Replacing Factory Hitch on 2018 Subaru Outback with Curt Hitch

Updated 04/13/2021 | Published 04/10/2021

Question:

Hi, Im thinking about replacing the OEM hitch on my 18 outback with a Curt. Based on Im thinking of choosing the Curt C13410. My questions are * On paper, the Curt supports a higher tongue weight and trailer weight that my OEM hitch which claims 200 lbs tongue weight, 2k trailer weight. However, I guess I havent changed anything fundamental about by car. Are the higher numbers really meaningful? Im particularly concerned about the tongue weight. * Some discussion threads Im finding on the internet refer to the OEM hitch replacing various parts inside the bumper, which I would need to replace myself if I removed the OEM hitch. However, they were for different outback model years. For the 2018, am I going to have to buy additional parts when removing the OEM hitch? In case it helps, my immediate application is to tow a 4x8 trailer, but if the Curt really supports a higher tongue weight, I might use the Outback with a motorcycle hitch trailer down the road. Thanks!

asked by: Jake R

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13410 is a great option for a 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon. It has a 4,000 lb gross trailer weight and 600 lb tongue weight rating. The trailer hitch is tested separately of the vehicle so this does not mean you can abide by these capacities, the lower of the two (vehicle/hitch) will be what you need to abide by. It could very well provide more capacity than the factory hitch but you still may not be able to utilize the full capacity due to the vehicle possibly being rated lower.

I can't speak to removing the factory hitch unfortunately but there seems to be some good write-ups of this online.

expert reply by: Conner L