Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring for 2016 Subaru Legacy
Question:
I am trying to decide which receiver hitch is best for our newinch 2016 Legacy sedan. It will be, primarily, used for a bike rack but may be occasionally used to tow my Hobie cat. The boat trailer probably weighs around 500 pounds with a pretty light tongue weight. Ive never measured it but I can easily move it around by hand. I am mainly concerned about having enough clearance to get the bike rack into the receiver and clear the trunk and still not have to worry about dragging in driveways.
asked by: Bill E
Expert Reply:
For your 2016 Subaru Legacy Sedan, I recommend going with a Class III trailer hitch. While you may not ever need the higher rated weight capacity of a Class III hitch, the 2 inch receiver opening will allow you to choose from many more hitch-mounted accessories such as bike racks and cargo carriers than that of a 1-1/4 inch receiver on a Class II hitch.
I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch # 75673 for a couple of reasons. First, when compared to the Curt Class III # 13390, it does offer a slightly greater ground clearance measurement of 10-1/2 inches, as opposed to 10-1/4 inches on the Curt. The measurement from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outside of the bumper is 6 inches.
Also, per Curt warranty requirements, all non-trailer loads (bike racks, cargo carriers, etc) must be supported by stabilizing straps. Draw-Tite does not have this same requirement on their trailer hitches.
The Draw-Tite # 75673 has a 600 pound tongue weight capacity along with a 4,000 pound towing capacity. I have attached an installation video on your 2016 Subaru for you to check out.
Since you will be towing occasionally, I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Connector Assembly # 118671 to quickly install a 4-way trailer connector on your Subaru Legacy. This will be needed to connect to your boat trailer to power its rear lights. I have also included an installation video on your vehicle for you to review.
If you do not have one already, you will also need a ball mount to tow your trailer. I have attached a link that takes you to our available selection as well as a helpful article that details how to choose the correct one for your setup.
Also, if you are looking for a bike rack, I recommend the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670. This is a very nice platform style rack that can hold up to 2 bikes at 35 pounds each. It features a rising shank for improved ground clearance and the upright arms can fold down for storage when not in use. I have included a video demonstration on this rack for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Connector Assembly w/Upgraded Circuit Protected ModuLite HD Module
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
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 >
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2011 Subaru Legacy - Draw-Tite
- Q&A: Will the Yakima HoldUp EVO 2 Fit a 2016 Subaru Legacy
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2015 Subaru Legacy with Good Ground Clearance
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitches for a 2020 Subaru Legacy
- Q&A: EcoHitch Receiver Hitch for 2019 Subaru Legacy
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch For 2011 Subaru Legacy
- Q&A: Will the Thule Gateway Trunk Mount Bike Rack Fit a 2012 Subaru Legacy with Factory Spoiler
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Anti-Rattle Hitch Clamp for 2" Hitches
- Shop: MaxxTow Trailer Coupler Latch Lock - 7/8" Span - 1/4" Diameter - Black Steel
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitch - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Stainless Steel
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Receiver and Coupler Lock Set - 2" Hitch - 1/2" Coupler Latch - Keyed Alike
- Shop: Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Q&A: How Does the Curt Hitch part # 13390 Install on a 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Search Results: hitch lock
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Coupler Locks - Latch Lock - e99039
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Shop: Transmission Cooler
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: 5504
on Trailer Hitch
