Trailer Hitch Recommendation For 2017 Subaru Outback to Tow Small Camper

Question:

I want to install a trailer hitch to tow my tear camper. iT weighs about 1500lbs. Would you recommend a bumper mounted hitch or a frame mounted hitch?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

Hi John; I'd definitely get a frame-mounted hitch for your 2017 Subaru Outback to tow a small camper. I'm not aware of a bumper-mounted hitch for your Outback, but if there were one I definitely wouldn't trust it for towing purposes. There are two options for a hitch on your '17 Outback, depending on if you want a concealed crosstube or visible crosstube:

- Visible Crosstube: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13206

- Hidden Crosstube: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13410

Another thing you'll need in order to tow with your '17 Outback is a wiring harness, with the correct fit being the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56040.

expert reply by: Kyle S

John M.

2/27/2024

The #C13410 is the type that I was referring to when I said a bumper mounted hitch. Which of the two would you recommend?

Kyle S.

2/28/2024

@JohnM Ok, I see what you were saying regarding bumper-mounted. There's no drilling with the # C13410 (bumper-mounted) and it is just as strong as the other option, with the same capacities. It also has the benefit of being a hidden crosstube so only the receiver shows, which is nice for aesthetic purposes, so I'd go with that hitch.