Recommended Trailer Hitch, Wiring and Accessories for Towing 1961 Airstream w/ 2012 Subaru Outback  

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Expert Reply:

According to my research, the 2012 Subaru Outback is rated for towing between 2700 and 3000 lbs, depending on how it's equipped. I'd encourage you to confirm this for yourself by checking your owner's manual or with Subaru.

If your Outback isn't a Sport model, there are available trailer hitches. I'd recommend the Draw-Tite Class III trailer hitch, part # 75673. For wiring, you'd need part # 118467. I've linked you to installation instructions and videos for both the hitch and the wiring. I'd recommend a Class III over a Class II because the 2 inch receiver is more common, and would be compatible with more accessories and because of the higher tongue weight capacity of the Class III hitch.

Due to the size of your Airstream, it's almost certain to be equipped with brakes. If they're electric brakes, which is the most likely scenario, you'll need a brake controller to actuate them. I'd recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885 because of how well it works and how easy it is to use.

To install the controller, you'll need our Brake Controller Installation Kit, part # ETBC7 (if your Airsteam has the 7-way trailer connector) or the # ETBC6 if it has a 6-way connector. The kit includes all the wire, circuit breakers and hardware to install the brake controller. It also includes an adapter that will convert the 4 pole connector on the Outback to the needed 6 or 7-way connector.

If it doesn't have brakes, the # 118467 wiring harness would be all you needed.

I'll also link to installation instructions for the brake controller installation kit, as well as to some FAQ articles that you might find helpful. I've also linked to an install video showing the kit being used to install a brake controller on a 2011 Outback. The procedure for your 2012 would be identical.

As far as the weight distribution kit goes, you'll want to ensure that the system you've been given is appropriate for the tongue weight of your trailer. To choose the properly rated weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the vehicle behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you use.

If you don't know the effective tongue weight range of the system you have, If you would reply with any part numbers you can find on the bars, I'd be happy to find the capacity of the spring bars for you.

expert reply by: Mike L

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