Three months ago,we purchased a Jayco Freedom 17ft6" pop top,to tow behind our 2009 Subaru Forester.Van,with a tare of 950 was recommended as suitable!Husband has since had a heart attack & is " second guessing" the decision we made!!
Any info of similar van/ vehicle experience/s would be most welcome! thank you
Olley46 said
02:34 PM Sep 28, 2015
I had a Jayco freedom 17ft pop top loaded it weighed at 1.5 tonne but it was towed with a 2000 Prado witch could tow 2.5 Tonne,you will have to check what weight you Forester can handle Percnellie,if you check your tow bar it should have a plate on it stating what it can tow, cheers.
Lance C
Dougwe said
02:41 PM Sep 28, 2015
Welcome to the gang Percnellie, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Just check the specs on the Forester, to double check it can handle the van you mention. The "Tare" is low and empty weight and seems fine but just remember you still need to load the van up and the ATM and ball weight is more important. Probably around the 1200kg mark, with around 120kg on the ball.
When your husband has fully recovered I see no reason, with care, why you both shouldn't continue with your existing plans. IMO.
Keep safe out there.
brickies said
02:43 PM Sep 28, 2015
Towing Capacity of 2009 Subaru Forrester is 1400kg
Percnellie said
03:35 PM Sep 28, 2015
Thanks to both Lance C & IMO for your response.Quite a learning curve when purchasing a caravan as we mistakenly thought we could legally tow to 1.5 ton!!! Then came the "real" scenario..tare,ATM,GTM,weight on ball etc!!! Tare on van 1150kg(NOT 950 as stated earlier), & weight on ball 130kg!!Believe IMO is " on the money", & hopefully it won't be too long before we undertake our "maiden voyage" with a short trip,gradually extending distance & time away until heading for the warmth of Northern NSW/Queensland,next winter!!
Many thanks folks
Percnellie said
04:25 PM Sep 28, 2015
Thanks to all who responded to my query... Very appreciative! Just getting used to the format,user names etc!!
Aus-Kiwi said
01:15 AM Sep 29, 2015
Yep take your time .. Have fun enjoy.. All the best..
Cowboy7307 said
02:39 PM Sep 29, 2015
I know we have the 2006 Forester and we looked at caravans and were very limited to what we could pull, I would honestly think a 17' 6" would be to heavy when loaded
Also with Subaru watch when taking off with a heavy load up hill, their clutch is not that great, what i would call burning smell,just make sure your figures are right ,i would honestly check with the police or transport people
Three months ago,we purchased a Jayco Freedom 17ft6" pop top,to tow behind our 2009 Subaru Forester.Van,with a tare of 950 was recommended as suitable!Husband has since had a heart attack & is " second guessing" the decision we made!!
Any info of similar van/ vehicle experience/s would be most welcome! thank you
I had a Jayco freedom 17ft pop top loaded it weighed at 1.5 tonne but it was towed with a 2000 Prado witch could tow 2.5 Tonne,you will have to check what weight you Forester can handle Percnellie,if you check your tow bar it should have a plate on it stating what it can tow, cheers.
Lance C
Just check the specs on the Forester, to double check it can handle the van you mention. The "Tare" is low and empty weight and seems fine but just remember you still need to load the van up and the ATM and ball weight is more important. Probably around the 1200kg mark, with around 120kg on the ball.
When your husband has fully recovered I see no reason, with care, why you both shouldn't continue with your existing plans. IMO.
Keep safe out there.
Many thanks folks
Thanks to all who responded to my query... Very appreciative! Just getting used to the format,user names etc!!
Also with Subaru watch when taking off with a heavy load up hill, their clutch is not that great, what i would call burning smell,just make sure your figures are right ,i would honestly check with the police or transport people