Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring for Towing Tear Camper with 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon

Updated 10/09/2017 | Published 10/07/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(1019)

$209.61

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

(2968)

$49.38

Question:

I have a T@b Travel Trailer that is about 2200 lbs fully loaded and a tongue weight of 200 lbs. The trailer specs call for a 2inch receiver. My tow vehicle is the 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring Edition. It is rated with 2700 pounds towing capacity and a 200 Lb tongue weight. Can I safely tow my trailer with the Subaru factory installed 1 1/4 inch hitch using a 2inch ball? Im not sure if there could be a safety reason the travel trailer manufacturer specs call for a 2inch receiver or if that is just their recommendation. If the Subaru factory installed 1 1/4inch hitch isnt adequate for my trailer, what is your hitch recommendation? Thanks for your thoughts on this!

asked by: Bob M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver on your 2018 Subaru Outback will have the needed capacity to safely tow your 2,200 pound T@B Teardrop Camper. With that being said, if the trailer manufacturer recommends that the tow vehicle have a 2 inch hitch receiver for towing the camper, then I recommend adhering to this. It's possible that towing the trailer with a 1-1/4 receiver may void the warranty if anything were to happen.

You can also check with the manufacturer directly to see if you can get their specific guidelines on this for your trailer using your VIN. I was unable to find any specific information on this when I contacted them.

For a 2 inch trailer hitch receiver on your Outback Wagon, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch # 75673. This hitch is custom-fit for your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon and will use existing holes in the vehicle frame for installation. I have attached the written instructions for you to check out.

Regardless of the type of hitch you use, you will also need to install trailer wiring on your vehicle in order to power the camper's signal lights. I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467. This custom-fit harness will connect directly to the built-in ports located behind the driver side trim panel on your vehicle. Once installed, this will give you a 4-Way connector at the rear of your Outback to connect with your trailer. I have attached an installation video that you can use for reference.

Lastly, I have attached an article that will explain how to choose the best ball mount for towing your camper level, along with a couple of links that will take you to our available selection of ball mounts and hitch balls that you can look through.

expert reply by: Chris R