Best Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver For a 2016 Subaru Outback For Carrying a Bike Rack

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Question:

Hi, I am looking at: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2 Item # e98847 and both of the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2inch concealed or visible Can you compare the ground and bumper clearance of these three hitches for me? I am having trouble narrowing it down. Will either of these below-bumper models make that much of a difference in terms of ground clearance of my vehicle? Do bike racks tend to sit too close to the car on any of these three? Thanks in advance!

asked by: Megan

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Expert Reply:

I am going to recommend dropping the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75673 from your top 3. We have installed all 3 of the receivers on different 2016 Subaru Outbacks and this one had the worst ground clearance(14-3/4" to inside top of receiver) and bumper to receiver pin length(5-1/2").

The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98847 and Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76227 both had very similar receiver locations. Both are 2-1/2" from the receiver hitch pin to the rear bumper and the Draw-Tite receiver is 16" to the inside top of the receiver while the etrailer receiver is 15". I would rate them as equals in this for a bike rack.

For me it comes down to an installation and aesthetic looks of the receiver. The etrailer Receiver # e98847 will be the easier to install but you will have the visible cross tube. Personally I like the hidden cross tube that you get with the Draw-Tite Receiver # 76227. It is more difficult to install and will require trimming of the rear lower fascia.

I recommend the Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack # TH9025XT for a bike rack. This hanging bike rack will carry most bikes regardless of tire size. It will tilt out when you do not have bikes loaded so that you can access your rear storage area and folds into a small profile if you wish to leave it mounted to your Subaru when you are not hauling bikes. Keyed alike locks are built into the hitch and bike carrier to secure the rack and bikes to your Subaru.

The Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness # HM11143885 will allow you to add a set of Auxiliary Lights # C53201 to your bikes or other cargo carrier as they may interfere with visibility of your taillights. It will also allow you to tow small trailers that use a 4-way flat connection.

expert reply by: Bud M

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Answer 1

You are correct that all of the trailer hitches that we currently offer for your 2016 Subaru Outback will require drilling to install the hitch. The Draw-Tite trailer hitches require that an access hole be drilled in order to fishwire the…

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

For your 2016 Subaru Outback I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76227. This style of hitch is going to provide the cleanest look because the cross bar sits behind the bumper which also allows for a bit more ground clearance…

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Answer 4

The Draw-Tite Hitch #76227 for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon is manufactured in Mexico. If you were looking for an American made hitch, the Curt #C13410 will attach the exact same way. This will have the same 4,000 pound towing capacity and 600…

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Answer 5

Trailer hitches are normally relatively simple installs. The Draw Tite hitch part #76227 that you referenced which is a confirmed fit for your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon is more involved than most but if you have basic mechanical skills and tools it…

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Answer 6

The Draw-Tite Hitch Receiver part #76227 on the 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon requires 4 inch by 4-1/2 inch square cut out on the bottom/center of the fascia. To find the center of the fascia measure 2 inches (toward the driver side of the fascia) from…

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Answer 7

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76227 which is a fit for a 2010-2019 Subaru Outback will install via eight total 10mm nuts which are actually reused as they are the factory fasteners for the bumper beam. The most up to date…

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Answer 8

I recommend the Draw-Tite 2 inch hitch for the 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon part #76227. The Draw-Tite hitch is a no drill installation compared to some of the other hitch options on your vehicle that require drilling holes in the frame. It's also a…

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Answer 9

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer hitch part #76227 requires removing the foam bumper support temporarily for installation. The video does show the installer cutting the plastic fascia and then replacing the foam bumper support that comes with the…

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Answer 10

The Class II Curt Hitch #C12136 and Class II Draw-Tite Hitch #36493 for your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon are very similar, but every Class I and Class II and some Class III Curt Hitches require stabilizing straps to be used when towing non trailer…

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Answer 11

The best hitch for your 2017 Subaru Outback wagon will be the Draw Tite hitch part #75673 which is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch opening. This hitch size gives you the most flexibility with hitch accessories and the best capacities as well. I like…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Best Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver For a 2016 Subaru Outback For Carrying a Bike Rack

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