Parts Needed to Tow Trailer With 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R

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Question:

Hi, I am looking at a 2012 subaru 3.6r outback, there is a complete lack of good info, so thats why Im writing. Id like to be able to pull an ALiner RV, but a lot of conflicting info. Can a Class III hitch draw tite, be added to this model, and Im also concerned about the tongue weight. Should I add helper springs? Any issues pulling the trailer? Do I need a brake controller? Appreciate any info - if you do have a link here please let me know. Thank You

asked by: John

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Expert Reply:

To answer your question about if a 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R can add a Class III Draw-Tite trailer hitch with a 2" receiver the answer to that is an unequivocal yes! The two Draw-Tite hitches that fit this car are the Draw-Tite # 76227 and # 75673.

Of these two hitches I strongly recommend part # 76227 because it does not require drilling to install and also has a hidden crosstube to keep your Outback's appearance clean; the other model does require drilling and has a visible crosstube.

In regards to trailer towing, I looked at the online version of the owner's manual and it specified that your maximum towing capacity was 2,700 lbs so long as the trailer has brakes, with a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs.

The other parts you need include wiring to power your trailer's lights, the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118467. You would need a brake controller only if your trailer has electric brakes. To do that you would need to then add the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 along with the controller itself, and a great option for a cost-effective but quality controller is the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller # 39510 with Plug-In Harness # 20127.

You will also need a ball mount, and the perfect option is the Rapid Hitch Adjustable # AM34625 which has a 1-7/8" hitch ball and 2" hitch ball and gives you up to 4" of rise or drop.

In regards to helper springs, they are a very good idea to help your Subaru's springs support the amount of weight and stress a trailer puts on your suspension. For this you will need the Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension # CSS-1094R.

Additionally, I have added links to a number of video reviews and installs for you to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

What you described is one of the downsides of using a hitch extender like the #HTAD. It adds a bunch of movement to the hitch. If the bike rack has a standard hollow shank with a non-threaded hitch pin you could use the part #63232 for that portion…

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Answer 2

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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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 5

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 6

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 8

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 9

Hey Tim, The ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness #119250KIT is compatible with LED lights and has been used as a go to for years for people who have LED trailer lights. The light function is supposed send a tiny bit of voltage from the…

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Answer 10

Hey Piotr, thanks for reaching out! The weight ratings between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94WR and Towsmart Trailer Hitch Receiver #TS96VR that fit your 2025 Kia Sportage are determined by the testing done according to those manufacturers. I…

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Answer 11

Hi Jerry, For your 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV you would need the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C37RV for the trailer hitch. The right light kit for your Sorento is going to depend on a few factors. For models with the tow package, like you stated you have,…

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Answer 12

Hey Isaiah, thanks for reaching out! I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 2025 Subaru Crosstrek simply because it has a matte black finish that offers a better look and protection over the glossy black finish we see on the other…

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Parts Needed to Tow Trailer With 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R

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