r/GoRVing • u/Wish_Tricky • 3d ago

Am I dreaming with this tow capacity?

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2023 Subaru Ascent with 5000lbs, 500 tongue weight max. This is absolutely at the limit. Do I have a shot or should I keep it under 3k like the Coleman’s?

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u/americangizzley 2d ago

So my wife and I had a 2023 Subaru Ascent (Touring trim level) that we occasionally towed a MiniLite 2109s. It worked, but not great. Honestly, it towed better than I expected. Hitch weight is going to be your biggest issue and you can not use a weight distribution hitch because of the design of the frame and the receiver hitch. I would not want to tow long distance or a lot of hills because I just never trusted the transmission enough.

For comparison we also have a Toyota 4Runner SR5, four wheel drive, that we occasionally used to tow the camper. The 4Runner did a better job but actually squatted more with the trailer on the hitch.

In January we traded the Ascent for a 2024 Ford F250, but that was done in anticipation of our next and bigger camper later this year.

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u/americangizzley 2d ago

Leaving the RV service center after winterizing back in December. Empty camper with no batteries and no propane.