On the Subarus what is the difference between the tow package and the tow prep package

30

Asked by Guru5F3GP Feb 09, 2018 at 06:12 PM about the 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R

Question type: General

11 Answers

20

tow package has hardware and wiring already installed the prep package has spaces for the hitch and wiring but its not yet installed

2 people found this helpful.

Subaru's are not the best choice for towing. What do you plan on dragging behind your Subaru?

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86,145

Do you have a Subaru tow hitch on your car? It should say Subaru... there's a small rubber piece on the receiver.. And, your car can has a 3,000 pounds capacity... what are you towing???

1 people found this helpful.
86,145

Only need trailer brakes if trailer is over 1,500 pounds in California.

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You only need them to be safe. Don't confuse people Mark.

4 people found this helpful.
30

Thanks to all. Don't own a subaru yet. Just wanted to make sure I understand the options.

1 people found this helpful.

Keep in mind that what starts out as a 1,500 pound trailer may actually end up being well over a ton. If you plan on towing a lot get a real tow vehicle like a pickup or a SUV with a full frame.

1 people found this helpful.
86,145

F_O_R - I understand, safety is the paramount concern here... legally, in California and this certainly varies elsewhere, any trailer in excess of 1,500 pounds fully loaded has to have trailer brakes...the best kind are the coordinated electric brakes that hook up electronically with the car.... my teardrop trailer is less than 1,000 pounds fully loaded so I don't need them...in fact, I was originally thinking of having the brakes, but was talked out of it..one thing you need to know is ....the system should be perfectly tuned to the car... there's no room for error here...if for example the trailer brakes were to seize up and engage while you're driving, the car would be pulling an object with locked brakes and the trailer would be extremely unstable.... not good...be very careful with trailer brakes...this is NOT A TIME TO GO CHEAP.

3 people found this helpful.
30

In Tn. brakes are mandatory on 3k +. I have many years in axle / trailer manufacture so I won't have any problem with this specific project coming in under 1500 lbs. I am having trouble finding manufacturer specs on specifics such as disc brake rotor diameter for the Subarus. Do you have any suggestions?

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