How to Install a Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch
Purchase the appropriate after-market trailer hitch kit for your model year Subaru Outback., Inspect the parts for damage and to ensure that they are all in the kit. , Raise the rear of the Outback and place it on car jacks., Remove the 4 hangers, 2...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Purchase the appropriate after-market trailer hitch kit for your model year Subaru Outback.
You could do your work while the Outback has all 4 wheels on the ground, but it is much easier to raise the rear end. , Silicon grease applied to the hangers and allowed to soak in will help in removing the hangers.
The pipe should be hanging free now. ,, It will probably take some trial and error to get it positioned correctly.
Check the instructions that came with the kit for hints on placement.
Use the dual mufflers to help support the hitch during the installation.
This will help prevent it falling on you as you work. , Alternate sides for the remaining 2 spacers, and then bolt the hitch to the car frame. , Get one with enough power to accommodate the trailer you will be hauling.
If you're not sure what size to buy, seek professional advice. , Strip the tape and insulation back 5 inches (12.7 cm) and identify the following colored wires:
Blue is a 12V wire Black with blue is for tail lights Blue with green is the left turn signal Red with green is the right turn signal Brown is for the brake lights Black is the grounding wire , You can also solder/fuse the wires together if you prefer, but using the connectors will allow you to take the wires apart more easily if necessary. , Attach the adapter to the tire well wall. , If everything works, replace the carpet and padding. , -
Step 2: Inspect the parts for damage and to ensure that they are all in the kit.
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Step 3: Raise the rear of the Outback and place it on car jacks.
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Step 4: Remove the 4 hangers
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Step 5: 2 per side
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Step 6: supporting the exhaust pipe.
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Step 7: Use a breaker bar or a 1/2 inch ratchet to remove the 2 forward bolts under the plastic covers.
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Step 8: Move the hitch into place.
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Step 9: Install the 4 matched spacers on the hitch
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Step 10: 2 per side
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Step 11: by screwing on the 1st spacer and moving to the opposite side to screw on the 2nd spacer.
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Step 12: Purchase an after-market wiring kit.
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Step 13: Clear the cargo area enough to allow you to lift the carpet and padding to locate the wire harness hidden under the cubbyhole on the driver's side of the Outback.
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Step 14: Use crimp/splice connectors
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Step 15: from the hardware store
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Step 16: to splice the wires in the harness to the matching wires in the wiring kit.
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Step 17: Cut a hole in the wall of the tire well with a utility knife
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Step 18: and thread the trailer wire plug through.
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Step 19: Test the lights.
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Step 20: This set of instructions including the location of the wire harness and the colors of the wires does not correspond to the 2012 model Outback.
Detailed Guide
You could do your work while the Outback has all 4 wheels on the ground, but it is much easier to raise the rear end. , Silicon grease applied to the hangers and allowed to soak in will help in removing the hangers.
The pipe should be hanging free now. ,, It will probably take some trial and error to get it positioned correctly.
Check the instructions that came with the kit for hints on placement.
Use the dual mufflers to help support the hitch during the installation.
This will help prevent it falling on you as you work. , Alternate sides for the remaining 2 spacers, and then bolt the hitch to the car frame. , Get one with enough power to accommodate the trailer you will be hauling.
If you're not sure what size to buy, seek professional advice. , Strip the tape and insulation back 5 inches (12.7 cm) and identify the following colored wires:
Blue is a 12V wire Black with blue is for tail lights Blue with green is the left turn signal Red with green is the right turn signal Brown is for the brake lights Black is the grounding wire , You can also solder/fuse the wires together if you prefer, but using the connectors will allow you to take the wires apart more easily if necessary. , Attach the adapter to the tire well wall. , If everything works, replace the carpet and padding. ,
About the Author
Virginia Martin
With a background in digital media and internet, Virginia Martin brings 14 years of hands-on experience to every article. Virginia believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
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