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Is this right for you? Product Expert Kathleen M says:
Fully welded vehicle trailer hitch is strong and durable. Draw-Tite's Tested Tough guarantee ensures that this hitch exceeds industry standards. The combination of an e-coat base and a powder coat finish provides excellent rust protection.
Features:
Specs:
Draw-Tite's Tested Tough program provides testing standards far superior to those outlined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the go-to source for engineering professionals.
Each Draw-Tite trailer hitch receiver undergoes extensive fatigue testing and static testing with the ball mount that is either supplied or recommended for use with that particular hitch, thus ensuring results that are applicable to real life use. Fatigue testing is also conducted on hitches rated for use with weight-distribution systems.
In addition, Draw-Tite performs static testing on a simulated automobile, as opposed to the rigid fixture used for SAE testing, resulting in a more true-to-life scenario.
At etrailer.com 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.
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Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (777 Customer Reviews)
Fully welded vehicle trailer hitch is strong and durable. Draw-Tite's Tested Tough guarantee ensures that this hitch exceeds industry standards. The combination of an e-coat base and a powder coat finish provides excellent rust protection.The product was great and fit nicely I had some quality concerns and they took the time to check it out and was willing to replace it if I wanted. I installed the hitch and they were right the problem was not that big of deal. I followed the video instructions and only had a few problems. getting the electrical connector apart and fitting the trim fascia back together. Because the hitch took up approximately 3/8 " I ended up trimming the foam, it was really easy I used a large serrated knife see picture and it fit perfect I also wired the lights fixture up and out of the way Did this by myself took 3 to 4 hours. I will be buying other products with confidence from them
Went with the drawtite. Best value in my opinion..the eco hitch would have been my choice(I just think it looks a bit cooler and sits more at a factory height tow hitch..about an inch difference from the draw tite and eco hitch) but the drawtite looks super clean once installed!
It’s not a hard install and requires basic minimus tools. The video is real helpful. Tow infinity and beyond!
Cesar - 06/25/2022The instructional video was excellent. I just followed it to a T and had no issues. Just be careful with the plastic rivets, especially if you don't have a plastic clip removal tool (as I didn't). The measurement and Dremel cutout part was as easy as it gets.
Mike - 10/27/2022Looks great when installed. Removing the fascia anchors was harder than expected... even with a trim tool! The screwdriver ended up working better than the trim tool I bought. You'll also need a deep 14 mm socket. I used a impact driver to take them off (a spray of lubricant helped) and then used the impact driver to put them back on almost all the way, then hand tightened.
I have installed it but not tested it as I have no trailer or tester. The installations was straight forward with the usual problem of finding the harness connector under the side panel. I found it helpful to remove the D ring assembly and to flip the back seats and that other cross member forward. That allows a bit more movement in the side panel to find and work with the harness connector. I found the connector in the upper left corner of the D ring hole and was able to find and cut the blue tape there. Just one piece of tape for me. No double sided foam tape came with the kit so I used some double sided adhesive velcro so I could remove the electronics in the future if necessary and placed it under the location shown in the photo with the tab up and the wiring down. Duct taped the wiring down and fed it under the foam panel and fed it into the spare wheel well. Plenty of wire to reach the hitch.
I am pleased with this hitch. It does what its supposed to. The mounting of it was easy even after a few beers. I use a hitch basket with two 55qt coolers strapped down to it. It doesnt move, its very sturdy. The hitch doesnt stick out so its very shin/knee friendly. Pretty awesome. No compaints.
1. I ordered the Draw-Tite hitch from etrailer based on the added feature of the extra set of pin holes for the stabilization pin. The hitch I received and installed did not have the extra pin holes. See pictures below. Unfortunately I didn’t’ realize this until I completed the installation. The packaging and instructions had the correct item number. But to tell you the truth I don’t know what I received…. Emailed customer service but the person who replied back was clueless… I am now shopping for a cargo rack but will most likely buy from that tool store in the northern part of the country.
2. Like others measure twice, cut once. I didn’t need to cut the center hole on the bottom of the fascia.. Used two zip ties to attach it since I couldn’t line up the hole sufficiently for the push pin.
Clayton O - 08/31/2021The fit was exact. The video on the web made the install go as planned and no broken plastic pieces because I had not done this before. Install took around 3 hours. It took the guesswork of removing part A before part B and breaking part A. It was a bit overkill putting a class 3 receiver on a 4 cly. Subaru but the bike rack is solid. All around happy.
Just finished installing this on my 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R. It took me about 2 1/2 hours, which was about what I expected.
The biggest problem was removing the fascia (the shroud over the rear bumper). My situation didn't match the video in one crucial spot (just below the taillight) so I called support and sent a photo. They never called back but I figured it out myself.
The instructions to remove a piece of the fascia to make room for the hitch were not correct. As other reviews have said, the depth of cut needs to be at least 5 inches, so I ignored the manual and followed the other reviewers' advice. I wish I'd cut 5.5 inches to be absolutely certain of clearing the hitch entirely.
The other problem in the instructions related to the position of the center of the hitch relative to the holes in the fascia. After I installed the hitch, I held the fascia in place loosely while I figured out exactly where to cut, and it worked out perfectly.
Based on my experience so far, I'd absolutely recommend this hitch. I looked at a variety of products and this seemed like the best in every respect.
Peter G - 10/22/2022Thanks for reaching out. It speaks highly of your company to do so. The hitch and wiring harness fit my Outback perfectly. We had a fun summer pulling our kayak trailer and are looking forward to hitting the road again soon.
The hitch was very easy to install on my 2019 Outback utilizing the video and instructions that came with it. I also installed the Curt wiring harness and I installed everything and was done and completely picked up in less than 3 hours.
Richard - 06/29/2021The Draw-Tite hitch is an excellent fit and looks great this is the hitch I have purchased from etrailer the previous one was the Etrailer brand for a 2015 Suraru Forester and was very satisfied with that also.
The independent mechanic took 2.5 hrs. for the installation and required the removal of the entire rear bumper facia a time aconsuming task as expected.
The lable on the Hopkins wiring harness is outdated (2014). It worked fine but I would suggest that etrailer attach a note to the product packaging noting that it also fits the 2018 Subaru. Thanks for the fine products.
Robert - 10/08/2022Works great and stays mostly hidden. Installation was straightforward.
I purchased the Draw-Tite Max Frame Hitch Receiver for my 2017 Subaru Outback. The people at Etrailer were great to deal with and helped me to make my choice in purchasing the correct hitch receiver for my Outback. I wanted a hitch that was like a custom fit and the Draw-Tite Max is the one. The instructions were easy to understand and it took about an hour to install. The service from Etrailer was great and they were always there to help me with my questions. I also purchased the Hopkins Plug in simple wiring harness which was very easy to install.
Larry S - 07/30/2019Poor QC. “Bumper” at receiver tube entrance was misaligned, preventing inserting a hitch, which is a crappy thing to find out after you’ve installed and made a permanent mod to your vehicle. Had to do a fair amount of grinding to make the ring flush with the receiver tube. etrailer customer service has been great before, but not so much this time. Only offered an exchange or a small partial refund. And later left a message that I’d voided any warranty.
Katrina B - 08/25/2022Got this hitch early this year, had it attached by my mechanic cause I figured he had more tools than I do. I just recently got a bike rack for it and all I can say it that it’s rock solid! Through rough gravel roads I’d peek in the rear view mirror and the bikes are solid back there. (A testament also to the 1Up rack. What I also love about it is that since it’s attached to the inner steel bumper, it’s practically invisible except for the receiver. A great product at much less cost than a hitch from the dealer.
Mike E - 06/09/2021Perfect fit. My son and I installed it on his Subaru ourselves.
He has used it several times towing a quad out to play on the dunes.
This model looks nice and is well hidden except for the hitch receiver.
I would definitely recommend it from etrailer.
Product installed perfectly. Instructions were good especially when combined with the YouTube video. My only caution when installing on a car that's not right out of the showroom is that the trim and related car parts may need extra care in removing and re-installing as dirt and grime can make the job slightly more difficult than it looks. That is not a problem with the hitch just real life vs. the perfect world of the internet.
I cannot believe those 8 bolts are able to pull my trailer without ripping out but it is a well designed system by Suburu and Draw-Tight. It was a simple easy installation.
I opted to use this hitch because it didn't require any drilling, and the video of how to install it made it look doable.
The written instructions are good, but there was way more detail in the video I used. I would watch a step, do it, and proceed to the next one. The install would have only taken 2 hours, but I had to undo some of the re-install work to remove the foam attached to the bumper before the right side of the fascia would fasten properly.
While I did the work with no ramps used, it would definitely be faster if you had access to ramps, or a lift.
Work carefully, follow the video, and you'll be happy with your purchase of this hitch.
Super pleased with the hitch - installation was very manageable with the video provided and it has worked well for the past year. Used it to tow a small flatbed trailer multiple times and it works perfectly with a hitch-mounted bike carrier. Looks great compared to most other aftermarket hitches for the Outback that have the cross bar visible under the bumper.
Shipping was quick and well packaged. I appreciated the number of videos and written instructions for the install.
Not anything to do with the product or Etrailer but I hate those plastic fasteners that hold on the bumper skin. I knew before I started that they were going to give me fits and they did. I broke two of them on my 2018 Outback.
Installation was very straightforward with the video. It seems to be quite sturdy. We are using it for a double bike rack so not a lot of weight on it.
The only negative we had was the square receiver has a welded flange on the end which was not perfectly aligned which made it impossible to insert the bike rack tube. I filed the inside edge of the receiver tube and touched it up with some black paint and now it works fine.
I would recommend this receiver to anyone with basic DIY skills.
I put this on a year ago on a 2012 Subaru Outback and have been very pleased with the product. I use it for a hitch mounted bike rack, hitch cargo platform and possibly for light towing in the future. Just to have the bikes out of the back of the vehicle has been great.
Looks good on my rig. Took a little over 2 hours. Need a second person when moving the number cover around. Install video is much better than the instructions.
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