In the spring of 2022 , we purchased a new Subaru Ascent Limited , followed shortly by a 2022 Winnebago Hike Model 171DB . Online forums were helpful for answering questions about weight limits , towing challenges , and experiences with various travel trailer and tow vehicle combinations .
The Ascent is our third Subaru , preceded by a Forester and a Crosstrek . Of the three , the Crosstrek was our favorite due to the great gas mileage , agile maneuvering , and loads of storage . However , we were interested in something bigger to facilitate more optimal combinations of dogs , people , and cargo . At the last minute , we realized that the ability to tow a camper would be useful , so we added a towing package when ordering the Ascent .
Then we started considering what to tow . We knew that it needed to be light , but our criteria included a full-time bed and a dry SUBARU ASCENT bath . This narrowed the list
5,000-pound towing capacity down tremendously to only
500-pound hitch weight limit a handful of the smallest models across a few brands , while the dry bath excluded many of the teardrop and super lightweight models . We considered an RPod , but it was heavier . A Lance was more expensive , so we turned to the Hike as the best fit .
The Subaru Ascent has a 5,000-pound towing capacity and a 500-pound hitch weight limit . The Hike is approximately 3,200 pounds dry weight with a GVWR of 4,200 pounds . The Subaru Ascent Owners Forum offered a spreadsheet to help calculate hitch weight to determine whether it would work based on the way we planned to use the camper . It looked possible on paper , but some of the online community said it wasn ’ t a good fit and was too close to the weight limits . Others indicated that it was possible , that they had pulled a similar weight trailer without issue .
Our RV dealership , Kunes RV of Sheboygan South , worked with us to sort out the weight challenge . They
allowed us to do a test tow with the Subaru , after the 1,000-mile break-in period , and it seemed possible . The Weigh-Safe adjustable ball mount with a built-in hitch weight scale was a valuable tool to help stay within hitch limits .
So far we ’ ve done three trips with the camper and learned a little about the limitations and strengths of this tow vehicle / camper combination . We knew up-front , based on calculations , that it would not be possible to haul water when traveling . This makes off-grid camping more difficult , because you need to obtain water , and dump it near the destination . The biggest challenge is the Ascent Limited at 4,500 pounds and 16.4 feet , and the Hike at 4,000 pounds and 20 feet , are very near the same size and weight . The Ascent engine manages the weight well and we ’ ve had no problems with overheating . However , at highway
WINNEBAGO HIKE speeds , there is significant
3,200 pounds dry weight sway and movement ,
GVWR of 4,200 pounds especially with high winds and passing semis . Staying at 55 mph or under makes for more comfortable towing . Based on feedback from others , keeping the speed low will be necessary to make this combination work . For some people , these are not acceptable limitations , for others , this is a reasonable compromise . We are planning to do some exploring in the Midwest to start our adventures .
The Subaru Ascent is a good all-around vehicle , allowing great flexibility . It has carried 6 adult passengers across the three rows , as well as three people and two crated dogs . We ’ ve also carried two people , two crated dogs , and all their gear , while towing the camper . It ’ s because of this flexibility that getting a truck or bigger tow vehicle isn ’ t the answer for us , because the Ascent is better for the 95 percent of the time that we aren ’ t towing a camper .
E3CAMPING . COM 69