Recommended Trailer Hitch and Hitch Mounted Accessories for 2011 Subaru Outback
Question:
I have a 2011 Subaru Outback with a 4 cylinder engine. I would like to install a hitch that will serve to pull my 17 foot boat and trailer out of the water and drive it no more than 5 miles. i will also get a bike rack to place into the hitch. I understand that my car will limit my towing. It looks like a class II hitch is appropriate for my needs. I noticed that there are receivers that are two sizes. I would think that the larger size is needed for towing the trailer. Am I heading in the right direction? Is it even appropriate to try to pull my boat with this car?
asked by: Mark D
Expert Reply:
According to my research, the 2011 Subaru Outback with the 2.5L engine has a 2,700 lb towing capacity. If the fully loaded and ready to tow boat trailer weighs less than the 2,700, you'll have no trouble towing if for the short distance you described.
If your Outback isn't the Sport model, I'd recommend the Draw-Tite Class III hitch, part # 75673. The hitch has a 2 inch receiver opening, which would be excellent for towing your boat and for hitch accessories such as a bike rack. I'd recommend going with the Class III with the 2 inch receiver, versus the Class II with the 1-1/4 inch receiver, as there's a better selection of hitch mounted accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers available for the 2 inch receiver.
You'll also need the # 118467 trailer wiring harness and the # 989900 ball mount kit.
For a bike rack, you can't go wrong with the Thule brand. If you're wanting to carry 4 bikes, the Hitching Post Pro, part # TH934XTR would be an excellent choice. For two bikes, go with the Thule Camber, part # TH9058.
If you'd be interested in a cargo carrier, I really like the folding 20x59 Inch Model from Curt, part # C18151.
I've linked you to install videos for the hitch and the trailer wiring, as well as to some product demonstration videos showing the bike racks and cargo carrier being test fit on a 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 >
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 >
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 >
20x59 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Folding Carrier
- 20 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- CURT
more information >
Thule Camber Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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