Crosstrek Towing Questions? We’ve Got More Answers…
Additional Lightweight Camper Resources:
- 12 Popular Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs (Ultra-Lightweight)
- The 8 Best Small Travel Trailers With Twin Beds (Under 24 FT)
- Top 10 Small Travel Trailers With Bunks (Under 22 FT)
Recent Posts
Picture this: your kids laughing as they spot a moose outside their bedroom window, learning geography by visiting state capitals, and family bonding around a campfire instead of a TV. Full-time...
Are you looking for inspiration for your RV kitchen remodel to transform the space from old and dated to stylish and functional? If so, you've come to the right place, as this blog post highlights 31...