Determining Towing Weight Capacities of 2013 Volvo XC70 and 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

I have a 2013 volvo xc70 and 2019 Subaru Outback 3.6 L and I buy a Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2inch for each what will be the towing capacity and max tongue weight for each vehicle, not the capacity of the hitch? I see different things on the internet.

asked by: Gus K

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Hitch # 75916 is rated for 4,000 lbs towing/400 lbs tongue while your 2013 Volvo XC70 is rated for about 3,300 lbs towing/330 lbs tongue from what I could find online (you will want to verify this in your copy of the owner's manual).

The Draw-Tite Hitch # 76227 is rated for 4,000 lbs towing/600 lbs tongue while your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon 3.6L is rated for 2,700 lbs towing/200 lbs tongue.

When determining the towing capacity of your trailer hitch/vehicle you will be limited by your lowest rated component, which in both of your cases is the vehicle. The reason why most trailer hitches are rated higher than the vehicles that they fit is because the trailer hitch manufacturers test them separately from the vehicle, and they want to make sure that you can use the max potential of your vehicle while towing.

For wiring I recommend using the Tekonsha T-One since it's the most reliable we have to offer. For the XC70 you need part # 118774 and for your Outback Wagon you need part # 118467.

To complete a towing setup you also need a ball mount kit. I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900 because it includes two ball mounts, one with a 3/4” rise/2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise/4” drop, a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You will want to refer to the attached ball mount article to ensure that this kit is correct for your towing application.