Tow Vehicle - Subaru

[Brent]

I am considering replacing my old van.

A car that appeals to me is the Subaru Forester - right size, reliable, astheics good, etc. HOWEVER, it has a 168 HP engine. Anyone have experiece towing a CS or similiar weight boat with this kind of HP. My van has 190 HP and gets along fine. I am wondering where the point is that the car will really struggle to get up the hill.

IF I keep the HP to weight ratio constant, will the performance be about the same? Lighter vehicle with less HP vs heavier vehicle with more HP

[Brent]

The Forester has a 2400 lb rated towing capacity. One of the models has auto leveling rear suspension.

I am thinking my CS20 on trailer weighs in right about 1000 lbs. Probably could get to 1500 lbs with some water and gear in it coming up out fo the water at the ramp.

[Brent]

The van with boat attached pulls about 28 lbs per each HP (curb weight + boat weight over peak HP). The Forester and boat puts on a demand of 24.3 lbs per HP.

Looks like the Forester might have a little more Go per weight.

[Joe Nelson CS#35]

The people in other parts of the world think that us Americans are nuts...we all have big SUV's and monster trucks with 500 HP. Most of the rest of the world would tow the Princess with the Subaru and think it is more than adequate.

[Bill Paxton]

I've got a Weekender that I've towed with my Outback for four seasons with no problems at all. The boat and trailer weigh around 1,000 pounds.

[Bruce Leonard]

My CS20 and trailer weigh about 900 lbs. It trails easily behind a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (diesel) with 120HP and 250,000 miles on it. This Jetta with standard not automatic transmission has been up and down a number of ramps without a problem except those I cause.

[Brent]

Thanks for the input guys, this gives me a little more confidence.