Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver to Fit a 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

Hey Charles, great info. I ended up with the Curt 13206 hitch as it was recommended by our local trailer folks. They installed it today. I'd like to purchase the Thule 9054 Double Track Pro 2. Will it work with the Curt hitch? Lastly, per your answer page, looks like I will also need the bike carrier strap. Can you confirm? I'll order both at the same time if the Thule will work. If it won't work, can you recommend something similar?

asked by: Terri

Expert Reply:

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "direct fit" because all three of the Class III trailer hitch receivers we carry for your 2014 Subaru Outback are custom made and designed for your vehicle.

The hitch that has the most factory-like look is the Ecohitch, part # 306-X7162. Once installed all you see is the open receiver tube under the rear bumper of your Subaru. Take a look at the picture I attached. The downside to this hitch is the install requries the bumper to be temporarily removed and some fascia to be trimmed. It's the most difficult of the three to install and also the most expensive.

The other two, Curt part # C13206 and Draw-Tite part # 75673, install in basically the same way as each other. They do require the exhaust to be temporarily lowered (As does the Ecohitch) and possibly some drilling to enlarge the access holes but the bumper doesn't need to be removed. Between these two I favor the Draw-Tite because Curt requires a support strap, part # 18050, when using a bike rack on the hitch or it won't be covered under warranty.

I've linked install videos of the Curt and Draw-Tite hitches for you. As well as the install details.

expert reply by: Charles S

click to enlarge

Terri

3/27/2018

Charles S.

4/12/2018

The Curt # C13206 works just fine. But you're correct you do need the # 18050 per Curt's warranty. The Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT, part # TH92BJ, will fit the Class III Curt hitch for sure. However, it isn't the rack I recommend for you because it doesn't tilt away from the vehicle to access your Subaru's rear cargo area. In order to open the hatch you have to take the bike's off and fold the mast down. If this is fine for you then great because it is a high quality rack. However, if you'd like a rack to tilt I recommend the RockyMounts MonoRail, part # RKY10004. It has similar features as the DoubleTrack Pro such as locks and it folds up against the vehicle. It's also about the same weight since they're both pretty light. The Thule weighs 35 pounds and the RockyMounts is 38 pounds. The RockyMounts can also carry up to 60 pound bikes if you ever needed to. I've added a video for you to take a look at. Unfortunately, neither are on a 2014 Subaru Outback but I grabbed the closest models we have for you.