Recommended Hitch for a 2018 Subaru Outback
Question:
I am looking to install a class III trailer hitch with 2foot receiver on my 2018 Outback. I prefer the hiddeninch style where you mostly see the receiver. It will be used for a platform bike rack. Which hitches would you recommend? I also may install an aftermarket tail light to my bike rack. What connector kit would I need? Thank you!
asked by: Lauren
Expert Reply:
The best hitch for your 2018 Subaru Outback is going to be the etrailer Hitch item # e42TR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 400 lbs maximum tongue weight so you will have plenty of capacity for a bike rack.
I really like the etrailer hitch because of its hidden design. The crosstube will install behind the bumper leaving only the 2" receiver visible. This not only looks better but it also helps with ground clearance when using accessories like a bike rack.
I have linked an installation video below so you can see what this hitch looks like when installed.
If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # C56040 and a ball mount kit item # C45534.
This wiring harness can also be used to power an aftermarket light for a bike rack like item # C53201.

Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- One Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Pre-Torqued
- CURT
more information >
Curt Auxiliary LED Indicator Lights
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Lights
- CURT
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Powered Converter
- No Tow Package
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Hidden
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2019 Subaru Outback with Bike Rack
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Video: Installation: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: Best Hitch and Wiring Harness for a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Q&A: Differences Between Curt, Draw-Tite, and etrailer.com Trailer Hitches for 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Comparing Draw-Tite and Curt Trailer Hitches for a 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Installation Difficulty of etrailer Trailer Hitch on 2019 Subaru Outback
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: kuat sherpa 20
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier bag
- Q&A: What Tools Will I Need To Install The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13410?
- Q&A: Will EcoHitch or Curt Hitch Have Better Clearance for 2012 Subaru Outback
- Video: Mount: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Video: Install: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Video: How to Install the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Video: Best 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon Trailer Hitch Options
- Search Results: mpg216
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Shop: Grille Guard