jareddriver
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Post by jareddriver on Feb 15, 2021 6:56:35 GMT -8
Hi - I'm brand new here. I'm searching for a light weight trailer to tow with my Subaru Outback (2.5 L 4-cyclinder). I'm looking at this 1955 "Sierra Vista" camper. It's not as functional as I would like but it's very nice. Does anybody have an idea of the weight? www.shoppok.com/showlow/a,38,75359,1955-Sierra-Vista--Canned-Ham--Restored-Travel-Trailer----9000--Peoria-.htm More pictures here (scroll half way down of ctrl-F 'sierra vista'): tincampersblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/dec-18-2017-listings/Thanks for your help! JD |
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Post by vikx on Feb 15, 2021 12:11:19 GMT -8
It's very difficult to know what a trailer weighs. I'd guess most hams from 1800 to 2000 pounds. It's easy enough to weigh a small trailer in almost any area. Keep in mind that "trailer weight" includes all your stuff; camping gear, people, food and the dog. That's in the car and trailer both.
Is your Subaru set up as a tow car? A 4 cylinder motor will strain on anything but flat ground. Also, most smaller drive trains need a factory "tow package" to prevent component damage when towing. Research your particular car VERY closely before using it as a tow vehicle.
Our safety rule of thumb on trailer weight is that the tow car be able to tow double the trailer weight. In other words, you would need a tow capactiy of 4000 pounds to comfortably tow a 2000 pound trailer. Today's Subarus are rated at 2700 lbs tow capacity; a few up to 3500 when properly equipped.
Take your time and good luck.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Feb 15, 2021 19:11:15 GMT -8
I agree with VIkx, I think you’re stretching your Subaru Beyond a comfortable weight. I originally had a truck with a total limit of 3500 pounds and I had a 1100 pound Shasta compact. It struggled in the mountains even with that.
another thing to consider is controlling your rig with such a small tow vehicle. When a tractor trailer goes by, your rig is going to sway back-and-forth because the Subaru is so small.
with that said, I’ve owned a 12 foot Shasta weighing 1800 pounds and a 13 foot forester weighing 2500 pounds. It all depends on the construction.
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57 Trotwood
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Post by 57 Trotwood on Feb 16, 2021 11:31:00 GMT -8
I agree with VIkx, I think you’re stretching your Subaru Beyond a comfortable weight. I originally had a truck with a total limit of 3500 pounds and I had a 1100 pound Shasta compact. It struggled in the mountains even with that. another thing to consider is controlling your rig with such a small tow vehicle. When a tractor trailer goes by, your rig is going to sway back-and-forth because the Subaru is so small. with that said, I’ve owned a 12 foot Shasta weighing 1800 pounds and a 13 foot forester weighing 2500 pounds. It all depends on the construction. My 16' Trottwood weighed in at 2800 lbs. But I think most canned hams weigh about 16oz at the grocery. |
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Feb 16, 2021 13:25:15 GMT -8
Hmm, the canned hams we used to get weighed five pounds.
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That being said, Hamlet, our ham-style Shasta Compact weighs in, fully loaded at less than 1500 pounds. Until recently we towed it with a 6 cyl BMW X3. It had a towing capacity of 3500 pounds and pulled the trailer easily. We recently sold it and got a Tesla Model Y with the same towing capacity. THe other folks who chimed in are right, about keeping your trailer weight at about half of capacity. It’s not so much if the vehicle can pull it, it’s can it stop.
Your Subaru looks to have a towing capacity of 2700 pounds. With that rule of thumb, you’d probably be best off with a teardrop. A teardrop’s low profile should also cut wind resistance making towing a little easier on the engine.
Let us know what you come up with.
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jareddriver
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Post by jareddriver on Feb 16, 2021 13:58:19 GMT -8
Well first, I now know that it's a Siesta camper with a dry weight of 1100
Here's my rough math on the weight:
1100 dry camper
120 gas
140 kayaks
330 me, wife, + dog
250 gear
150 food and drinks
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2090lbs
At that weight I'm still less than 80% of my tow capacity (2160). Planning to get transmission cooler and trailer brake controller installed.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Feb 16, 2021 14:58:33 GMT -8
I think you'll find that 80% of tow capacity on short trips with level ground will work but long distances with mountains will be pushing your car really hard.
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Post by Teachndad on Feb 19, 2021 22:09:24 GMT -8
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Post by vikx on Feb 20, 2021 13:10:39 GMT -8
Note: Outbacks will not accept load levelers. The doors can pop open when the unibody flexes. This is straight from a Subaru tech.
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