Recommended Hitch Receiver for a 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon That Can Pull 1,000 lbs

Question:

I have a 2005 outback with dual exhaust, can you give me a hint for a hitch that would pull 1000 lbs.

asked by: ED S

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch receiver that I recommend for your 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75560 which fits all models except the Sport. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver opening that has a 400-lb Tongue Weight (TW) capacity and can pull up to 4,000 lbs (Gross Towing Weight or GTW). In an online version of your owner's manual it stated that the max TW that your Outback Wagon can handle is 200 lbs and the GTW is 3,000 lbs for a 3.0 liter model or 2,700 lbs for any other model. Since that is your limiting factor you will need to go by that weight instead.

For a wiring harness I recommend the Tekonsha T-One # 118461 which is compatible with all models except the Sport as well.

You will also need a Ball Mount and Hitch Ball for towing. I recommend the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches # 989900 for your application. 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 Hitch Ball, 2 inch Hitch Ball, Hitch Pin with Clip, and a Storage Bag. You will want to check out the attached helpful article to make sure that you get the correct Ball Mount for your towing setup.

I have attached installation videos for the hitch receiver and wiring harness on a similar 2005 Outback Wagon that you can use as a reference.

expert reply by: Jon G