2020 Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch

Accessory Installation Guide

 

2020 Outback Trailer HitchL101SAN000
 

 

 

 

 

 

Installation Instructions

Installation Instructions – French

OUTBACK TRAILER HITCH – warning card

 


REMOVE REAR PANEL AND LOWER SPARE TIRE

PREPARATION: WEAR SAFETY GLASSES

a) Raise and remove the carpeted spare tire compartment cover.

b) Remove foam center panel.

c) Unscrew and remove tire thumbscrew.

d) Remove spare tire.

 

REMOVE REAR TAIL LIGHTS

1) USING A SMALL PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWDRIVER, REMOVE (2) TAIL LIGHT COVERS ON EACH SIDE.

2) USING 10mm SOCKET, REMOVE 2 BOLTS TO REMOVE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY, REMOVE THE ASSEMBLY BY PULLING STRAIGHT BACK. (REPEAT FOR BOTH SIDES)

4) CAREFULLY SET ASIDE THE FASTENERS SO THEY WILL NOT BE DAMAGED.

 

REAR BUMPER FASCIA REMOVAL

1) WITH A SCREWDRIVER, RELEASE (1) SMALL PUSH BUTTON FAS TENER PER SIDE ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE FASCIA WHEEL WELL. USE THE TIP OF THE SCREWDRIVER TO PUSH THE CENTER OF THE PIN IN.

2) WITH A SMALL FLAT HEAD SCREWDRIVER, REMOVE (7) LARGE PUSH PIN FASTENERS ACROSS THE LENGTH OF THE BUMPER

3) STARTING AT THE LH SIDE REAR WHEEL, USING BOTH HANDS, PULL ONE SIDE OF THE FASCIA OUT FROM THE VEHICLE.

4) CONTINUE AROUND THE REAR LH SIDE. AT THE REAR CORNER, BEGIN TO PULL REARWARD AND WORK ACROSS THE VEHICLE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT TO REMOVE THE ENITIRE BUMPER.

5) FULL Y RELE ASE THE BUMPER FROM THE VEHICLE BODY.

6) LAY FASCIA ASIDE WHERE IT WILL NOT BE DAMAGED DURING HITCH INSTALL ATION

 

MUFFLER(S) REMOVAL

1) UNBOLT MUFFLER FROM EXHAUST PIPES (4 LOCATIONS) WITH 14 MM OPEN END WRENCH AND SOCKET.

2) DISCARD THE (2) EXHAUST GASKETS AND (4) LOCK NUTS.

3) REMOVE MUFFLERS BY FIRST DISENGAGING THE REARMOST EXHAUST HANGER, THEN DISENGAG THE FORWARDMOST EXHAUST HANGER.
4) PUT MUFFLERS ASIDE FOR LATER REINSTALLATION.

 

HEAT SHIELD REMOVAL

1) REMOVE 4 HEAT SHIELD BOLTS AND THEN REMOVE HEAT SHIELD. RETAIN BOLTS AND HEAT SHIELD FOR RE-INSTALLATION.

2) REMOVE THE 3 PLUGS FROM EACH LH AND RH SIDE.

 

REMOVE BUMPER BEAM

1) REMOVE THE CONNECTOR FROM THE WIRELESS REMOTE ANTENNA ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BUMPER.

2) REMOVE AND DISCARD THE FOAM PIECE.

3) REMOVE (4) BUMPER BEAM NUTS FROM THE STUD BOLTS ON THE END OF THE FRAME. THE TOP BOLTS CAN BE ACCESSED THROUGH TOOLING HOLES IN THE BUMPER BEAM.

NOTE: HOLD THE BUMPER BEAM WITH ONE HAND WHILE TAKING OFF THE LAST NUT SO IT DOES NOT FALL IN THE REMOVAL PROCESS.

4) THE NUTS AND BOLTS WILL BE REINSTALLED ONCE THE BUMPER IS REMOVED

 

Removal of the Keyless Entry Antenna

1) REMOVE THE ANTENNA WHILE PUSHING THE NAIL OF THE CLIP WITH THE NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS FROM THE BUMPER BEAM MOUNTING SIDE.

2) RECYCLE OR DISCARD BUMPER BEAM

 

INSTALL LH / RH FRAME BRACKET ASSEMBLES – PARTS “B” & “C”

1) PLACE LH WELDED BRACKET ASSEMBLY “B” INTO SIDE FRAME HOLE OPENING.

3) ALIGN THE BRACKET HOLES WITH THE HOLES IN THE FRAME RAIL.

4) LOOSELY INSTALL (3) M12 BOLTS “D” AND WASHERS “E” FIRST THROUGH THE (1) BOTTOM FRAME HOLE, FOLLOWED BY THE (2) SIDE FRAME HOLES.

5) REPEAT STEPS #2 THROUGH #4 FOR THE RH SIDE BRACKET ASSEMBLY “C”.

 

INSTALL MAIN HITCH MEMBER – PART “A”

1) Install the main hitch “A” between the LH and RH frame bracket assemblies “B”.

2) Loosely install (2) M12 bolt “D” and on each side through the top hole in LH/RH bracket.

3) Loosely install (2) M12 bolts “D” on each side through the bottom holes in bracket.

4) Hand tighten all (7) M12 bolts on each side.

 

FASTENER TORQUE VALUES

a) Torque all fasteners in the order and to the torque values as shown in the table

 

INSTALL ANTENNA IN LH BRACKET

1) TAKE THE ANTENNA THAT WAS REMOVED AND INSTALL INTO THE LEFT HAND BRACKET AFTER HITCH IS INTALLED. ENSURE CLIP IS PUSHED THROUGH AND SECURE.

2) PLUG CONNECTOR INTO ANTENNA.

 

RE-INSTALL MUFFLERS

1) IDENTIFY THE CORRECT SIZED EXHAUST GASKET TO BE USED FOR THE RE-INSTALLATION PROCESS. INSTALL GASKETS ONTO EXHAUST.

2) ENGAGE THE FORWARD MOST EXHAUST HANGER, THEN ENGAGE THE REAR EXHAUST HANGER FOR EACH SIDE.

3) BOLT THE MUFFLERS TO THE EXHAUST PIPES (4 LOCATIONS) WITH 14 mm OPEN END WRENCH AND SOCKET.

 

WIRE HARNESS INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING PROCEDURE

1) PARTS NECESSARY FOR HARNESS FIXING

2) ONCE THE WIRE HARNESS IS ROUTED THROUGH THE BULK-HEAD WRAP THE CONNECTORS WITH THE URETHANE FOAM TAPE AFTER ATTACHING CONNECTORS TO VEHICLE WIRE HARNESS.

3) PASTE CABLE TIE MOUNTS WHERE MARKED

4) ATTACH UNIT AND FUSE BOX TO CAR BODY

5) CONNECT WITH VEHICLE SIDE WIRE HARNESS.

6) SECURE WIRING WITH TIE WRAPS

7) BOLT THE CONNECTOR MOUNT TO THE HITCH AND INSTALL THE 4-PIN CONNECTOR TO MOUNT. CONNECT WIRING HARNESS TO VEHICLE SIDE CONNECTOR.

8) SECURE HARNESS TO THE TUBE WITH TIE WRAPS (H) SO THAT THERE IS NO SLACK IN HARNESS, ALIGN TIES WITH TABS ON VEHICLE (8A)

 

WIRING HARNESS INSTALLATION CONTINUED

Install the 4-pin connector into the wiring harness mounting bracket on the tow hitch using the clamp bracket and hardware included in the wiring harness kit.

 

MODIFYING THE REAR BUMPER FASCIA

(NOTE: Do not use the cutting template included with these instructions for trailer hitch installations on the Outback Wilderness. Use the cutting template provided with the Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel, part number L101SAN610)

1) CAREFULLY MAKE FASCIA CUT. (SEE PAGES 23-28 FOR DETAILS)

DO NOT APPLY TEMPLATE ON OUTER SURFACE, TEMPLATE WILL NOT FIT CORRECTLY.

2) REMOVE ALL BURRS AND ROUGH EDGES AFTER THE CUT IS MADE.

IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CUT THE BUMPER AND COVER TOGETHER

 

INSTALL RUBBER TRIM GASKET

1) MAKE SURE THE STARTING END HAS A 90° EDGE.

2) STARTIN AT THE END OF THE OPENING, CAREFULLY SLIDE THE GASKET ALONG THE CUT EDGE.

3) CONTINUE TO WRAP AROUND THE OPENING, BEING SURE TO CREATE A SMOOTH JOINT AS YOU INSTALL.

4) ONCE GASKET IS IN PLACE, TRIM EXCESS LENGTH SO THAT IT IS EVEN WITH THE EDGE OF FASCIA.

 

REINSTALLATION OF COMPONENTS

1) REINSTALL HEAT SHIELDS. TORQUE TO 10 Nm (90 in-lbs.)

2) REINSTALL THE MUFFLERS USING THE SELF LOCKING NUTS AND THE EXHAUST GASKETS SUPPLIED. TORQUE THE EXHAUST NUTS TO 48±5 Nm (35±4 ft-lbs)

NOTES: SINGLE EXHAUST WILL USE 2 NUTS AND 1 GASKET, DUAL EXHAUST WILL USE 4 NUTS AND 2 GASKETS. THE EXHAUST GASKETS ARE DIFFERENT SIZES AND SHOULD BE VERIFIED PRIOR TO INSTALL

3) REINSTALL REAR BUMPER FASCIA.

4) REINSTALL REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES. TORQUE TO 7 Nm (5 ft-lbs)

5) REINSTALL REAR TAIL LIGHT COVERS

6) REINSTALL SPARE TIRE AND RELATED COMPONENTS.

7) REPLACE REAR COMPARTMENT COVER.

 

SAFETY CHAIN HOOK

Always use safety chains when towing.

 

SEPARATING UPPER AND LOWER FASCIA

1) PRIOR TO TAPING THE TEMPLATE TO THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE FASCIA FOR CUTTING, THE UPPER AND LOWER FASCIA PIECES NEED TO BE SEPARATED. THIS ALLOWS FOR CUTTING OF EACH FASCIA WITHOUT INTERFERENCE OR DAMAGE ON THE OTHER PART.

2) LOCATE THE RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE LOWER FASCIA AND RELEASE THEM USING A SCREWDRIVER TO LIFT THE RETAINING TAB AND PUSHING THE CLIP THROUGH. LOCATE THE CLIPS AND UNSNAP THE CONNECTING CLIPS WITH A SCREWDRIVER. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE THE CLIP FOR THE RE-ASSEMBLY STEP.

3) AFTER THE CUTTING OF THE UPPER AND LOWER FASCIA IS COMPLETE, CONNECT THE TWO PIECES BACK TOGETHER CAREFULLY TO KEEP SURFACE FROM DAMAGE.

 

TEMPLATE USE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FASCIA CUT

1) WHEN INSTALLING THIS HITCH ON THE OUTBACK WILDERNESS, USE THE CUTTING TEMPLATE PROVIDED WITH THE PART, TRAILER HITCH FASCIA PANEL, PART NUMBER L101SAN610

2) TEMPLATE #1, #2, #3 (LAST 3 PAGES) NEED TO BE TAPED TOGETHER SECURELY SO THAT THE PIECES FIT TOGETHER AS SHOWN BELOW.

3) PLACE TAPE ALONG KEY FEATURES.

4) THIS CURVED EDGE IS THE EDGE USED TO ALIGNED TEMPLATE ON THE INSIDE SURFACE FOR THE NEXT STEP.

IF THIS EDGE OF THE TEMPLATE IS DAMAGED, USE A NEW TEMPLATE.

 

TEMPLATE USE INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUED

1) WITH THE COMBINED TEMPLATE, START ALIGNING THE TEMPLATE TO THE INSIDE OF THE FASCIA. START WITH LOCATION MARKED BELOW.

2) ENSURE TEMPLATE SITS FLAT AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE FASCIA AND SECURE WITH TAPE SO THE TEMPLATE DOES NOT MOVE DURING CUTTING PROCESS.

3) THIS AREA WILL CAUSE TEMPLATE TO NOT SIT FLAT. MARK A STRAIGHT LINE FROM POINT “a” TO POINT “b” TO CUT REMAINING FASCIA.

 

TEMPLATE USE INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUED

1) ONLY WHEN UPPER AND LOWER FASCIA PIECES ARE SEPARATED, FOLLOW SCRIBE LINE TO CUT FASCIA PIECE

2) AFTER CUTTING, REMOVE ANY SHARP EDGES OR BURRS LEFT. REATTACH THE UPPER AND LOWER FASCIA COMPONENTS. REFER BACK TO PAGE 21 FOR APPLYING THE RUBBER TRIM TO FASCIA.

 



PART NUMBER: L101SAN000

OUTBACK TRAILER HITCH

 

This card should be stored in the vehicle glove box and handed over with the vehicle if sold.

NOTICE:

Electric Trailer Brakes:  Customers towing over 1,000 lbs and using a trailer with electric brakes must purchase and install an electric brake controller and harness. The electric brake controller and harness are not available from SubarueBay logo.

  1. Do not drill, cut, weld or otherwise modify the Trailer Hitch.
  2. If Trailer Hitch is removed, a bumper beam MUST be reinstalled. Failure to reinstall a bumper beam after removal of the trailer hitch will negatively affect vehicle rear crash performance. Please contact your SUBARUeBay logo dealer.
  3. When a Trailer Hitch is installed, it is not possible to install the rear towing hook.
  4. Never exceed the maximum towing capacity and maximum tongue load for the trim level detailed on the trailer hitch and the owner’s manual. It could cause personal injury and/or vehicle damage.
  5. When towing, total vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also the load distribution on each axle must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GVWR and GAWR for your vehicle can be found on the “Certification label” which is located on the left side center pillar of the vehicle.
  6. After the first 600 miles, please consult with SubarueBay logo dealer to recheck the tightness of trailer hitch bolts and nuts.
  7. For models equipped with BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) driving support systems, when towing a trailer press BSD/RCTA OFF switch to deactivate the systems. The system may not operate properly due to blocked radar waves. For details about BSD/RCTA OFF switch, refer to the owner’s manual “BSD/RCTA OFF switch”.
  8. For models equipped with RAB (Reverse Automatic Braking) system, please consult with SUBARUeBay logo dealer when towing a trailer.
  9. For further information, read vehicle owner’s manual or consult your dealer or dealer’s service department.
  10. SubarueBay logo accepts no liability for product defects caused by incorrect use.

Issue 02 – 08/18/20

 


L101SAN000

2020 Outback Trailer Hitch (English)

https://techinfo.subaru.com/stis/doc/accInstallGuide/L101SAN000%20Tow%20Hitch%20-%20Installation%20Instructions%20-%20English%20-%202020APRIL17-merged.pdf
https://static.oemdtc.com/AccessoryInstallationGuide/L101SAN000.pdf

 


L101SAN000

2020-2022MY Outback Trailer Hitch (French)

https://techinfo.subaru.com/stis/doc/accInstallGuide/L101SAN000%20Tow%20Hitch%20%20-%20Installation%20Instructions%20-%20FRENCH%20-%202020APRIL20-merged.pdf
https://static.oemdtc.com/AccessoryInstallationGuide/L101SAN000FR.pdf

 


L101SAN000

OUTBACK TRAILER HITCH – warning card

https://techinfo.subaru.com/stis/doc/accInstallGuide/L101SAN000%20Tow%20Hitch%20-%20warning%20card%20-%20Issue%2002%20INS20477.pdf
https://static.oemdtc.com/AccessoryInstallationGuide/L101SAN000-WarningCard.pdf

 


 

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CURT 13409 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Compatible with Select Subaru Forester
  • Rated to 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight
  • Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
  • Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
  • Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
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Bestseller No. 2
CURT 13494 Class 3 Black Trailer Hitch with 2" Receiver fits 2020 2025 Legacy Outback - Rated 3,500 lbs Gross Trailer Weight & 350 lbs Tongue Weight
  • Dependable Strength: Stringently tested to SAE J684 standards, the hitch has a weight capacity of 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight
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BALOCEO 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch Receiver Compatible with 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Rear Trailer Hitch Steel Powder Coated
  • Application: This class 3 trailer tow hitch receiver is compatible with 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 SubarueBay logo Forester all models
  • Function: After installing the towing receiver device on your vehicle, it can bear the weight of the trailer and the cargo, ensuring that the towing vehicle can stably pull the load during driving
  • Load-bearing Capacity: Class 3 trailer hitch is rated for up to 3,500 lbs. Tongue weight is rated for up to 525 lbs. Made of steel, it is solid and not easy to deform. The black powder coating effectively avoids rust and wear caused by external conditions, ensuring stable performance over a long time
  • Installation: Install with screws, professional installation is recommended
  • Package: Package includes 1 x trailer tow hitch receiver, installation hardware and assemble manual
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Autekcomma Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver Tow Hitch, Compatible with Subaru Outback & Subaru Legacy 2020-2025, Multi-Fit Hitch to Receive Ball Mount, Cargo Carrier, Bike Rack. 13570
  • VEHICLE FITMENT— (NOTE:This trailer hitch requires trim panel according to the instructions.) Compatible with 2020-2025 SubarueBay logo Outback, 2020-2025 SubarueBay logo Legacy. Please check vehicle compatibility before purchase.
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Bestseller No. 5
ALMULOO Class 3 Trailer Hitch Compatible with 2010-2019 Subaru Outback 2 Inch Towing Receiver Hitch
  • Fitment: This Class 3 Trailer Hitch Compatible with 2010-2019 SubarueBay logo Outback
  • Feature: This heavy-duty steel trailer hitch features a durable black powder-coated finish, rated for a maximum gross trailer weight of 4000 lbs (4000 lbs with weight distribution) and a maximum tongue weight of 600 lbs (600 lbs with weight distribution)
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  • Package: 1 x Trailer Hitch including instruction manual and mounting hardware

Last update on 2026-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

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