EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
(23 reviews)
Price: $375.64
In Stock
EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
Item # 306-X7216
Our Price: $375.64
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- All Info
- Reviews (23)
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EcoHitch Trailer Hitch - 306-X7216
- Class III
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- EcoHitch
- 525 lbs TW
- Custom Fit Hitch
This custom-fit trailer hitch with a hidden cross tube installs behind your vehicle's rear bumper, leaving only the receiver visible beneath it. Aluminum and steel alloy construction is durable and eco-friendly. Powder coat finish resists rust.
Features:
- Custom-fit trailer hitch lets you tow a trailer or carry a bike rack or cargo carrier with your vehicle
- Hidden cross tube provides a clean, from-the-factory look
- Easy, bolt-on installation - no drilling or welding required
- Sturdy, lightweight alloy construction
- Alloy is made of recycled materials and combines aluminum, steel, and stainless steel
- Black powder coat finish offers superior rust protection
- Meets SAE J684 towing safety regulations
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
- Rating: Class III
- Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
- Maximum tongue weight: 525 lbs
- Not rated for weight distribution systems
- Limited lifetime warranty
Hidden Cross Tube for a Clean, Factory Look
The EcoHitch Hidden trailer hitch is designed to be as inconspicuous as possible. The hitch's cross tube bolts onto your vehicle's frame, behind your rear bumper. No drilling or welding is required. Once the hitch is installed, only the receiver will be visible beneath your bumper. This means that your vehicle can maintain its stylish, from-the-factory look, and you won't have to do any major modifications to its body or frame.
Eco-Friendly Material
With a combination of aerospace-grade aluminum, steel, and stainless steel, each EcoHitch is made of a strong metal alloy that will withstand the test of time. The lightweight alloy is composed of recycled materials. Traditional steel hitch manufacturing can use coal or oil, which can contribute to harmful gas emissions. The EcoHitch's recycled materials limit the carbon footprint during manufacturing, so you get a sturdy trailer hitch while also helping the environment.
Rigorous Strength Testing Ensures Durability
This EcoHitch trailer hitch is tested for durability and sturdiness. Using Finite Elemental Analysis (FEA), individual points of stress on the hitch can be detected and remedied. Designers can accurately test the hitch to ensure that it will meet or exceed SAE J684 standards. The EcoHitch Hidden trailer hitch is carefully researched and strength tested for a durable, high-quality hitch that can resist damage while on the road.
etrailer.com Technical Support
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.
X7216 Tork Lift Central Eco Hitch Hidden Trailer Hitch - 2" Receiver
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
- Too difficult to install
- Product did not meet expectations
Customer Reviews
EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" - 306-X7216
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (23 Customer Reviews)
This custom-fit trailer hitch with a hidden cross tube installs behind your vehicle's rear bumper, leaving only the receiver visible beneath it. Aluminum and steel alloy construction is durable and eco-friendly. Powder coat finish resists rust.by: David09/18/2022
2017 Subaru Forester
My mechanic installed the hitch and wiring harness on my 2017 Subaru Forester. Install went smoothly! Receiver is out of the way. I tow my Kayaks on a Yakima kayak Trailer. Everything works well!! It was a pleasure dealing with etrailer and Alex J!! Great product information and follow-up!! This is the second time I purchased a hitch from etrailer. It was a very smooth process!! I highly recommend the hitch, wiring harness and trailer!!
by: Satisfied customer08/13/2017
2017 Subaru Forester
This has been the best DIY experience so far, and I'm hardly super handy! Like many of us, would usually prefer the mechanic, who knows the best do it (some extra $$ is worth the piece of mind), but this time it was different. I've done plenty of research on this and the preparation was key. Ours was a 2017 Subaru Forester - I knew I didn't want to go with the OEM hitch (1.25 inch receiver) from the dealer & neither did I like the exposed crossbar with the Curt/Drawtite hitches, which is what the local hitch shops would offer. Read plenty on subaru forums, reviews on etrailer and decided to go with the Eco hitch (completely hidden) and DIY route. And boy, isn't etrailer an amazing website/resource for this stuff! I called them before ordering to make sure they had the item in stock, ordered Sunday, arrived Wednesday... installed next Sunday! Their detailed installation videos and product reviews were spot on.. I watched the video a few times (which was great & even better than the instruction manual), made notes, gathered all the tools including the sockets ahead of time & had a very good friend help out (who also had majority of the tools). Its definitely a 2-man job. You could probably pull it off doing yourself if you have the time & the right planning with holding the hitch etc. I won't go too much into the installation process (plenty of videos for that), but we went the bumper removal route - took us ~3 hours. I also installed the tekonsha wiring harness in that time (excellent installation video again on etrailer but I ended up buying on amazon as I wanted to bundle with other orders). The only difficulty was holding the hitch in place while putting the washers/nuts on. Couldn't get one bolt/nut torqued all the way down, as the bolt was rotating too. Got the local uhaul guy to fix it, who quickly removed it, tried a different washer & it worked. Again very satisfied with etrailer and the whole experience! Yet to actually test it out with the trailer/bike rack but looks solid & clean, and just satisfied with the installation process.
by: Bill 06/07/2023
2018 Subaru Forester
I ordered a 2-inch hidden trailer hitch for my 2018 Forester from etrailer because Subaru did not have any 2-inch hitches available. I had the Subaru people install the hitch and it has performed flawlessly and looks great. I highly recommend this particular hitch to any Subaru Forester owner.
by: Ivan Er08/26/2017
Awesome service! Best installation videos! Lightning speed shipping! Placed a 2nd order immediately received the 1st order, etrailer, the best service and informative for anyone not sure what to choose! Thumbs up for you guys!- Ivan Er from Singapore.
by: Richard11/27/2017
2018 Subaru Forester
Wow, wow, wow
Everything fit perfectly, instruction video was the best. The hitch is stout and well built. It is square with slotted holes that allowed proper alignment. I also installed a trailer wiring harness. The hitch is completely concealed by the bumper cover. Only the receiver is visible.
by: James 10/27/2022
Solid hitch and worth the extra money to not see much of it. Looks factory installed/OEM. Only had to make one adjustment to keep the muffler hanger from vibrating against it.
by: Bibi Moore02/26/2019
Subaru Forester
I bought the hidden hitch for my Subaru Forester with the intention of having a family member install it, well this did not work out. My nearly legally blind husband decided he could tackle the job if I read the instructions, well this did not work out (I knew it wouldn't), just imagine him feeling and trying to install a hitch it was almost comical. In any case, I had to finish the installation myself everything lined up perfectly. I used a couple of jacks to raise the auto higher. I love this hitch and use it mainly for my bicycle. My point in telling this story is that if a 61-year-old woman can install it with just the online video and written instructions then anyone can.
by: Dave08/23/2022
I had the hitch professionally installed, so I can't speak to the ease of that process. I previously had a hitch installed by a retailer that was supposed to fit - the standard fit for Subaru doesn't work well if you have a dual-exhaust vehicle. This one fits as expected. It did take a few adjustments to fit in around the exhaust, but now that everything is in place, I couldn't be happier with it. Rides smooth, sits solidly, and I really appreciate that it's more environmentally friendly materials than some others on the market.
by: Brittany07/03/2018
2017 Subaru Forester
I have purchased 3 of these hitches, 2010 & 2017 Forester & 2010 Crosstrek. The hitch is extremely sturdy, easy to install and looks great on our Subaru's! I love that the majority of the hitch is hidden under or behind the bumper, only the receiver shows. On the 2017 Forester we did have to cut part of the bumper but it's under the car and you can't see it. My only complaint with this hitch is that all 3 of them have a lot of surface rust after just a year. We live in VT so there is salt but for the price they should stand up to rust better. Otherwise, etrailer was great, the hitch was delivered quickly and packaged extremely well! I would definitely order from here again.
by: John G.12/29/2017
2016 Subaru Forester
The hitch once installed is exactly what I wanted. I decided to installed it myself on 2016 Subaru Forester. The written instructions were adequate and the video made it easier. Two people are definitely required. The whole process took about 3 to 3-1/2 hours. The most difficult part was the removal and reinstallation of the mufflers and cutting the hole in the plastic fascia faring. The mufflers required a 14mm deep socket that I didn't have so I had to use a couple of 14mm box end wrenches which took a long time. Cutting an opening for the hitch in the facia was challenging because it was hard to judge where the center was located. Watch the video it really helped.
by: Fred04/11/2018
2015 Subaru Forester
The package arrived damaged and missing several of the small attachment parts. A quick call to etrailer and replacement parts were shipped immediately. The installation on my 2015 Subaru Forester went smoothly and the hitch looks great. The installation video showed exactly how to install it on my vehicle.
by: Craig 07/15/2022
Excellent hitch. Great fit. Easy to install. Good instructions. Completely hidden like OEM. Love it.
by: Bob R01/29/2020
Subaru Forester
Bought a new vehicle (2018 Subaru Forester) and dealership recommended this hitch for the bike rack we already had in our possession. Dealer installed it and it worked like a champ on our vacation.
by: AK06/08/2022
Excellent hitch. Installer said it was more difficult to install but the finished product is rad.
by: Darrin 09/19/2018
Easy, clean install, works as it should, looks factory, but bigger hitch. Surface rust started very very quickly. Outside of that, nice product.
by: Patrick05/30/2019
This hitch was exactly what i was looking for. It tucks up out of the way so you do not lose any ground clearance. I plan to purchase another for my new car!
by: John 08/12/2020
2018 Subaru Forester
Seems like a sturdy hitch. No problems after 48 hours of hauling bikes. Get a pro to install.
by: Bryan12/16/2017
2016 Subaru Forester
Quick turn around from purchase to delivery. The instalation went smoothly thanks to the instructions in the package.
by: John07/13/2018
Love it and it has worked out great.
by: Aaron 06/19/2023
2018 Subaru Forester
by: SG07/18/2022
2016 Subaru Forester
by: Michael03/11/2023
2015 Subaru Forester
by: Mark 01/29/2022
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See what our Experts say about this EcoHitch Trailer Hitch
- Hitch Pin Hole Depth of EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2016 Subaru ForesterThe EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 306-X7216 which is a fit for a 2016 Subaru Forester has a hitch pin hole depth of 1-1/2" which is the minimum for pretty much all bike racks so you won't have any carrier compatibility issues.
view full answer... - Weight of Draw-Tite # 76182 and EcoHitch # 306-X7216 for 2018 Subaru Forester The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76182 weighs right at 35 pounds. The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch # 306-X7216 is just a tad heavier at 37.5 pounds. Both hitches are confirmed to fit your 2018 Subaru Forester and feature a similar hidden design where only the receiver is visible behind the vehicle. Between the two options I recommend going with the Draw-Tite # 76182 because it features a higher tongue weight capacity of 525 pounds (compared to 350 on the EcoHitch) and...
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- Total Weight of EcoHitch and Draw Tite Hitch for 2016 Subaru ForesterThe total weight of the EcoHitch part # 306-X7216 that you referenced is 53 lbs. The total weight of the Draw Tite hitch part # 76182 you also mentioned is 35 lbs. I know you didn't ask for this, but I can't help but also feel compelled to you that the towing capacity for each is 3,500 lbs total trailer weight... The Draw Tite has a 525 lb tongue weight capacity and the Ecohitch has a 350 lb capacity. So the Draw Tite is lighter, rated higher, and costs less. It would be my recommendation.
view full answer... - How to Tell if Aftermarket Trailer Hitch Fits OEM Cutout of Trailer Hitch on a 2015 Subaru ForesterIf you check out the attached photos of the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7216 and the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76182 you can see that they sit in relatively the same place. I went out to the warehouse and found that the from the center of the hitch pin hole on both hitches measured very similar in regards to where the rearmost mounting hole location is on the mounting brackets. In the installation video for the EcoHitch you can see that from the center...
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- Replacement Hardware For EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7216 On 2018 Subaru ForesterWe have the Replacement Hardware Kit # RHK for trailer hitch receivers. Be sure to enter the hitch item number when ordering to not delay the process. This will ensure you get the hardware for the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7216 which fits your 2018 Subaru Forester.
view full answer... - Tightening The Bolts on the EcoHitch # 306-X7216 on a 2017 Subaru ForesterThe EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 306-X7216 will be slightly different than the Draw-Tite # 76182 you mentioned. I've attached a photo of the torque specs from the EcoHitch you mentioned. The attached video along with these specs will help. I will email the installation manual to you as well.
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- Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2018 Subaru ForesterThe best trailer hitch for your 2018 Subaru Forester is the Draw Tite Hitch part # 76182 because it's a 2 inch hitch which means you get the best capacities and there is more accessories available for that size and also because this hitch has a concealed crosstube which means it will be less visible than most other hitches. The EcoHitch # 306-X7216 is very similar to this but costs quite a bit more so the Draw Tite is the way to go.
view full answer... - EcoHitch Confirmed to Fit a 2017 Subaru ForesterI spoke to my contact at EcoHitch about the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 306-X7216 for your 2017 Subaru Forester and they informed me that the hitch will work with models that do not have the center knockout panel. Therefore, yes this hitch will work well for you. You will not be required to use a support strap for the EcoHitch or your Thule bike rack but one like the Curt Trailer Hitch Support Strap part # 18050 can be used if additional support is needed. Basically,...
view full answer... - Draw-Tite or EchoHitch Trailer Hitch For 2016 Subaru Forester For Bike Rack & AccessoriesGood questions, and I can help you decide between the Draw-Tite and EcoHitch trailer hitch receivers for your 2016 Subaru Forester. Real quick I'll address the different Draw-Tite models, with the difference being one is a 2" receiver and the other has a smaller, 1-1/4" receiver. You definitely want the larger 2" receiver because the 1-1/4" has a smaller capacity and limits your options for accessories. That said, here are the part numbers for the hitches that fit your '16 Forester: -...
view full answer... - Will EcoHitch Trailer Hitch # 306-X7216 Fit A 2017 Subaru Forester XTThe EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7216 will work great on your 2017 Forester. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2-inch receiver opening. If you need trailer wiring I recommend the T-One Wiring Harness # 118467. I have attached a link to an installation video you can check out. If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch...
view full answer... - Totally Hidden Hitch for a 2015 Subaru ForesterFor your 2015 Subaru Forester I would recommend going with a hidden hitch like the EcoHitch part # 306-X7216 as only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper and the lower hitch opening is removable which means when not in use it's totally hidden. This looks the best and also helps with ground clearance. To see difference between this hitch and one that is not hidden like the etrailer # e98839 I attached two pictures.
view full answer...
- Trailer Hitches for 2018 Subaru ForesterThere are quite a few and it can be rather confusing. For starters I recommend getting a Class III trailer hitch on your 2018 Subaru Forester. A Class III hitch has a higher weight capacity and is the larger 2 inch receiver. There are more accessory options, like bike racks and cargo carriers, that fit the 2 inch as opposed to the smaller 1-1/4 inch size. Of the Class III hitches for you there are basically two designs; a visible cross tube with the reciever coming directly from it...
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- Installation Video to Help Install Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch 76182 on a 2017 Subaru ForesterThey may actually be referring to the video for the EcoHitch # 306-X7216 that also fits the 2017 Subaru Forester because the installation is very similar to Draw-Tite hitch # 76182. I have linked a video for the EcoHitch for you which will help with installation of the Draw-Tite hitch though you would want to use it as a guide only while following the Draw-Tite instructions. If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one...
view full answer... - Parts Needed To Tow a Trailer with a 2018 Subaru Forester Using EcoHitch Hidden Trailer HitchThe EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 306-X7216 is indeed a fit for a 2018 Subaru Forester and a great option. It can be used for hitch mounted accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers or towing. That said, if you'll be towing then you will need a few other things like the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness part # HM11143865 and ball mount/hitch ball like the etrailer Ball Mount Kit part # 989900.
view full answer... - Hitch Recommendation for 2015 Subaru Forester with Best Hitch to Bumper ClearanceI checked all of the hitches we carry for your 2015 Subaru Forester and there are two that have the hitch opening as close to the bumper as possible. One is the Curt hitch part # C13144 which has it's hitch pin 4 inches from the bumper and the other is the EcoHitch part # 306-X7216 which has the same dimension. Since the Curt requires a stabilizer strap like part # 18050 when carrying a non-supported accessory like a bike rack the EcoHitch is the route I would recommend for you.
view full answer... - Will Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13144 For 2014 Subaru Forester Also Fit the 2012 ModelWhen it comes to a Class III hitch for a 2012 Subaru Forester, we offer Curt # 13147, Eco HItch part # 306-X7216, and Draw-Tite # 75650. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, # C13144, is designed for the 2014 which is a different generation of the Forester so it will not work for the 2012 model.
view full answer... - Which Concealed Trailer Hitch Receiver Fits Closest to The Rear Bumper On a 2018 Subaru Forester?Both the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # CU64FR and Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76182 are going sit virtually flush with the rear bumper on your 2018 Subaru Forester. If I had to give one the slightest edge it would be the Draw-Tite. The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7216 does appear to fit the closest to the bumper of all the class III 2" receivers that are hidden in the bumper, for your Forester.
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch for 2014 Subaru Forester That Does Not Have Vibration or RattlingThe Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # CU64FR fits your 2014 Subaru Forester, and is the updated version of the 13399, though it does have the same welded gussets and it is possible to still conflict with the dual exhaust hanger. We have not seen any complaints at all about this vibration occurring with the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76182, so that would be the other option I recommend, but if you want to totally avoid the gussets and guarantee no vibration at all, the only option...
view full answer... - Lightweight Easy to Load Bike Rack Recommendations for 2018 Subaru ForesterThe Kuat Sherpa 2.0 part # SH12G that you referenced is a really great bike rack. It's lighter weight like you want at 32 lbs, is a platform style rack which means it's very easy to load and unload, and also only touches the bikes at the tires which protects delicate frame materials or paints. If you have an aftermarket hitch installed on your 2018 Subaru Forester like the EcoHitch part # 306-X7216 that you referenced this rack would be a perfect solution for you. If your hitch is the...
view full answer... - Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2018 Subaru Forester Compatible with Thule T2 RackFor your 2018 Subaru Forester, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13144 which will give you a measurement of 4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outermost part of the bumper. This will allow the Thule T2 Pro XTR # TH83JV to fit and give you 1/2 inch of clearance to the closest part of the rack when folded up to the vehicle. If you want slightly more clearance, you can use the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7216...
view full answer... - Best Hitch for 2018 Subaru ForesterApart from the EcoHitch 2-inch hitch model # 306-X7216 that you referenced, which is pricier due to its fabrication from recycled materials, all of the other 2-inch hitch options for your 2018 Forester share similar weight capacities and similar more-friendly prices. I definitely recommend a 2-inch Class III option. Of those, I recommend the etrailer model # e98839. This hitch is USA-made and it offers easy no-drill installation using included hardware. The linked video will show you the...
view full answer...
- Recommended Class III Hitch for 2018 Subaru Forester for Hitch Cargo Carrier and Bike RackFor your 2018 Forester we do have both 1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III hitches from several makers. We always recommend the larger and higher weight capacity Class III hitch when the option exists because this size offers broader compatibility with hitch accessories and does not cost much more than the Class II models. Installation on your Forester will be pretty much identical regardless of hitch class or brand so you might as well get the most for your money. The hitch I recommend...
view full answer...
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Info for this part was:
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Bibi M.
2/27/2020
Great love it