Hi. Ours is a 2015 Forester with 110k miles, 70/30 Hwy/Street.

[RAH]

Towing.
We'll be towing an enclosed 5X8 utility trailer 3700 miles round trip and would like to add a weight distribution/anti-sway system to our hitch because it'll be mostly interstate travel at speed, 70/72mph. Around town I wouldn't bother, but I'd be more confident with it over these long-distances and higher speeds. At just 1100lbs, the trailer is well within Subie's specs, but their manual advises against weight-distributing devices.
Any advice on how to proceed?
Thanks in advance,
RAH

 

[BarryB333]

I've towed a lot of trailers over the years but with larger tow vehicles. All had weight distributing hitches and most had sway bars. I think you'll find that such a hitch on your vehicle will put the hitch FAR too low and close to the ground. Besides, I don't think a weight destributing hitch would make much difference on a 5x8 trailer anyway. Talk to a knowledgable person in your area about towing before you by a hitch. I would not advise using a WDH hitch, frankly. Why do you think you need one? You mention the weight of the trailer but what about contents? 70/72 mph? I think you are being too optomistic about speed and towing capacity IMHO. Also...because this is considered heavy duty use, you should talk to a shop about doing the appropriate maintenance before and after. Subarus aren't really designed to be aggressive tow vehicles...again...my opinion. That said, a 5x8 trailer with a modest load would work with a standard Subaru hitch...but any trailer is going to slow down your speed. I assume you have a receptical already on your vehicle?

 

[RAH]

We'll be going 55-62mph. I'm concerned about being buffeted by everyone else doing 75+. Anyway, I'm committing to a 'friction' anti-sway system w/o WDH. It's a 900 lb trailer with approx. 200 lbs of load.
Thanks...

 

[BarryB333]

With a small trailer and only 200 lbs of payload, you are not going to get any wind buffeting issues. Friction anti-sway bars are most effective in windy situations and/or with large tractor trailers passing you...AND you are pulling a large travel trailer. You would be wasting your money to go to the expense of a sway bar with such a small trailer. You will not have any significant wind issues with what you are towing. Even with a large trailer, the need for a sway bar is not usually absolutely necessary. Did I have one when pulling large trailers? Yes, but could have done without them. Can I assume you've not pulled anything before? Also...how did you come up with your estimated speed of 55-62? You really won't know until you're on the road. Speed is totally dependant on conditions. You are worrying too much.

 

[RAH]

I've trailered plenty, locally. I trailered extensively in the service, even long distances on the autobahn, but always in convoy doing about 45mph. Of course conditions dictate speed. The Forester is not a trailering work-horse, the manual suggests moderation, experts suggest 60-ish, depending on conditions. I've survived 70+ years, due in part to caution.