Class III Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R

Question

Question:

My only concern was several notes that a stabilizer strap was required for bike rack or hitch rack use. I would prefer not to purchase or have the need for any accessories, If this has been modified, great, if not, what would be the best alternative hitch?

asked by: Roy V

0

Expert Reply:

For a Class III hitch, I'll typically recommend the Curt product because they do a slightly nicer job on their powder coat finish than Draw-Tite does.

Curt offers both a traditionally styled Class III hitch, part # C13206 which would have the entire hitch visible from the rear and a mostly-concealed hitch, part # C13410 which would have the crossbar of the hitch concealed behind the bumper with the only visible portion of the hitch being the receiver tube and the safety chain hoops.

The concealed version requires no drilling, is a bit more expensive and is more involved to install, but if you don't care for the appearance of a hitch, then the # C13410 concealed version would best suit you. If the visibility of the hitch doesn't bother you in the least, use the # C13206. The more exposed hitch would require some drilling.

If you should decide to tow a trailer in the future, you'll also need a trailer wiring harness like # 118467, a ball mount like # D-4, Hitch Pin and Clip, # PC3, and # 19260 for a 1-7/8 or # 63845 for a 2 inch trailer ball.

I've linked to install videos for both hitches, as well as to an install video for the wiring harness should you decide you need it.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

Roy V.

5/3/2021

My only concern was several notes that a stabilizer strap was required for bike rack or hitch rack use. I would prefer not to purchase or have the need for any accessories, If this has been modified, great, if not, what would be the best alternative hitch?

Reply

Mike L.

5/5/2021

At one time, Curt used to have a warranty stipulation that a # 18050 stabilizing strap needed to be used for non-trailer loads, but they've since removed that stipulation so there would be no issue at all using the hitch for a bike rack or other hitch mounted accessory without a strap. Both hitches I recommended have a very stout 600 lb tongue weight capacity, which far exceeds the 200 lb tongue weight capacity stated in the owner's manual.

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Answer 1

Hey Adrian, you are on the right track for a hitch for your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon. I would recommend the Curt part #C13410 as it has plenty of towing capacity, is mostly hidden, and the advantage it has over the Draw Tite is that we just have…

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Answer 2

The trailer hitch with the best receiver depth, or bumper clearance, for your 2019 Subaru Outback is the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch #76227 which is about 2 inches from the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper. This is an inch more clearance than the…

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Answer 3

The foam panel is in the bumper to help support the bumper panel as well as provide a cushion for the cover if there is a minor collision. Without the cushion the cover will tend to break or crack easier as it does not have the support needed. I have…

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Answer 4

The Draw Tite hitch part #76227 has the better ground clearance than the #75673 for your 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon. It hugs tighter to the rear bumper but more importantly only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper which makes a bigger…

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Answer 5

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer hitch part #76227 requires removing the foam bumper support temporarily for installation. The video does show the installer cutting the plastic fascia and then replacing the foam bumper support that comes with the…

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Answer 6

If a trailer hitch sticks out past the rear bumper of the vehicle it is installed on it you do run the risk of hitting your shin on it as you walk by. The good news is that the Draw Tite hitch part #76227 sits about flush with the rear bumper so that…

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Answer 7

For your 2016 Subaru Outback I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76227. This style of hitch is going to provide the cleanest look because the cross bar sits behind the bumper which also allows for a bit more ground clearance…

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Answer 8

The lightest trailer hitch for a 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13410 at around 27 lbs follow by the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76227 at about 30 lbs. I think these are both great options…

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Answer 9

The etrailer hitch part #e98847 that you referenced is a confirmed fit for your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon and would work well if the Kuat Transfer bike rack you have now. The other option you might consider is the Draw Tite #76227 which has a…

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Answer 10

For a wider range of compatibility of accessories and greater overall stability, I recommend going with a 2" Class III hitch on your 2015 Subaru Outback. If you want a hitch with an easier installation, I recommend Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver -…

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Answer 11

For your 2017 Subaru Outback, the Thule Camber 4-Bike Rack #TH9056 is a really nice option and will work perfectly with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76227. The reason for that is, when we installed this hitch on a 2017 Outback, we…

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Answer 12

The ultimate hitch for your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon for ground clearance and towing capacity is the Stealth Hitch part #391SUOB15T which comes with wiring and everything needed to tow your vehicle including a ball mount. What makes the ground…

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Class III Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R

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