tow hitch with rear bumper guard 2015 Outback

What is a bumper guard? That little piece of plastic on top of the bumper? Can't see how that would have any bearing on a hitch.

I'm puzzled too, but trust you're referring to the the $100 step pad. But here's the poop: The 2015+ Leg/OB OE tow bar is integrated into the bumper supports WITHIN the entire structure. Installation is a maddening 3+ hrs, totaling $700+ at the dealers, whose techs HATE this job. Far better to go the conventional route and chase a Draw-Tite or similar underside bolt- on that's worked for 40 years. An indy installer did my remote daughter's in an hour for $279. Fine deal under $350.

HI - I struggled with that for a while too but no, it is the under side of the bumper the best I can tell. Here is a video I found. The end shows it being cut. https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/oem-trailer-hitch-installation-with- pictures.523233/#post-5992084 Subaru tells me the tongue weight is 200 lbs but if I get a 2 inch hitch with a higher tongue weight then it is safe to haul more in the basket (i.e. 500 lbs) Is that true? Does anyone have any recommendations about what basket would be good (fold up, etc) If I have to stick to 200 lb tow weight due to car limits , not the hitch limit, then a light weight basket would seem better? Thanks - need to transport my son, mom and dog west. :)

Hi. No the guard goes around and under the bumper and the plastic piece has to be cut so the hitch can come through. (The protective piece on top of the bumper is called a rear bumper "protector".) Does anyone know the answer to the tongue weight question I asked above? Any recommended hitches or baskets that anybody has used? I'm not really planning on towing. I do need a basket on the back for this 2000 mile trip so we all fit. Thanks