Parts Needed to Tow A-liner Camper with 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

Can I tow an A-liner camper with a Subaru Outback with a Curt Hitch III

asked by: Fran B

Expert Reply:

A car's towing capacity depends on the specific equipment installed on it at the factory and/or at the dealership. Things that affect a car's towing ability include engine size, whether or not it has a transmission cooler and whether or not the trailer being towed has its own brakes.

Page 8-22 of the online edition of the owner's manual for the 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon indicates MAXIMUM towing capacities that are noted below but I recommend checking your own printed manual too.

2.5L or 3.6L Engine towing trailer without brakes = 1000-lbs
2.5L or 3.6L Engine towing trailer WITH brakes = 2700-lbs
3.6L Engine towing trailer WITH brakes in temperatures over 104F = 1500-lbs
2.5L Engine towing trailer WITH brakes in temperatures over 104F = 1350-lbs

You want to make sure that the specific Aliner camper trailer you are considering has a weight (GVWR) compatible with the vehicle. The Aliner Titanium 12 and Titanium 10 have a GVWR of 3000-lbs so these models cannot be towed by the car. But their lighter models, such as the Scout Lite could be since it has a GVWR of 2500-lbs.

Curt Class III hitch # C13206 has enough capacity for all Aliners but of course the car itself must be rated for the actual trailer GVWR too. An install video for the hitch is included for you.

For a wiring and brake controller set-up I suggest the Prodigy P2 controller # 90885. This is among the easiest-to-use controllers we offer. You will install this using our install kit # ETBC7. You will also need 4-pole wiring harness # 118467 to complete your wiring installation.

Towing also requires a ball mount with pin and clip, hitch ball and usually some towing mirrors. I linked an article that shows how to choose the right ball mount to keep the hitched trailer level for best handling. Choose a hitch ball to match the size of the trailer's coupler. For towing mirrors you can use K-Source Universal Towing Mirrors # KS3891-2.