How Much Can a 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon Tow
Question:
My 2016 Subaru Outback owners manual says it has 1500 lbs towing capacity and 200 lbs tongue weight. I bought you curt hitch class III 2 inch E98847 that says I can tow 4000 lbs and 600 lbs tongue weight. Which is correct?
asked by: Frank
Helpful Expert Reply:
If the vehicle's towing capacity is lower than the trailer hitches towing capacity, then that will need to be the figure you abide by and vice versa. You always need to abide by the weakest component in the towing setup. The reason for this is that the trailer hitch and vehicle are tested separately of one another so the ratings do not exactly coincide. Therefore, when towing with your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon using the Trailer Hitch Receiver part # E98847, you will be limited to what is stated in the owner's manual.
I did however take a look in the owner's manual (page 8-22) for you and found a different towing capacity. If you have the 3.6L engine then the maximum towing capacity is 1,000 lbs for unbraked trailers or 3,000 lbs for braked trailers. If you have the 2.5L engine then the maximum towing capacity is 1,000 lbs for unbraked trailers or 2,700 lbs for braked trailers.
In order to tow a trailer with brakes you will need a 4-way trailer connector, 7-way trailer connector, and a brake controller. For this, I recommend using the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118467 (excluding Sport), the 4 to 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7, and the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885. The T-One offers a direct plug an play install. The 4 to 7-way adapter has everything you need for the brake controller and the Prodigy P2 is our best seller.
I have attached a few install/review videos for you as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trim remover
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt & etrailer Trailer Hitches For 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: wiring harness
- Q&A: What Hitch Do You Recommend for a 2024 Toyota RAV4?
- Video: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Installation - 2024 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Search Results: etbc7
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
on Trailer Hitch
