Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon with Maximum Bumper Clearance

Question

Question:

Need trailer hitch for 2018 Subaru Outback that is compatible with Thule t2 bike rack. I’m am concerned that the bike rack when folded up will hit the bumper with the draw Tite and you don’t recommend the Curt for bike racks.

asked by: Jeff L

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Expert Reply:

If you have the Thule T2 Classic 2 Bike Platform Rack TH9044 with the 2" receiver then you will want to use the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13206. If you have the Thule T2 Classic 2 Bike Platform Rack TH9045 with the 1-1/4" receiver then you will want to use the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C12136. None of the Draw-Tite trailer hitch receivers we have for your Outback Wagon will provide enough clearance for the Thule T2 to clear the rear bumper in their upright position.

Both of the above bike rack and trailer hitch combinations will clear the rear bumper while the bike rack is stored in the upright position (see attached video). They will also both clear the rear hatch while tilted outward. The 2" bike rack and trailer hitch will have about 2-1/2" from the closest part of the bike rack (wheel cradle) to the rear bumper. The 1-1/4" bike rack and trailer hitch will have about 2" from the closest part of the bike rack (wheel cradle) to the rear bumper. The Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device part # THSTL2 included with either bike rack will also ensure the bikes do not contact the bumper while travelling down the road.

I would absolutely recommend the use of a Curt trailer hitch receiver for use with a bike rack. The only difference between using a Draw-Tite trailer hitch with a bike rack and a Curt trailer hitch with a bike rack is that Curt recommends the use of their Curt Trailer Hitch Support Strap part # 18050 whereas Draw-Tte does not.

I have included an installation video of both trailer hitch receivers installed on a similar 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Answer 1

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 2

The best trailer hitch for your 2019 Subaru Outback Limited is the Curt #C13206 because it has the best bumper clearance among hitches that fit your car; this hitch is a fit for both the 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. This Class III, 2" trailer…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 6

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 8

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 9

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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Answer 10

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 11

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 12

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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