Should Weight Distribution System be Used for 2015 Subaru Outback Pulling Safari Condo Alto 1713

Published 11/01/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW

(112)

$481.51

Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems

(323)

$76.84

Question:

So...I have a Subaru Outback 3.6R V6 with a 2inch receiver/ball. Were going to be pulling a Safari Condo Alto 1713 and need to know whether or not a WD system is required. The base weight of the Alto 1713 is 1,661 lbs.

asked by: Paul A

Expert Reply:

A full weight distribution system isn't necessary for pulling a Safari Condo Alto 1713 with your 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon, however I do think you would really benefit from adding a standalone friction sway bar like the excellent Curt # 17200.

This is going to attach to your ball mount and the trailer frame to create tension that helps to keep the trailer in line to prevent side-to-side movement (sway) that tends to be more common with lighter trailers like this. This is just going to make your highway driving much smoother without having to experience those white knuckle moments that are only good for getting your heart rate up.

Going back to a full weight distribution system, it's good to remember that a system will typically provide benefits whenever the trailer weighs at least half of the tow vehicle's weight. Your Subaru Outback weighs around 3,600 to 3,800 pounds, so the 1,661 pound weight on the Safari Condo Alto does fall below this parameter. Doing a bit more research, it also doesn't appear that the trailer hitches for a Subaru Outback are even rated for use with a weight distribution system, as they do put a lot of stress on the rear of the vehicle/hitch and not all of them are designed to handle this.

I have attached a short video review on the Curt Sway Bar below, along with the written instructions manual that you can check out.

expert reply by: Chris R