Towing a Jayco Penguin 13 with a Subaru Forester X

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 12:36
ThreadID: 53001 Views:15813 Replies:3 FollowUps:1
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Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone can share there experiences of towing a Jayco Penguin 13 with a Subaru Forester X. We own the 2005 Subaru but are looking at buying a Jayco Penguin and wondered if there are any issues we should be aware of such the Tare and Ball Weight. We welcome any comments or information you can supply.

Thanks Mark & Shell.
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (FNQ) - Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 14:55

Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 14:55
I towed one of these Cabana's shown below with a 1976 1600 Subaru , so I don't think you will have any worries with the toy Jayco I seen on the web.



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AnswerID: 279193

Reply By: jeepthing - Thursday, Jan 03, 2008 at 11:56

Thursday, Jan 03, 2008 at 11:56
I have a Penguin 13 Offroad, the ball weight is approximately 140kg, the tare is 1015kg and atm 1315. I'm towing with a Garnd Cherokee which has a towing capacity of 3500kg and ball weight of 375kg and torque of 510nm so it's fairly hard to compare my vehicle with yours in terms of your vehicle's capability. The most important indicia would be your vehicle's torque and the rev range for that torque. When the camper is fully loaded you will be pulling 1300kg. I take it the your vehicle is a 4 cylinder and petrol which means the torque range will be up in the rev range 3500rpm+?

If so I think you would be changing down a bit on hills. I would image that your vehicle's specs will indicate towing capacity and ball weight.

If those figures are well within 1315kg and a ball weight of 140kg your vehicle should be ok but if those specs are close I think you will be dissapointed.

Notwithstanding, the best way to find out is to get hold of one and test drive.

AnswerID: 279507

Reply By: jayeff - Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 at 17:53

Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 at 17:53
Hi,

I have a Subaru Forester X manual towing a Coromal popette. GTM is 960Kg and towball weight is approx 118Kg.
Subaru specs say that you must have a 50mm weight distribution hitch receiver to be able to tow 140/1400Kg. Also if you have an automatic a transmission oil cooler is advisable.
I have had no trouble towing however a minimum of a 4 bar level ride or better is required to obtain a level tow due to softish rear suspension. (2bar level =85Kg, 4 bar = 130Kg, after that there are adjustable units for heavier loads 250Kg etc)
Have noticed even with my light tow weight that starting on a hill is better done in low range then changing to high when going. Better than burning the clutch!
Fuel consumption is acceptable at around 8.5 k per litre. Like all caravan towing this drops with headwinds which seem to be everywhere.

Hope this has been of some help

AnswerID: 281795

Follow Up By: mark&shell - Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 at 19:53

Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 at 19:53
Hi Jayeff,

Thanks for the information, very helpful.

We have a 50 x 50 Hitch towbar and Oil Cooler fitted by Subaru but will definately look at the 4 bar level ride you recommended.

Happy travelling around Oz.

Thanks mark&shell
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FollowupID: 546155

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