Comparing Factory Hitch and OEM Hitch for 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question

Question:

For my 2018 Subaru Outback which is better the factory hitch option or an aftermarket one?

asked by: Rich

0

Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon an aftermarket hitch like the Curt # C13206 is easily the better option. You'll have a much lower price to pay, better capacities, and you won't have to deal with the super shallow hitch pin depth that Subaru has on their factory hitches. This makes fitting accessories like bike racks more difficult so aftermarket hitches are definitely the way to go over the factory hitches.

For trailer wiring you'd then want the T-One kit part # 118467 which is a confirmed fit and is our most reliable option. I attached an install video for this as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Mark

9/7/2020

The factory hitch is the best option. The aftermarket options are pushed by folks looking to profit themselves. I’ve had both. The factory is cleaner fit. The aftermarket options promising more capacity are bull. The hitch doesn’t change or increase vehicle capacity. It’s a sales pitch only. Also, the aftermarket hitched (my experience via Curt) are much less integrated and rust badly over time. Your vehicle will look like a big chunk of rust below the rear bumper well before the car itself shows age. Stick with the factory integrated hitch.

Jon G.

9/9/2020

The biggest problem that I've run into when trying to help people pick out an accessory when they have the OEM Outback Wagon hitch is how shallow the receiver is in regards to the hitch pin. A lot of bike rack manufacturers have a specific distance required from the receiver opening to the hitch pin hole and for some reason Subaru likes to make the hitch pin hole closer to the end of the receiver so a lot of bike racks can't be used. I would agree that it looks a little more clean since it sits "inside" the fascia of the vehicle.

Mark

9/9/2020

Valid point. Our Yakima bike rack is ancient at 20yrs, but fits fine. Then again, 20yrs ago we had a Subaru too :). My main point is that aftermarket hitches are sometimes pushed as enabling higher tow capacity than factory when the vehicle itself determines tow capabilities not the hitch. Obviously, you want the hitch to meet that capacity, but a higher capacity hitch doesn’t change tow capacity. I will admit that aftermarket can be lower cost and many times easy install for DIYers.

Answer 1

There are really two main types of trailer hitches for a 2019 Subaru Outback, visible like the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e98847 and hidden like the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e42TR. The visible hitch means you can see the cross…

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Answer 2

The Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118467 referenced in your question (great choice) will install by plugging into a white factory plug that is located in the rear cargo area around the spare tire compartment (see attached image). You will…

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Answer 3

I have the perfect solution for you, but since the crosstube on the Draw-Tite hitch #76227 is completely concealed behind the bumper of your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon, a traditional mounting bracket that clamps onto it, won't work. Instead, take…

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Answer 4

The best hitch for your 2018 Subaru Outback is going to be the etrailer Hitch item #e42TR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 400 lbs maximum tongue…

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Answer 5

Thanks for the nice words, and on a scale of 1-10, the installation difficulty on your 2019 Subaru Outback is rated a 10 for the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e42TR. This is somewhat subjective, of course, and we have it as a higher rating…

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Answer 6

The Draw-Tite #76271 and our etrailer #e83ZR trailer hitch receivers do have a fairly similar construction. While the Draw-Tite is listed at a higher towing and tongue weight capacity these numbers do not mean a lot since both are rated for more…

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Answer 7

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 8

The difference is what vehicles each of those hitches will fit. Trailer hitch #C13206 fits 2014 to 2016 Subaru Outbacks. And #13390 fits the 2015 to 2016 Legacy and 2010 to 2013 Outback. Although the hitches look very similar for your 2015 Outback…

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Answer 9

The etrailer #e98907 and Draw-Tite #75952 have a few differences between them besides just the price. Both have a higher towing capacity than your 2024 Nissan Murano so that really isn't a deciding factor in this case. The #e98907 has a matte…

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Answer 10

That is an excellent question, and I believe you were referring to the trailer hitches for your 2017 Subaru Outback that have concealed cross tubes, the Curt #C13410 and the Draw-Tite #76227. The Curt and Draw-Tite are both cost-effective and they…

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Answer 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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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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Comparing Factory Hitch and OEM Hitch for 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon

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