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This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.
Features:
Specs:
The sturdy steel construction is protected with a matte black finish for added durability. This unique powder coating gives etrailer hitches a carbide-like appearance and a rugged look that sets them apart from traditional glossy hitches. In addition to being rust and corrosion resistant, the tough matte coating hides dirt, scuffs, and dings better than a glossy finish.
At etrailer we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.
Tech Tip
No drilling through vehicle frame required for installation , Access holes may need to be enlarged by filing or rotary tool , Exhaust must be temporarily lowered for installation , Heat shield must be permanently removed for hitch installation
Complete Towing Package for 2017
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Install easy enough and looks good. The fit was a little off - the right side mounting plate pushes on the exhaust hanger (why not add a notch there?) and the uprights squeeze the spare tire bay a little. As I tightened the bolts it all drew up but I wish there wasn't interference.
It'd be cool if you linked to the step-drill needed (your store or another) so I could have just bought it at the same time. Instead I used small drill / file combo which was the worst part of the install...
The hitch was easy to install and over the last year has been rock solid. No complaints and I would absolutely order this hitch again if I need another trailer hitch.
Installed on my 2017 Forester Touring at home. I had previously installed a Class 2 hitch and needed the larger size for towing, so I simply dropped the muffler, zipped off the old hardware, replaced the hitch, and reinstalled and torqued the hardware. Best to do all this with power tools but very easy to do at home without a hoist.
One year later, this trailer hitch remains solid. Definitely transformed the capabilities of my Subie!
The trailer hitch receiver arrived as scheduled, a mere 3 days after I ordered it. The equipment was just as advertised and fit well on our 2018 Subaru Forester. Installation was straightforward and I look forward to using to transport our bikes around!
Gary
12/3/2024
The trailer hitch continues to work well. We have used it to carry our two E-bikes which weight about 70 lbs each all over the land, including a 1,000+ mile trek to the West Coast from Texas. No complaints.
Fit like a glove on my 2015 Forester, excellent instructions. Shipping box was destroyed in transit but no parts were missing. Total install time using a lift was 40 minutes.
John
4/27/2024
Its been over a year now and the hitch has served us well. No issues. Great price, fast shipping too.
Awesome hitch. Instructions are poor, but there are similar videos on YouTube that are better. Straight forward install.
Thomas
3/10/2025
Its a great hitch. The installation videos are very good - as with all etrailer installs. Beware that this hitch mounting interferes with the exhaust heat shield on the 2017 Subaru Forester. It takes a bit of manipulation to work around it, losing one mounting point as you cut away material. A good pair of aviation shears work well.
Jesse M.
3/10/2025
Great product. Same as the original Curt and still made by them, but with a better matte finish and for a lower cost. Only complaint is that the box it was shipped in had been trashed by UPS and a corner of the receiver tube had its finish scuffed off.
Super easy to install. With two guys and less than an hour it was practically plug and play. It’s held up strong and hasn’t caused any concern as I’ve pulled quite a bit with it. Would highly recommend, save the money and install yourself.
Trailer hitch came in quickly and alotted time for install was on the money. Needed a step bit and drill to complete install with given hardware.
The hitch is well a hitch. The Issue is that I ordered it with a time frame in mind and was told that “etrailer” could do that. They missed the mark by three business days and the weekend. So no disrespect to Curt who obviously manufactured the hitch but e trailer certainly dropped the ball. I guess that’s the new business norm for internet ordering these days. To bad I can’t do that with my job and keep it!!
I appreciate that e-trailer made it easy to find the hitch that would work for me. The videos helped me decide which one I needed/wanted, so that was nice.
The package came all beat up, ripped open and re-taped shut, but all the parts were there and the installer didn't say anything was missing. It fit. It's on and ready to go.
Gwendolyn Y.
5/27/2025
Now that it's ready to do, where are you headed off to do?
The hitch and wire harness arrived on time and undamaged and exactly s ordered. My son and I installed the hitch today, took about an hour and fifteen minutes once we gathered up the necessary tools and laid out the parts and backed the car onto ramps. We beforehand watched the video and followed the procedure as shown. Very helpful. They did not mention, however that the third exhaust hanger is on the tail pipe behind the rear axle, not on the muffler itself. Dropping and supporting the muffler allowed easy access to the mounting area. We also modified the heat shield to fit around the hitch mounts rather than discard it. Installed the wire harness later, again after watching the video. Again, the video very helpful and exact. Took about a half hour. The hitch fit perfectly and looks great. Thank you etrailer.
Gary G.
5/24/2021
My original review stands. Still a great way to hitch up.
Pleasantly surprised. Worked well. Put heat shield back up after install with only 3 of 4 screws, cut it just around the frame hitch bolts.
Relatively easy install, with more effort spent removing exhaust than anything else. Note you will have to cut/drill to expand a hole as detailed in the instruction video. This wasn't a big deal but a step I didn't notice.
Looks like it will fit. You only sent 5 fish wires instead of 6.
It's sturdy. I used it to hold my back rack on a Subaru Forrester. I backed into trees accidentally and had no issues except for the bent bike rack, but it still works.
great price, easy installation.
Hitch itself is solid and great quality. Clean finish and extremely durable. Definitely make sure you have the right tools to complete the DIY install. Took about 3-4 hours to do on my own. Easy enough to do if you have the tools and time.
Negative: the hitch on my 2018 Subaru Forester places any attachments (cargo hauler, bike rike, etc) in direct alignment with the muffler exhaust. Did not realize that at first and melted several boxes on a long car trip. So will need an attachment to raise the carriers as looked into altering the direction of the muffler and most places told me it was not possible
Corey
4/29/2024
Working great still! No rust on it one year later. Has had multiple trips under its belt in a years time
This hitch looks like it will last as long as the car. The installation is straight forward. Just follow the video instructions. I was able to do it myself with ramps and a creeper. (Like a redneck)
Henry
5/8/2023
This hitch is holding up very well. Excellent product.
Very well made item was padded in box with hardware taped to hitch. Shipping box was trashed UPS driver says it is always like that but that contents are fine.
Looks good and installation was as desc ribed.
Hitch fit like a glove, easy install and seems to be very strong!
site won't let me upload some pics but not that important. Watch the videos first, trust me! Took about 1 1/2 hours, installation was easy with the right drill bit and a few sockets and wrenches. Whoever thought up the bolt feedthrough wires is a genius, made this simple and easy!
Richard C.
6/24/2024
Best trailer Ive ever owned, been across the country on some really iffy highways and State roads. Handles like a dream, you have to look to reassure yourself it is still back there! Our All Wheel Drive Subaru cant be towed so purchased this trailer specifically for it. Thank you for the high quality construction of the Bed, drive axleswheels & Tires! The built in Braking system gives an extra sense of safety.
The trailer hitch was in good shape upon arrival (box not so much). The bolts and backing plates to attach the hitch were too large for the factory insert hole in the frame of a Subaru Forester (2018) and required some modification to get the bolts in place. Other than that the install went fairly well.
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Gwendolyn Y.
2/27/2025
Hey David. I'm glad the hitch has been rock solid so far! What have you been towing with it?