How To Prevent Suspension Sag When Towing Trailer With 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon.

Updated 03/25/2021 | Published 03/23/2021

Question:

Hello, I have a trailer well within my tongue weight and tow weight. The only problem is, with the shank that I have when the trailer is lowered it lowers the back of my vehicle significantly. Would extended the length of the shank height wise help with this matter? The trailer height is higher than the hitch height.

asked by: Riley G

Expert Reply:

Ideally you want a ball mount that allows you to tow your trailer level, but this will not keep your 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon from sagging slightly when the trailer is hooked up.

To prevent sagging you would need suspension enhancement like the Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension # CSS-1094R which is confirmed to fit your Outback as long as it is not a 2WD model. The # CSS-1094R progressively stiffen up the rear coil springs of your vehicle when weight is applied.

Another option is to go with a weight distribution hitch as it will distribute the tongue weight of the trailer across each axle of your vehicle and trailer which prevents sag and is recommended anytime the GVWR of the trailer is 50% or more that the weight of your vehicle. Weight distribution hitches are dependent on the total tongue weight of your setup which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer plus the weight of any cargo added behind the rear axle of your Outback. If you are interested in a weight distribution option just let me know the total tongue weight of your setup and I would be happy to make a recommendation for you.

If your ball mount is not allowing your trailer to be towed level you will want to measure your hitch height, and coupler height to find the correct rise/drop ball mount.

I included a link to a helpful article that goes over how to measure for the correct ball mount, a link to all of our ball mounts, and a helpful article on weight distribution hitches for you to take a look at.

I also included a video of the # CSS-1094R for you to take a look at.