Parts Needed to Tow Trailer With 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R

Updated 06/19/2019 | Published 06/18/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(942)

$206.84

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

(2966)

$49.15

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

(725)

$16.33

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

(755)

$78.27

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

(1019)

$206.30

Rapid Hitch Adjustable, Aluminum Ball Mount Kit w/ 2 Zinc Balls - 4" Drop or Rise

(534)

$258.60

Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension - Rear Axle

(409)

$175.99

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

(3397)

$121.18

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

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.