Towing Capacity and Parts Needed to Tow With 2017 Subaru Outback

Question:

I own a 2017 Outback, 4 cylinder. At present, there is no towing equipment installed. According to the owners manual the cars towing capacity is 2,700 pounds. My wife and I have an interest in possibly acquiring a small travel trailer. However, we are basically clueless on the topic. We have visited a number of dealers to look at trailers but seem to walk away with a nagging doubt as to whether or not the vehicle can really handle a small trailer minimum requirement of a small kitchenette and wet bath. Can someone give us the low down on exactly what the vehicle is capable of doing and what we would need to add to the car to make it all work.

asked by: Fred L

Expert Reply:

When it comes to towing capacities we use the same resource that you mentioned, the owner's manual, as the vehicle manufacturer has the definitive say on towing capacities. For your 2017 Subaru Outback you were correct that the maximum towing capacity is 2,700 lbs, so long as the trailer has brakes, and 1,000 lbs without brakes, but for a small camper, those are almost certainly going to have brakes.

What that means is pretty simple - the trailer, when fully loaded, cannot exceed 2,700 lbs. So for a trailer what you're looking for is one with a GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating - of no more than 2,700 lbs, or maybe a little more depending on how much you load it, to ensure your Outback can safely tow it. There are plenty of options for smaller trailers in this weight range so just keep the GVWR in mind.

Once you do have a trailer picked out you'll only need a trailer hitch receiver, wiring, ball mount, and brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes. For the ball mount you will need to have the trailer to ensure the right rise or drop, so I have added a link to a help article on how to measure to ensure you have the right one, as well as a link to our selection of ball mounts. Otherwise, the parts I recommend for your 2017 Subaru Outback are the following:

- Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75673

- T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118467

For a trailer with electric brakes you will also need:

- Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7

- Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195

I have added links to some video reviews and installs for you to check out as well.