Comparison of Available Trailer Hitches for 2022 Subaru Outback

Question:

What are pros and cons to Curt and Draw Tite hitches for my Outback. I will tow a trailer less than 3,000 lbs. I believe cross bar is now not visible for either of the newer models. the trailer has surge brakes with a 7 pin connector. What will I need for the wiring? Thanks

asked by: Bill L

Helpful Expert Reply:

Both hitches offer higher capacities than the maximum towing and tongue weight capacity specified in the owner's manual (3500GTW/350TW for 2.4L or 2700GTW/270TW for 2.5L equipped models) so the slight differences in capacity between the Curt # C67JR and the Draw-Tite # DT94YR are irrelevant. You're correct, both hitches would be mostly concealed once installed with the receiver tube opening and safety chain loops being the only visible portion of the hitch.

Because the hitch is manufactured in the US, and they do a slightly better job on their powder coat finish I'll typically recommend the Curt hitches over the Draw-Tite, but quality wise, they're pretty much on an even par. You can't go wrong either way.

For a wiring harness, the fit of a plug and play harness hasn't been determined yet. That being said, since there haven't been appreciable changes to the vehicle between the 2021 and 2022 model year, there's an excellent chance that the # 118467 which is a fit for the 2021 model will carry over but I can't guarantee the fit. If you don't wish to take that gamble, the # C59496 which is a universal hardwired fit would work for sure.

To provide a 7-way, you'll need a 4 pole to 7-way adapter, part # 37185. You'd plug the adapter into the 4 pole installed using the # 118467 or # C59496, ground the white wire and tap the purple wire into the reverse lamp circuit. The remaining wires won't be needed. Assuming your surge coupler has an electric lockout, tapping the purple wire into the reverse lamp circuit will power up the lockout solenoid when the vehicle transmission is placed in reverse, allowing you to back the trailer without the brakes actuating.

I've linked to install videos for both hitches mentioned above and the plug and play harness option, plus an outline for the hardwired option showing how the harness works.