Gross Towing Weight Capacity and Recommended Hitch for a 2017 Subaru Outback

Updated 02/21/2022 | Published 02/19/2022

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(747)

$189.73

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

(2976)

$39.59

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitch - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Stainless Steel

(1312)

$33.19

Question:

Ok thanks. Is the capacity for towing made better/safer with a particular hitch. Also the tongue wirght max is 200 lbs for the vehicle I am interested in.

asked by: Ralph M

Expert Reply:

Thanks so much for purchasing your hitch from us! I understand the confusion associated with towing weight capacity. There are many factors that contribute to the gross towing weight capacity of a vehicle. In many cases, it is not necessarily the size of a vehicle alone that determines the rating. This can be misleading. Manufacturers produce vehicles with varying structural integrities, and these factors have a large influence on a vehicle's towing capacity.

With that being said, through my research, it looks like a 2017 Subaru Outback has a gross towing weight rating of 2,700 pounds. Also, from my research, it looks like a 2016 Jeep Renegade has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. However, in order to be sure, it is always a good idea to confirm these ratings with the manufacturer and/or owner's manual.

If you need a hitch option for a 2017 Outback, I recommend the etrailer Hitch - 2" # e98847. The etailer hitch comes with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, so you can utilize the full capacity of the vehicle. It comes with all hardware included for a bolt-on installation. If you need a locking hitch pin for theft-deterrence, that is part # e98882. For 4-way wiring to complete the towing setup, I recommend the Tekonsha T-One - 4-Way # 118467. This harness will provide your light trailer with brake light, running light, and turn signal functions.

expert reply by: Bob C

Ralph M.

1/1/0001

Ok thanks. Is the capacity for towing made better/safer with a particular hitch. Also the tongue wirght max is 200 lbs for the vehicle I am interested in.

Bob C.

2/21/2022

The only factor of a hitch that would make it better is if the maximum tongue weight/maximum gross towing weight exceeds that of the vehicle's ratings. This allows you to utilize the full weight capacity provided by the vehicle. You should not exceed the weight ratings of your vehicle. As far as safety is concerned, there is no feature of a hitch that can make an application safer (given that the hitch is installed/fits correctly).