How Much Can a 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon Tow

Updated 10/10/2018 | Published 10/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(733)

$187.48

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

(2946)

$44.87

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2737)

$137.45

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3331)

$124.34

Question:

My 2016 Subaru Outback owners manual says it has 1500 lbs towing capacity and 200 lbs tongue weight. I bought you curt hitch class III 2 inch E98847 that says I can tow 4000 lbs and 600 lbs tongue weight. Which is correct?

asked by: Frank

Helpful Expert Reply:

If the vehicle's towing capacity is lower than the trailer hitches towing capacity, then that will need to be the figure you abide by and vice versa. You always need to abide by the weakest component in the towing setup. The reason for this is that the trailer hitch and vehicle are tested separately of one another so the ratings do not exactly coincide. Therefore, when towing with your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon using the Trailer Hitch Receiver part # E98847, you will be limited to what is stated in the owner's manual.

I did however take a look in the owner's manual (page 8-22) for you and found a different towing capacity. If you have the 3.6L engine then the maximum towing capacity is 1,000 lbs for unbraked trailers or 3,000 lbs for braked trailers. If you have the 2.5L engine then the maximum towing capacity is 1,000 lbs for unbraked trailers or 2,700 lbs for braked trailers.

In order to tow a trailer with brakes you will need a 4-way trailer connector, 7-way trailer connector, and a brake controller. For this, I recommend using the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118467 (excluding Sport), the 4 to 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7, and the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885. The T-One offers a direct plug an play install. The 4 to 7-way adapter has everything you need for the brake controller and the Prodigy P2 is our best seller.

I have attached a few install/review videos for you as well.