Trailer Hitch and Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2011 Subaru Outback Wagon
Question:
I need assistance choosing which hitch to purchase for my 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R. Is it safe to tow more than what Subaru recommends which is 3,000lb? The hitches you recommend are rated for up to 4,000lb. I also need assistance purchasing a weight distribution hitch, a 7-way wire harness connection, brake controller., and 2foot ball. This is so I can tow a Trailmanor popup or similar. Thank you.
asked by: John M
Helpful Expert Reply:
In a towing setup your towing capacity is always the lowest rated component as that is the weakest link. The hitch manufacturers we carry like to make hitches that are a bit stronger than needed but that does not give the vehicle any more towing capacity than it has.
None of the hitches we offer for your 2011 Subaru Outback Wagon are rated for weight distribution either. The Curt hitch part # 13390 is a confirmed fit though that would work well if you stay under capacity.
You will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the # 118467.
From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.
For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup.
If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.
If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.
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 >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- 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
Curt 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
- CURT
more information >
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