Is Adding Brakes Required To Tow With a 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon

Published 08/26/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6644)

$156.98

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3398)

$121.17

Question:

Hello, Im very new to towing and have a 2021 Subaru Outback with the 2.5 engine and a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds. I have a West Wight Potter 19 sailboat with the following specs: Weight w/keel: 1,225 lbs Trailer weight: 500 lbs Trailer tongue weight: 150 lbs. My Outback came with a factory installed hitch 4-wire trailer plug and I have a Reese 21794 Ball Mount and Reese Towpower 7008300 2inch ball. I estimate that the boat, trailer, and gear will likely be between 2,000 and 2,200 pounds. The vehicle will be carrying two adults and two children ages 10 and 13. The Outback manual indicates that I need surge brakes for anything over 1,000 pounds being towed. My first question is: Can I likely get away with no surge brakesinch for a couple of trips 1 1/2 drive to lake over rolling hills or should I not even consider that. My second question is: What surge brake system would you spec for me? Do you have plans for installation or should this be left to a professional? Many thanks for any help you can provide!

asked by: Mark A

Expert Reply:

The maximum towing capacity of a 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon is 1,000 lbs for trailers without brakes and 2,700 lbs (2.5L) or 3,500 lbs (2.4L) for trailers with brakes (any kind). If the trailer has surge brakes then you typically don't need anything extra for the vehicle but if the trailer has electric brakes you'll need an adapter (4 to 7-Way with 4-Way Adapter part # ETBC7) and a brake controller (Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195). I can't recommend going against the vehicle manufacturer.

If the trailer does not have brakes already and you need to equip them, I'll need the axle capacity on the trailer and wheel bolt pattern. If you can provide this along with brake preference I would be glad to inform of some options.

expert reply by: Conner L