Hitch Recommendation for Towing A Pop-Up Camper with a 2011 Subaru Outback
Question:
I am ordering a 2011 Subaru Outback with the V6 engine, and shopping for a popup camper in the 2000 to 2400 lb. range. The Outback is rated to tow up to 3000 lbs. The camper salesperson was suggesting a weight distribution systemwhich one would work best with the Subaru. I am looking at the Rockwood popups. The Subaru factory trailer hitch has a 1 and 1/4 inch receiver. Would 2 be better? Which hitch is compatible with a weight distribution system. I looked at the Curt and the Draw-Tite on your site, and both say not compatible with a weight distribution system. Which hitch and which weight distribution system would be best for my application. The Rockwood popups I am considering are the 2560G with a dry weight of 2388 lbs., the 2280 with dry weight of 2216 lbs., and the 2318G with dry weight of 2278 lbs. The Subaru weighs 3658 lbs.
asked by: Gary S
Expert Reply:
A 2 inch hitch will be able to handle more weight and be compatible with more hitch accessory applications, like bike racks or hitch cargo carriers. If you can order the vehicle without the factory hitch, it would be a better option for you.
For your 2011 Subaru Outback V6, I would recommend the Draw-Tite Class III 2 Inch Hitch, part # 75673. This hitch has a towing weight capacity 0f 4,000 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity of 400 lbs. It will not allow the use of weight distribution.
There is not a hitch manufactured for the 2011 Subaru Outback that is compatible with weight distribution systems.
Also, there is not a hitch available for the Sport model of the Subaru Outback, just in case you were looking at purchasing a Sport model.
Properly loading your trailer will help in weight distribution and prevent sagging. You will want to make sure not to exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle when towing the pop-up camper that you choose to purchase.
To complete your towing setup you will also need a ball mount, hitch ball, pin, and clip if you do not already have these items. For this, I recommend Ball Mount Kit, part # 989900 which includes 2 ball mounts, a 1-7/8 inch hitch ball, 2 inch hitch ball, hitch pin and clip.
For wiring to power the lights on your pop-up camper, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 118467, to connect to the wiring on trailer to your 2011 Subaru Outback.
Also, you will want to make sure not to exceed the tongue weight and gross trailer weight capacity of the hitch and your vehicle. Anything loaded on the trailer and anything behind the rear axle of your vehicle adds to the tongue weight. Also, any additional cargo or items you carry add to the overall weight you are towing, and you will want to make sure not to exceed the towing limits of your hitch and vehicle.
I have linked a video installation and instructions for the installation of part # 75673 on a 2011 Subaru Outback.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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