Can I Really Tow 5,000 lbs With My 2019 Subaru Ascent
Question:
With the hitch for a Subaru Ascent is towing capacity 5,000 pounds? Or is the another thing needed to get capacity to 5,000 pounds?
asked by: Mike H
Expert Reply:
The Draw-Tite hitch part # 76253 for 2019 Subaru Ascent is rated for towing up to 5,000 but only if the Subaru is equipped with an air-cooled continuously variable transmission fluid cooler from the factory and the trailer has brakes.
The owner's manual states vehicles without the variable transmission fluid cooler can tow up to 2,000 lbs. It is a good idea to check to make sure your Subaru Ascent is equipped with the cooler from the factory before towing 5,000 lbs. You can find out if it's equipped with the cooler by calling a Subaru dealership with your vehicle's model number found on the vehicle identification plate located underneath the hood on the driver's side. If the trailer being towed with the hitch does not have brakes, the towing capacity of the Ascent is 1,000 lbs even if the Ascent is equipped with the cooler.
For trailer wiring, I recommend Tekonsha T-One Wiring Harness part # 118790 to power the lights on the trailer because it can handle more amps per circuit then the other wiring options for the Ascent which matters if your trailer has a lot of light that draw more power. The Tekonsha wiring harness plugs into the Ascent's wiring harness in the trunk behind the rear interior trim panel on the driver's side. I have attached an installation video that shows this process.
If you plan on towing a trailer that weighs more than 1,000 lbs then it probably has trailer brakes. If the trailer has brakes you need a brake controller to activate the trailer brakes when the Subaru brakes. I recommend the Curt Echo Brake Controller part # C51180. To install the Curt Echo you need a 7-way plug part # ETBC7L and the 4-Way connector I recommended earlier part # 118790.
The black wire from the 7-way plug in the ETBC7L kit needs to be extended to the positive side of the Subaru's battery with a circuit breaker that is included in the kit. The white wire needs to be grounded to a clean bare metal surface of the vehicle's frame. The other wires can be tucked away. The Curt Echo plugs into the 7-Way plug and the trailer's connector plugs into the Echo. The Echo is powered with the black wire attached to the vehicle's battery. It's internal sensor senses when the Subaru is stopping and signals the trailer's brakes to stop in conjunction with the vehicle. The settings brake controller settings are controlled by an application on your smart phone so there is not a need for a brake controller box inside of the Subaru.
If you need a ball mount, I have attached an article to help you figure out the rise or drop you may need with a ball mount to tow the trailer level. You want to be within 2 inches of level with the trailer when towing. I have also attached the selection of ball mounts that fit 2 inch hitch receivers.
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 >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Completely Hidden
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: CIPA Universal Fit Towing Mirrors - Strap On - Qty 2
- Q&A: Recommended Tow Mirrors for 2020 Subaru Ascent
- Shop: K-Source Universal Towing Mirror - Clip On - Convex Mirror - Qty 1
- Search Results: foot
- Search Results: jack foot
- Search Results: bear claw
- Search Results: drop leg
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Lippert Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 4,400 lbs
- Shop: Drop Leg for etrailer and Ram Jacks - 13-1/4" Tall - 5-1/4" Diameter Footplate - Zinc
- Shop: Replacement Foot for etrailer or Ram Electric Jacks - Qty 1
- Shop: Replacement Operator, Knob and Screw for Ventline Ventadome Trailer Roof Vents w/ Wedge-Shaped Dome
- Shop: Bulldog Round, A-Frame Jack Drop Leg and Pull Pin Assembly
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2015 Honda CR-V C56158
- Video: Review of Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - C56158
- Video: Review of JR Products RV Drawer Travel Lock - 37270765
- Shop: RV Jack Pads
- Search Results: 40375~2
- Video: CIPA Dual-View Clip-On Towing Mirror Installation - 2020 Subaru Ascent
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Q&A: Will the 7-Way Vehicle Power Adapter for Furrion RV Cameras # FR74FR Work on My 2021 Ram 3500?
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Replacement Brakes Needed for 1995 Jayco Pop Up Series 1207
- Shop: RV Camera
- Q&A: Furrion FR74FR 7-Way Power Adapter for Vision S Camera System
- Q&A: Recommendation For Axle, Hub, and Brake Assembly For 2008 Jayco 1207
- Q&A: No Signal And PWM Fix For Furrion Vision S Camera System Connected To 2022 GMC
- Search Results: furrion camera