While a Subaru Outback has plenty of cargo space in the car and on the rooftop. It may not be enough in some instances, especially when you need to go camping, skiing, or on an adventure. In some cases, you may need extra room to bring bicycles, kayaks, skis, and other larger items needed for a fun outdoor experience.
In this instance, a trailer hitch will be handy to tow the extra luggage you need for your trip.
Can You Put a Trailer Hitch on a Subaru Outback?
Yes. The latter Subaru Outback models (since 2015) are designed to be used for towing cargo from one point to another. If you look online, you will find that numerous Subaru owners have successfully attached a tow hitch to their Outback Subaru models with no problem.
Does the Subaru Outback Have a Towing Package?
Yes. The Subaru Outback has a towing package. The Subaru Outback comes with a trailer and tow hitch that allows you to attach a trailer, ATV, jet skis, a light boat, and other cargo items to your vehicle.
While the towing package is available, not all Outback vehicles will come with the hitch installed. But Subaru does offer instructions to follow when installing the Outback trailer hitch. In some cases, the dealer may even attach the hitch on your behalf should you opt to buy a Subaru Outback with the towing package.
Subaru Outback Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the Subaru Outback has been 2700 pounds for the last few years, which is enough tow a lightweight trailer, aluminum or fiberglass boat, kayak, or motorcycle. However, the new 2020 Turbocharged Subaru Outback will have a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds.
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This is enough to tow larger boats, trailers, ATVs, U-Haul, and so forth. All the trim levels have a Hill Descent Control that gives you better control of your speed when traveling up and down a hill. This is critical if you are hauling extra weight in tow.
Here is a summary of the maximum towing capacity of the Subaru Outback models over the years.
|
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
|
MAXIMUM TOW CAPACITY (lbs.) |
1500 |
2700 |
2700 |
2700 |
2700 |
3500 |
How to install a trailer hitch on a Subaru Outback
Tools needed:
- Flat and Phillips head screwdrivers
- Tape
- 10mm and 11/16 in. sockets
- 6 in. socket extension
- Ratchet
- 1-inch hole saw
- Exhaust pliers
- Drill
- Safety glasses
- Torque wrench
- Tin snip
Subaru Outback hitch installation steps:
Support the exhaust system
Attach the exhaust pipe to a sturdy part of your vehicle by tying a rope around the exhaust pipe center.
Lower the exhaust
Use soapy water to loosen the isolator rods and remove them from the rubber exhaust hangers using exhaust pliers. There should be two above the exhaust muffler and another isolator rod above the exhaust pipe center.
Remove the heat shields.
Using a 10-millimeter socket or a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the heat shields positioned above the sound muffler. Place the bolts in a safe place as you are going to need them for reattaching the heat shield after you have installed the trailer hitch.
Once you have removed the heat shield, remove the rubber plugs found inside the holes at the frame’s bottom. There are two on each side.
Drill holes in the frame
Drill an access hole in the frame using the 1-inch hole saw. You should drill a hole on the driver and passenger side. The hole should be at least two inches from the plug hole. These holes will make it easier to bolt the hitch into place.
Thread carriage bolts through the access holes
Use a fish wire and thread it through the hitch’s attachment holes and out through the access holes. Then proceed to attach the carriage bolt and large spacer to the fish wire coil. Pull the wire through the access holes. The bolt thread should drop through the attachment hole, and the spacer should be between the frame and the bolt head.
Repeat the same process with all the other hitch attachment holes. The large spacers should be used in the forward attachment holes, while the smaller spacers should be used in the rear holes.
Tape washers to the hitch
Then tape the flat washers over the forward attachment holes on both sides of the trailer hitch.
Position the hitch
Position the hitch in place and line up the bolt holes with the attachment holes—thread the fish wire through the holes in the hitch to lift the bolts into place. Once the hitch is in place, attach the conical washers and hex nuts to the bolts and proceed to tighten them. Remember to remove the fish wire before you bolt the hitch in place.
Torque the hex nuts
Use a torque wrench to torque each hex nut to 50 pound-force foot. When the correct torque amount has been reached, the torque wrench will make a clicking sound.
Trim the heat shields
For the heat shields to fit over the exhaust mufflers, you will have to trim them. Use tin snips to cut a piece of the heat shields. Cut a part of the heat shield near the forward attachment bolt in a rectangular shape. Then check to see if it fits in place. If not, trim as needed. Remember to account for the nut you will use to attach the shield.
Reattach the heat shields
After trimming the heat shields, reinstall them using a 10-millimeter socket or a Phillips head screwdriver. Use the bolts that you had previously saved when you removed the heat shields before.
Raise the exhaust
Finally, reattach the isolator rods to the rubber hangers to raise the exhaust system. You can do this by using exhaust pliers or by hand. Make sure that all six isolator rods are reattached firmly. Then remove the support rope you used in step one to support the exhaust system.
The final measurement of the hitch after installment will be as follows;
- Length from inside of the receiver to the ground – 14 ¾ inches
- length from the pinhole to the end of the bumper – 6 inches
- Length from the end of the receiver to the end of the bumper – 4 inches
Here are some safety warnings from the 2020 Subaru Outback Hitch Installation instruction manual;
- Follow instructions when installing the hitch to avoid damaging the vehicle or the hitch.
- Do not drill, cut, weld, or modify the hitch in any way.
- Do not lubricate the nuts and bolts.
- Should you decide to remove the hitch, make sure, you reinstall the bumper beam. Failure to do so may affect the vehicle’s rear crash protection.
- You cannot install a rear towing hook when the trailer hitch is in use.
- Do not overload the hitch by exceeding the maximum towing capacity or tongue load. This could damage the vehicle or cause an accident.
- You should also not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR when towing cargo. To confirm the figures, refer to your vehicle’s “Certification label” located on the car’s left side center pillar.
- Remember to dispose of the packaging and discarded part responsibly. Recycle as per your local recycling regulations.
- To avoid damaging your vehicle, hire a certifies Subaru technician to install the hitch if you are not sure you can get the job done. Any damage resulting from a self-installation will void your warranty.
- Store removed components safely to protect them from corrosion or damage. You may need to use them at a later date should you decide to remove the hitch.
- To protect the hitch and any exposed metal from rust and corrosion, cover them in Automotive Bare Metal Primer and touch-up paint.
How much does it cost to install a hitch on a Subaru outback?
A Subaru Outback trailer hitch costs $450 on average. You can get a hitch for as low as $150 and as much as $800. The installation cost may vary from place to place and usually ranges from $100- $300.
Are Subaru Foresters Good for Towing?
Subaru Forester towing capacity if 1500 pounds, which is significantly lower than the Subaru Outback. The towing capacity allows you to tow small campers, flatbeds, bicycle trailers or cages, or RV trailers.
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If you only plan on towing very light loads, then the Subaru Forester will get the job done. But if you need more wiggle room when it comes to towing capacity, opt for a Subaru Outback.
Conclusion
It would be best to remember that some states require that you get a trailer brake when towing heavier loads. Bear this in mind when installing the trailer hitch and when towing cargo on your Subaru Outback. Always consult your car manual when installing a hitch and avoid making any changes that may void your warranty. If you are not sure about the hitch installation process, consult a professional.