Look of Hitch and Ground Clearance with Curt Class II Trailer Hitch on 2016 Subaru Outback

Question

Question:

Please advise about impact on ground clearance and appearance. Previously had a hitch installed on my 2005 Camry to use for bike rack. I did not anticipate reduced ground clearance and had to live with hitch scraping ground as I drove up driveway w/Hollywood curb profile and similar ground profiles. I have notice that some hitch racks are UGLY. How will this rack look compared to other options? Thanks.

asked by: Leonard C

0

Expert Reply:

Installing a trailer hitch like the Curt Class II Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12136 on your 2016 Subaru Outback can effect your vehicle's ground clearance at the rear. The cross tube of the trailer hitch will sit below the vehicle, as seen in the photo I have attached from the installation instructions, which can cause the hitch to limit your vehicle's ground clearance.

I spoke with my contact at Curt and he was able to tell me that, for this hitch, the measurement from the mounting location to the bottom of the hitch receiver is approximately 9 inches. From the mounting location to the top of the receiver measures 7 inches. You can use these measurements to see about where the # C12136 hitch will sit on your Outback.

The photo I have attached will give you an idea of what this hitch will look like once it is installed. Some people find the round cross tube on the Curt # C12136 trailer hitch to be more aesthetically pleasing than the square cross tube on the Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch trailer hitches. I have attached a photo showing the Draw-Tite # 36493 hitch installed on an Outback for you to compare the look of each hitch.

It is also important to note that the Curt # C12136 will require the use of a stabilization strap # 18050 with all non-trailer loads, such as bike racks and cargo carriers.

expert reply by: Victoria B

0

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Answer 1

Of the hitches that fit your 2018 Subaru Outback that you mentioned none of them would put more stress on the frame of the vehicle than the other. The Curt you mentioned part #C13410 is a really great option that I would recommend highly. I attached…

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Answer 2

I believe you are referring to the 3 concealed cross tube hitches available for the 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon, Draw-Tite Class III part #76227, Curt Class III part #C13410 and EcoHitch part #306-X7601. The Draw-Tite part #76227 hitch is the best…

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Answer 3

For your 2016 Subaru Outback I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76227. This style of hitch is going to provide the cleanest look because the cross bar sits behind the bumper which also allows for a bit more ground clearance…

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Answer 4

To properly measure the height of your hitch, with the tow vehicle parked on level ground, measure from the ground up to the top of your hitch receiver opening. I've attached an install video of the Curt #C13410 on a similar 2019 Subaru Outback…

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Answer 5

The recommended hitch really depends on which model T2 you have. For the TH9044 Thule T2 for 2" hitches you will need a 2" hitch receiver. In that case I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98847. I like this hitch because…

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Answer 6

I went out to the warehouse to take a look at the Draw-Tite Class II Trailer Hitch #36493 referenced in your question. I measured a distance of right at 9 inches from the top of the bracket where it will mount to the vehicle to the bottom of the…

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Answer 7

The installation of a trailer hitch on your 2017 Subaru Legacy will require the trimming of the heat shield. I have added a cut out of the linked instructions of Draw-Tite trailer hitch #36493 that fits your '17 Legacy so you can see what will…

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Answer 8

For a 4-pole trailer wiring harness to go along with the Class II hitches made for your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon, Draw-Tite #36493 and Curt #C12136, you can use Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118467. This kit does include a powered taillight…

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Answer 9

Drilling is required for installation of all of the hitches for a 2015 Subaru Outback wagon. For max ground clearance a 1-1/4 inch hitch is going to be the best option. The smaller hitch size allows for better ground clearance. Since Curt is the only…

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Answer 10

Yes the Draw Tite hitch #36493 is a fit for your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon. I attached an install video for this on a 2016 Outback just like yours as well.

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Answer 11

The hitch we offer for your 2015 Subaru Forester that would be the least visible would be the Draw Tite part #76182 that you referenced since only the hitch opening will hang below the rear bumper as opposed to the crosstube of the hitch. I was able…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Look of Hitch and Ground Clearance with Curt Class II Trailer Hitch on 2016 Subaru Outback

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