Class III Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R

Updated 05/05/2021 | Published 05/03/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(255)

$216.45

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

(2966)

$49.13

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$15.93

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2620)

$12.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.80

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(410)

$216.07

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(563)

$207.61

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3838)

$32.82

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

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

Roy V.

5/3/2021

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.