Impressed

2132 Views 15 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Sweeps, 7 d ago

Sweeps

Discussion Starter · 10 mo ago

Wheel Tire Sky Cloud Car

I’m really impressed how well the Ascent tows. I’ve been towing with Outback’s and pop up trailers for 10 years. Bought the Ascent to tow a larger trailer. This 08 StarCraft 18RB weighs 2800 lb empty and about 320 tongue weight. I’ll be honest, haven’t weighed it loaded yet. But my guess tongue weight is 450lb ish. Overall weight probably around 3300lb. Easy task for the Ascent. I get 14-15MPG hand calculated around 55-60MPH with the set up in the picture, which seems about right. Have seen 30mpg hand calculated on road trips at 70mph without the trailer. (Maybe a tail wind on that trip!) Been lurking around on this site for a while, thought I’d share my experience, we’ll have this for a while!

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Ruben Marin

· #2 · 10 mo ago

That seems like a lot of squat for less than 500lbs. I recommend weighing the trailer and vehicle as they would be loaded when equipped for camping. We routinely load our setup to around 500lbs on purpose just to keep the trailer more stable in case we need to go with traffic at some point, like merging onto the Florida Turnpike...not fun.

Looks like you have a good setup overall, glad you are enjoying it! The ascent has surprised me as well with how good it tows.

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Sweeps

Discussion Starter · #3 · 10 mo ago

That was my first time out this year with it. I have since moved about 100lbs from the trunk of the Ascent to the rear of the trailer. Now there is nothing in the Ascent except the 4 of us when we head out. Roof Carrier doesn’t have much weight in it. But still, yes should weigh it to be sure!

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Packard8

· #4 · 10 mo ago

Sweeps said:
View attachment 17688

I’m really impressed how well the Ascent tows. I’ve been towing with Outback’s and pop up trailers for 10 years. Bought the Ascent to tow a larger trailer. This 08 StarCraft 18RB weighs 2800 lb empty and about 320 tongue weight. I’ll be honest, haven’t weighed it loaded yet. But my guess tongue weight is 450lb ish. Overall weight probably around 3300lb. Easy task for the Ascent. I get 14-15MPG hand calculated around 55-60MPH with the set up in the picture, which seems about right. Have seen 30mpg hand calculated on road trips at 70mph without the trailer. (Maybe a tail wind on that trip!) Been lurking around on this site for a while, thought I’d share my experience, we’ll have this for a while!

What is the function of the large door on the side of the trailer?

Sweeps

Discussion Starter · #5 · 10 mo ago

Packard8 said:
What is the function of the large door on the side of the trailer?

that’s the rear pop down bed. It’s smaller. Only 48x70. But my two girls fit in there fine. Google 2008 StarCraft 18RB and should be able to see the layout.

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Robert.Mauro

· #6 · 10 mo ago

Sweeps said:
That was my first time out this year with it. I have since moved about 100lbs from the trunk of the Ascent to the rear of the trailer. Now there is nothing in the Ascent except the 4 of us when we head out. Roof Carrier doesn’t have much weight in it. But still, yes should weigh it to be sure!

I'd put the added weight over the axles of the trailer. I'd rather the squat (within tongue weight limits of course) than wagging the dog with a tail that's overly heavy.

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Sweeps

Discussion Starter · #7 · 10 mo ago

Robert.Mauro said:
I'd put the added weight over the axles of the trailer. I'd rather the squat (within tongue weight limits of course) than wagging the dog with a tail that's overly heavy.

yes 100% agree here. So those items in the back are much closer to the axle then over the rear end. I can’t get anything right in the back of the trailer. No room in the bathroom. I guess I was just trying to not have them add to tongue weight. This trailer is dead solid. I can’t even get it to sway if I tried. Will weigh the tongue when I can!

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felix_te

· #8 · 10 mo ago

Ever have any issues or concerns about the bike height on the roof?

Sweeps

Discussion Starter · #9 · 10 mo ago

felix_te said:
Ever have any issues or concerns about the bike height on the roof?

no concerns. I actually haven’t checked closely, but I don’t think it’s any higher than the trailer. Better view of it here

Wheel Tire Sky Car Vehicle

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xydadx3

· #10 · 10 mo ago

felix_te said:
Ever have any issues or concerns about the bike height on the roof?

As long as you don’t forget it’s there and drive under something low the height is fine; I put my road bike on my roof regularly.
However, getting a bike up there without scratching or denting can be challenging. My road bike is easy since it’s just over 20lb. My wife’s beach cruiser was difficult!

Reactions: 2

Nole Stevens

· #11 · 10 mo ago

Ruben Marin said:
That seems like a lot of squat for less than 500lbs. I recommend weighing the trailer and vehicle as they would be loaded when equipped for camping. We routinely load our setup to around 500lbs on purpose just to keep the trailer more stable in case we need to go with traffic at some point, like merging onto the Florida Turnpike...not fun.

Looks like you have a good setup overall, glad you are enjoying it! The ascent has surprised me as well with how good it tows.

I agree, that's squatting more than I'd prefer. I need to tow 5000lbs a few times a year and I would not be comfortable with that. Maybe a WD hitch would help?

Jim_in_PA

· #12 · 10 mo ago

Nole Stevens said:
Maybe a WD hitch would help?

Not permitted on Ascent by Subaru. See the sticky thread at the top of this page.

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Nole Stevens

· #13 · 10 mo ago

Jim_in_PA said:
Not permitted on Ascent by Subaru. See the sticky thread at the top of this page.

Ok thanks

Sweeps

Discussion Starter · #14 · 15 d ago

Car Wheel Automotive parking light Tire Land vehicle

Just reviving my own thread. Left Ontario this morning with this set up. Towing my Dad’s 1974 BMW 2002 he has had since new, to Colorado for a 3 day drive around the Rockies with 65 other classic cars. BMW and trailer are right around 4000lbs. Did about 700 miles today, 65 MPH pretty much the whole way. CVT temps never over 160 F. MPG was hand calculated 17.5 US MPG. Can’t get over how well it did. 1000 miles to go!

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scipio11111

· #15 · 15 d ago

Sweeps said:
View attachment 21038

Just reviving my own thread. Left Ontario this morning with this set up. Towing my Dad’s 1974 BMW 2002 he has had since new, to Colorado for a 3 day drive around the Rockies with 65 other classic cars. BMW and trailer are right around 4000lbs. Did about 700 miles today, 65 MPH pretty much the whole way. CVT temps never over 160 F. MPG was hand calculated 17.5 US MPG. Can’t get over how well it did. 1000 miles to go!

I love those old 2 Series, although they could be a bit finicky. I even saw a convertible once!

Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Hood

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Sweeps

Discussion Starter · #16 · 7 d ago

Last update, back from Colorado. Towed the BMW 2002 3700 miles total. Overall hand calculated mileage was 18 US MPG. Pulled it up the Rockies west of Denver on I70 better than I could believe. 60 MPH up the hill to the Eisenhower tunnel to 11,000 feet with ease. Nothing more than 3500rpm on that hill. CVT temps only got to 200F. Can’t believe what this 4cyl is capable of.

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