Can You Put A Hitch On A Subaru Outback?

Putting a hitch on a Subaru Outback is a great way to add more functionality to your vehicle.

You can use it to tow a boat or trailer, and it’s also great for carrying bikes or other large items. 

If you’re looking for a way to add a hitch to your Outback, there are several options available. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know.

Can You Put A Hitch On A Subaru Outback?

The answer is yes, you can put a hitch on a Subaru Outback. There are several different types of hitches available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. 

The Subaru Outback can be equipped with either a 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch. When choosing a hitch, keep in mind that the 1.25-inch hitch is better suited for smaller trailers, while the 2-inch hitch can handle larger trailers.

How Do You Put a Hitch on A Subaru Outback?

To put a hitch on a Subaru Outback, you will need to purchase the hitch that is specific to your vehicle.

Once you have the hitch, follow the instructions that come with it. You need to collect the below tools:

• Flat and Phillips head screwdrivers 
• Tape 
• 10mm and 11/16 in. sockets 
• 6 in. socket extension 
• Ratchet 
• 1-1/8 in. hole saw 
• Exhaust pliers 
• Drill 
• Safety glasses 
• Torque wrench 
• Tin snip

If you have collected all these tools, you are ready to put a hitch on your Subaru Outback. Please follow the below steps:

Step 1:  Support The Exhaust System

Before you can install the hitch, you need to support the Outback’s exhaust system.

You need to use the exhaust pliers to disconnect the hangers that are holding the muffler in place.

Once you have done that, you can let the muffler hang freely.

Step 2:  Lower the Exhaust Heat Shield

The next step is to lower the exhaust heat shield. This will give you better access to the Outback’s frame. 

If you want to lower the heat shield, you need to remove the bolts that are holding it in place. Once you have removed the bolts, you can let the heat shield hang freely.

Step 3:  Drill the Frame

Using the  1-inch hole saw, you need to drill two holes in the Outback’s frame. These holes will be used to mount the hitch. 

The first hole should be drilled at the front of the frame, and the second hole should be drilled at the rear of the frame.

Step 4:  Thread Carriage Bolts Through The Access Holes

After drilling the holes, you need to thread the carriage bolts through the access holes. In order to do this, you will need a carriage bolt as well as a large spacer. 

Attach these two items to the fish wire coil and then pull it back through the access hole. 

Place the bolt thread through the attachment hole and position the spacer in between the frame and bolt head. 

Repeat this process for all other hitch attachment holes. For the forward attachment holes, use the larger spacers. For the rear holes, use the small spacers.

Step 5:  Position the Hitch

Once all the carriage bolts have been threaded through the access holes, you can position the hitch. 

The hitch should be positioned so that the carriage bolts are aligned with the attachment holes.

Step 6:  Install the Hitch

Now that the hitch is in position, you can install it. Start by threading a washer and nut onto each of the carriage bolts. 

Once all the bolts have been tightened, you can use the torque wrench to tighten them to  84 ft-lbs.

Step 7:  Torque the hex nuts

With a torque wrench, turn each hex nut until it clicks 50 times. This means that the correct amount of torque has been reached.

Step 8:  Reattach the heat shield

The last step is to reattach the muffler and heat shield. First, reconnect the hangers that hold the muffler in place. 

Next, reinstall the bolts that hold the heat shield in place. Once both of these items are back in place, you can start the Outback and test the hitch.

So, that’s how you put a hitch on a Subaru Outback. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to do it in no time. 

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Hitch On A Subaru Outback?

The cost of installing a hitch on a Subaru Outback will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, it should cost between $400 and $800.

Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the actual cost may be more or less depending on the company you use.

On the other hand if you go to the local shop then they might charge you $400 and $600 for the installation of your hitch.

This is a pretty good deal considering that you get all the hardware and installation done by a professional.

In addition, you should also factor in the cost of the hitch itself.

Most hitches will cost between $100 and $200.

So, altogether, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1000 to have a hitch installed on your Subaru Outback.

If you’re looking for a more exact quote, we recommend reaching out to a few different companies and asking for a quote.

That way, you can get a better idea of how much it will cost to have a hitch installed on your Outback.

Why Would You Want to Put a Hitch on A Subaru Outback?

There are a few different reasons why you might want to put a hitch on your Subaru Outback. Below we will discuss some of the most common reasons.

Towing

One of the most popular reasons for installing a hitch is for towing purposes.

If you want to tow a camper, boat, or trailer, you will need a hitch. Without a hitch, you will not be able to connect your Outback to the trailer.

Cargo Carrier

Another popular reason for installing a hitch is to use a cargo carrier.

A cargo carrier is a great way to transport extra gear, luggage, or supplies. They are especially convenient if you are going on a long road trip.

Bike Rack

A bike rack is another great way to utilize a hitch. If you enjoy biking, a bike rack is a great way to transport your bikes.

There are a few different types of bike racks, so you will need to find one that is compatible with your Outback.

These are just a few of the most popular reasons for installing a hitch on a Subaru Outback.

If you have another reason, that’s fine too! Ultimately, it’s up to you why you want to install a hitch.

Some Tips About Installing a Hitch on A Subaru Outback Safely

If you’ve never installed a hitch before, there are a few things you should know.

Below we will discuss some tips that will help you install your hitch safely.

• Make sure the Outback is in park and the emergency brake is engaged.

• Place jack stands under the frame of the Outback to support it while you work.

• When lifting the Outback, be sure to use jack stands and not a floor jack. A floor jack will not provide enough support and could cause the Outback to fall off of the jack stands.

• Follow the instructions that come with the hitch kit. Every kit is different, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully.

• Have someone help you when installing the hitch. It’s always easier (and safer) to have two people working on it.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your hitch is installed safely and correctly.

Always try to use caution when working on your vehicle and be sure to read the instructions that come with the kit.

Can You Use a Hitch Extension with a Subaru Outback?

Yes, you can use a hitch extension with a Subaru Outback.

A hitch extension is a great way to extend the length of your hitch. This is especially useful if you are going to be towing a large trailer or camper.

Keep in mind that you will need to find an extension that is compatible with your Outback.

Most extensions will have a weight limit, so be sure to check that before you purchase one. 

On the other hand, always err on the side of caution and get an extension that has a higher weight limit than what you need.

That way, you will never have to worry about your extension not being able to handle the weight of your trailer.

In addition, you will need to make sure that the extension is properly secured. You don’t want it to come loose while you are driving!

Does Using a Hitch Extension Reduce the Towing Capacity of a Subaru Outback?

Yes, using a hitch extension will reduce the towing capacity of your Outback.

However, it is not by much. This Hitch Extension cuts the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent.

For example,  if your Outback has a towing capacity of 2000 pounds, using an extension will reduce that to 1000 pounds.

It’s important to keep this in mind when you are choosing a trailer or camper to tow.

You will need to make sure that the combined weight of the trailer and camper does not exceed the towing capacity of your Outback.

While this might seem like a lot, it’s actually not that difficult to find a trailer or camper that falls within these guidelines. So, don’t worry too much about it!

What Are the Drawbacks of Putting a Hitch on Your Subaru Outback?

There are a few potential drawbacks of putting a hitch on your Subaru Outback. Below, we will discuss some of the most common ones.

Weight Limit

One of the biggest drawbacks is that it will reduce the weight limit of your Outback.

As we mentioned earlier, using a hitch will reduce the towing capacity of your vehicle.

Keep this in mind when you’re picking a trailer or camper to tow.

You will need to make sure that the combined weight of the trailer and camper does not exceed the towing capacity of your Outback.

Failing to do this could damage your vehicle or lead to an accident. So, be sure to do your research before you hit the road!

Increased Fuel Consumption

Another potential drawback is that it will increase your fuel consumption. This is because your Outback will have to work harder to tow a trailer or camper.

As a result, you can expect your fuel economy to decrease by about 2-5%.  This might not seem like much, but it can add up over time.

So, if you are looking to save money on fuel, you might want to think twice about putting a hitch on your Outback.

Difficulty Parking

Another potential issue is that it can make parking more difficult. This is because the hitch will extend the length of your vehicle.

Also, if you are going to be towing a large trailer or camper, it can make maneuvering even more difficult.

As a result, you might have a hard time finding a parking spot that is big enough for your Outback.  You might also have a hard time maneuvering in tight spaces.

Additional Maintenance

Finally, you should know that putting a hitch on your Outback will require some additional maintenance.

This is because the hitch will add extra weight to your vehicle.

As a result, you might have to get your Outback’s suspension and brakes serviced more often. You might also have to get new tires more often.

So, if you are not willing to do the extra maintenance, you might want to think twice about putting a hitch on your Outback.

FAQs

Conclusion

After reading this blog post, we hope you know that you can put a hitch on your Subaru Outback.

However, some things you need to consider, such as the weight limit and increased fuel consumption.  

We hope that you have all the information you need to make a decision.

But overall, putting a hitch on your Subaru Outback is a great way to add some extra functionality to your vehicle.