Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon with Maximum Bumper Clearance

Question

Question:

Need trailer hitch for 2018 Subaru Outback that is compatible with Thule t2 bike rack. I’m am concerned that the bike rack when folded up will hit the bumper with the draw Tite and you don’t recommend the Curt for bike racks.

asked by: Jeff L

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Expert Reply:

If you have the Thule T2 Classic 2 Bike Platform Rack TH9044 with the 2" receiver then you will want to use the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13206. If you have the Thule T2 Classic 2 Bike Platform Rack TH9045 with the 1-1/4" receiver then you will want to use the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C12136. None of the Draw-Tite trailer hitch receivers we have for your Outback Wagon will provide enough clearance for the Thule T2 to clear the rear bumper in their upright position.

Both of the above bike rack and trailer hitch combinations will clear the rear bumper while the bike rack is stored in the upright position (see attached video). They will also both clear the rear hatch while tilted outward. The 2" bike rack and trailer hitch will have about 2-1/2" from the closest part of the bike rack (wheel cradle) to the rear bumper. The 1-1/4" bike rack and trailer hitch will have about 2" from the closest part of the bike rack (wheel cradle) to the rear bumper. The Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device part # THSTL2 included with either bike rack will also ensure the bikes do not contact the bumper while travelling down the road.

I would absolutely recommend the use of a Curt trailer hitch receiver for use with a bike rack. The only difference between using a Draw-Tite trailer hitch with a bike rack and a Curt trailer hitch with a bike rack is that Curt recommends the use of their Curt Trailer Hitch Support Strap part # 18050 whereas Draw-Tte does not.

I have included an installation video of both trailer hitch receivers installed on a similar 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

The best trailer hitch for your 2019 Subaru Outback Limited is the Curt #C13206 because it has the best bumper clearance among hitches that fit your car; this hitch is a fit for both the 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. This Class III, 2" trailer…

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Answer 2

The Curt Class III trailer hitch #C13119 does have a 350-lb tongue weight (TW) rating as you noted, and that capacity must be enough for the weight of the bike rack itself plus that of your loaded bikes. A substantial 4-bike rack like the Hollywood…

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Answer 3

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 4

A drawbar (or sometimes called ball mount), is the metal piece that slides into the hitch opening to provide the attachment point for a hitch ball for trailer towing. If you have no plans of towing with the part #24847 then you would not need the…

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Answer 5

Draw-Tite and Curt are 2 of the leading brands when it comes to towing products so a lot of their hitches look pretty similar since they are in competition with each other. When it comes to the Draw-Tite #76227 and the Curt #C13410 I recommend going…

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Answer 6

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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Answer 7

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 9

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 10

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 11

You are correct that both the Curt #C94WR and Draw-Tite #DT22MR you were looking at for your 2022 Hyundai Tuscon are very similar. Both hitches share the same 525lb tongue weight and 3,500lb trailer weight ratings, both share the same hidden…

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Answer 12

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon with Maximum Bumper Clearance

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