Factory vs Aftermarket Trailer Hitch for 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

i have a 2105 Subaru outback that is in a body shop getting some work done from an accident. i am looking to put a hitch on it but the gentlemen told me that its smart to buy the hitch from Subaru, does your 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2inch that you offer fit this vehicle? any reasons that you know of besides MFG warranty from Subaru that its smarter to get the hitch you offer? is it the same hitch just not sold by Subaru? any other information would help. thanks,

asked by: Nick M

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Class III # 75673 is confirmed to fit your 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon. This hitch will work well for you and I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75673 for your Outback.

One benefit we have found to the aftermarket trailer hitches for the Subaru Outback is the location of the hitch pin hole. The hitch pin hole on the Subaru factory hitches sits much closer to the front of the hitch receiver than the hitch pin hole on aftermarket hitches. This creates a problem with some accessories, such as Thule's bike racks. Aftermarket hitches do not have any issues with the hitch pin hole location being compatible with accessories.

Another benefit is that aftermarket trailer hitches for the 2015 Outback come in both Class II and Class III. Class II hitches have a 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver, while Class III hitches have 2 inch receivers. As far as I know, the Subaru factory hitches are all 1-1/4 inch receivers. An aftermarket hitch with a 2 inch receiver will allow for compatibility of a larger amount of hitch accessories, since a 2 inch receiver is the most common size receiver.

Aftermarket trailer hitches are not typically the same as the ones that are installed in the factory or sold by Subaru, but they are similar.

I have attached an installation video of this hitch on a 2015 Outback for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B