Towing Setup for a 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon

Updated 05/19/2020 | Published 08/06/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(863)

$112.40

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(2948)

$44.64

Replacement Brake Control Plug-In Harness for Tekonsha and Draw-Tite Brake Controller 12" Long

(724)

$9.94

Universal Wiring Harness w/ ModuLite and Brake Controller Harness - 7-Way Trailer Connector

(15)

$177.11

Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(742)

$83.95

Question:

I purchased this vehicle in large part because I wanted to buy a small camper after retirement to go to all the national parks. I have the factory installed hitch. I didnt know about hitch weight limits - now I know its 200 lbs. People have told me that I can go over that amount if the load is balanced correctly, but Im very skeptical. Can you give me advice re this and anything that you think would be beneficial for towing a camper several times a year, including in the mountains? Love my Subaru, so I will purchase the right trailer for it when I figure out what that is!

asked by: Ann

Expert Reply:

According to my research, your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon has a max towing capacity of 1,000 lbs if the trailer does not have brakes or 2,700 lbs if the trailer does have brakes. You can improve the towing performance/efficiency of your vehicle with a transmission cooler like part # D13503 but you cannot increase it's capacity. The tongue weight rating of 200 lbs is correct but I cannot recommend you go over this.

In order to set your Outback up for towing a trailer with brakes you will need a trailer wiring harness, brake controller, ball mount, and hitch ball. For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend using the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118467 with the Universal Wiring Harness w/ ModuLite part # 22551 as this will give you a 7-way trailer connector which is required for a trailer with brakes.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller part # 39510 with the Brake Control Plug-In Harness part # 20127 as this option is easy to use and has integrated safeguards equipped to protect both the vehicle and trailer. In order to choose the correct ball mount and hitch ball you will want to take a look at the attached help article and then out selection which is linked.

expert reply by: Conner L

Rob S.

5/16/2020

I know this is an older thread but where are you seeing the trailer brake requirement to get to 2700 pounds? I am setting up my 2017 Outback to tow a small camper and I am not finding this requirement anywhere else.

Chris R.

5/19/2020

I pulled up a copy of the owner's manual for your 2017 Subaru Outback and it does list a 2,700 pound towing capacity as long as the trailer is equipped with brakes. If the trailer doesn't have brakes the capacity is limited to 1,000 pounds. You can verify this information in your copy of the manual.