Trailer Hitch, 7-Way, and Brake Controller Recommendation for 2022 Subaru Outback

Question:

Hello I will be buying a new 2022 Subaru Outback Onyx XT. I want something like this Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2 and also a 2 inch ball, 7 pin round blade style connector. Also need 16 inches from top of ball to ground. Not sure what I need to connect the ball to the receiver and get 16inch to ground. Also I need the 7 pin round blade style connector to operate the brake and turn signal lights as well as charge the two on board marine batteries in the trailer. I dont know if this can or should be mounted in any way to the hitch but that would be ideal. My trailer weighs 900 pounds, but would also like the possibility of towing something heavier in the future, hence my desire for a hitch of this spec. Does that hitch limit the existing ground clearance in anyway? Im open to other products if you have any suggestions. Thanks so much!

asked by: Paul G

Expert Reply:

The hitch I would recommend for your 2022 Subaru Outback Wagon would be the Curt Class III part # C67JR as it is mostly hidden since only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper. This also gives it the best ground clearance. When we installed it on a similar 2022 Outback we found that it measured 16 inches from the top of the hitch opening down to the ground so you'd want a ball mount with a drop near zero like the Curt # C45310.

For trailer wiring you will need to start with a 4-way like the part # 118467 and then convert to a 7-way like with the kit part # ETBC7 which comes with everything needed to wire in a brake controller as well. Your vehicle does not have a direct way to install a 7-way which is why you have to go this route.

Then for a brake controller the Brake EVN part # TK63VR would work really well too. You have to mount the 7-way to the lower rear bumper fascia which is a very common way to install it and it comes with hardware to do so.