Parts Needed to Tow a Boat Trailer with a 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

Looking to tow a smaller aluminum boat with my 2017 Subaru Outback. Looking at the draw right or curtis hitch. Would one be better than the other?

asked by: Robert

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13206 and the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75673 are both good options for your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon. I cannot really say one is better than the other but I do recommend using the Draw-Tite hitch as it will not require the use of a stabilizer strap part # 18050 for non-towing applications like the Curt hitch will. A few other keys things to note about each hitch is that the Curt hitch has a round crosstube and is made in the U.S.A whereas the Draw-Tite hitch has a square crosstube and is made in Mexico. I have attached an install video of both hitches on a similar 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon for you.

Regardless of which hitch you choose, you will also need a trailer wiring harness, ball mount, and hitch ball in order to tow your boat trailer. For a wiring harness, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # 118467 which is a plug and play option that will not require you to cut or splice any wires. As long as you do not have the sport version than this wiring harness will work well for you. I have also attached an install video of this harness on that very same 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon.

To complete your towing setup I recommend part # 989900. You will want to use the attached help article to make sure the above ball mounts will work for you.