Real world mileage Subaru Forester pulling a trailer? (say 1200#)

Clutch

<---Pass
Anyone pull a couple dirt bikes with their Subies?

Did a little research, I am hearing they only get 18-20 mpg under load.
 
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Flagster

Expedition Leader
I only got 18 to 20 with my WRX...no trailer...but a lot of load on the skinny pedal...
IMO subies don't pull that great mileage until you start thinking about the CVT...unloaded...and man that transmission is like eating cat food...it sucks...
We average about 27.5 mpg with my GFs 2010 outback loaded...like on the bump stops loaded...too much crap...Conservative driving on the interstate you can do over 30...I would think any trailering would be around 20...but we have the 4cyl...not sure how the 3.6L? not sure size...does
 

BBerry4430

New member
Towing a very full and heavy utility trailer I got 18. Normally on the highway I get 27, so it was definitely a big drop. With that said, it pulled just fine and that's about the mileage I think you could expect from anything when towing, give or take a couple mpgs.
 

IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
I dont think its the mileage you need to worry about.

Its that EJ25 and the head-gaskets.


Eagle-eyes on that temp gauge when towing!!!!
 

Ozarker

Well-known member
04 Forester SX get 17-20, not aggressive driving but I'm ahead of granny off the lights. We have hills too in every direction, if you're not going down one, you're going up one. Not much difference loaded or empty.
 
2008 outback XT 5 speed.
I get about 17-18 with my 5x9 utility trailer. loaded its about 1200-1300 lbs. When pulling my brother's trailer with a 5ft mesh gate/ramp on the back I get about 12mpg! it acts like an air brake, so it really comes down to slipstream behind the car I think. You wont have issues pulling that trailer...
ONLY 18-20??? I think that is pretty respectable mpg for towing, no matter what type of vehicle it is.
 

Clutch

<---Pass
ONLY 18-20??? I think that is pretty respectable mpg for towing, no matter what type of vehicle it is.

It is very respectable.

I like the car, I don't think it is going to have the capacity I need though. Very versatile platform, but not versatile "enough" if you know what I mean.

Totally different end of the spectrum, looking at Chevy 3/4-1 ton vans too...(I could ditch the trailer all together for the bikes)...the only time, I want decent mileage is while road, couple mpg's between the Suby and a van...think I'll lean towards the one with the greater capacity.

EPSN0027_640x480-1.jpg EPSN0030_640x480.jpg
 

Clutch

<---Pass
I vote for van

Yeah, I was thinking something to zip around town in during the week, and yank the dirt bikes around on the weekends. Believe I will kill a Suby with dirt bike duty.



I have vehicular A.D.D. :rolleyes:


Looking for an excuse to throw money towards solutions, for problems I don't have. ha ha!
 

Ozarker

Well-known member
Yeah, I was thinking something to zip around town in during the week, and yank the dirt bikes around on the weekends. Believe I will kill a Suby with dirt bike duty.



I have vehicular A.D.D. :rolleyes:




Looking for an excuse to throw money towards solutions, for problems I don't have. ha ha!

Agreed, after due consideration, 4 miles per gallon between my Subby and the F-150, the truck wins. My old transalp will go places the subby can't or anywhere it could much cheaper, after I get there.

I have the same problem, create a problem for an excuse to spend more money! :)
 

Clutch

<---Pass
Agreed, after due consideration, 4 miles per gallon between my Subby and the F-150, the truck wins. My old transalp will go places the subby can't or anywhere it could much cheaper, after I get there.

I have the same problem, create a problem for an excuse to spend more money! :)

*thumbs-up*

glad to see I am not the only one! :D
 

Kestrel

New member
really ..?

"real world mileage pulling a trailer"
Howdy y'all,
I suggest maybe let's call this "Real World MILES ... [hauling two MX'ers] "

If your DD [round trip] is 9 miles and your weekend destination is 300 miles, then
the van is a slam-dunk. BUT...
If your DD is 30 miles and your weekend yahoo is 90 miles, then
the Foz gets the nod.
HTH,
K.
 

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