etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
(777 reviews)
Price: $162.49
In Stock
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
Item # e98839
Retail:$265.99
Our Price: $162.49
You Save: $103.50
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- All Info
- Reviews (777)
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- Photos
- Used (1)
etrailer Trailer Hitch - e98839
- Class III
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
- 525 lbs TW
- Custom Fit Hitch
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:
- Custom-fit trailer hitch lets you tow a trailer or carry a bike rack or cargo carrier with your vehicle
- Precision, robotic welding maximizes strength and improves fit
- Bolt-on installation - no welding required
- Complete hardware kit and installation instructions included
- Lifetime technical support from the experts at etrailer
- Matte black powder coat finish over protective base coat offers superior rust resistance
- Stylish, round-tube design
- Ball mount, pin and clip sold separately
- Made in the USA
- Mounting hardware may be imported
Specs:
- Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
- Rating: Class III
- Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
- Maximum tongue weight: 525 lbs
- Not rated for use with weight distribution systems
- Limited lifetime warranty
Rugged, Matte Black Finish
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.
etrailer Technical Support
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.
e98839 etrailer Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver - 2" - Matte Black Carbide
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester
Customer Satisfaction Score:
98% were satisfied with this product
2% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
- Arrived Damaged
Customer Reviews
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" - e98839
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (777 Customer Reviews)
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.by: Cody08/02/2023
2017 Subaru Forester
The trailer hitch receiver was delivered timely and it is stout. Looking forward to using it. It went on as shown in the very helpful instructional video. It came with all the parts wisely taped to it because the box was trashed in transportation. The one other issue was that one of the rectangular metal washers was stamped/punched off center so it’s open on one side. Hopefully with everything else intact and solidly put together it shouldn’t be a problem.
by: Henry05/07/2022
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.
by: Sean04/02/2023
2017 Subaru Forester
The hitch receiver arrived on time and as described. The instructions were well made and easy to understand and the online resources for assistance with dropping the exhaust and installation were very helpful too. The installation went well and was actually pretty straight forward.
by: Marc06/24/2023
2018 Subaru Forester
Perfect Fit, Great Install Instructions and Fair Price. . . what more could you want. They do their best to package but . . . Fortunately nothing damaged.
I have purchased from etrailer many times in the past and they have excellent customer service and support. If they have what you want = purchase it.
by: Mark 11/23/2023
Came complete with all needed hardware and my mechanic easily installed the hitch. Used the two bike rack to haul our bikes problem-free. Good job etrailer!
by: John04/25/2023
2015 Subaru Forester
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.
by: Thomas09/10/2023
2017 Subaru Forester
I've purchased many hitches and baseplates from etrailer over the years. I've never had a hitch arrive with the box in such good shape and the item not hanging out of the box. I guess having it shipped directly from etrailer and not drop shipped from another manufacturer makes are huge difference. Everything was present and excellent shape. Instructions were excellent as usual, and installation did not provide any surprises. Thanks!
by: Matt P11/11/2022
2018 Subaru Forester
The hitch for our 2018 Subaru Forester XT arrived quickly and undamaged. The directions were adequate and typical. Ordering was easy and the price was great! The morning after install I picked up 5x9 U-Haul trailer and drove 3 hours each way to pickup a motorcycle for my son. I would definitely buy an eTrailer hitch again.
by: Douglas 08/14/2023
Subaru Forester
The hitch itself appears to be well built. The installation is a different story. It is not a 30-minute installation for professionals nor a 60-minute installation for DIYers. For my Subaru Forester, I found that removing the muffler was a better way. Subaru uses bolts that don’t corrode much, and thus, the muffler is relatively easy to remove. The directions also have one remove the heat shield that is above the muffler. However, the heat shield must be modified with tin snips in order to re-install it. Also, only three of the four heat shield bolts can be put back in. It's all doable, but certainly not a 60-minute job if one is going to do it right. Threading the grade 8 carriage bolts was the easiest part (at least for a Subaru Forester). Suggest putting Never-Seez on bolts & nuts if you plan to ever replace the hitch.
by: Steve09/21/2023
I've been using the hitch for my bike rack and it has been performing as expected. Absolutely no problems. A little harder to install than expected, but with a little help from friends it is still where it belongs.
by: Daniel 07/07/2023
Subaru Outback Wagon
I had the eTrialer trailer hitch receiver (the 2" wide one) put onto my Subaru Outback over a year ago. Install was done by our local garage mechanic; he said it fit exactly as needed and the install was done quickly. No rattles or problems in usage with two different bike racks, one for heavier e-bikes.
by: Lane04/20/2022
2018 Subaru Forester
Installed easily according to instructions and online video. The instructions indicate disposal of the muffler heat shield, however, with two small cuts in aluminum to account for the hitch and two holes to accommodate hitch bolts, it was reinstalled. The holes for the hitch bolts are already marked with a dimple to coincide with the mounting holes. Probably a good idea to reinstall the heat shield because of additional exhaust heat when towing.
Lane I.
4/22/2023
Works well, solid connection and easy to access.
by: Loren 09/09/2023
2018 Subaru Forester
Very nice fit and fabrication. I will say it takes longer to put on than is suggested. 1 hr for novice, 1/2 hr pro. If I had a car lift, it might have taken me an hour. Doing car work of a creeper always takes longer. Overall I am pleased with the price and the quality.The box did arrive with some holes in it but the Packers made sure to wrap all the hardware to the receiver. Etrailer gets an A+
by: TP06/08/2022
Fantastic Product. Saved me from having to buy a brand new bike holder for my new car with a different hitch size.
Tp
6/9/2023
Excellent product. Holding up really well. Can barely see it on the Forester. No banging shins on it.
Mike L.
7/8/2023
@Tp We're glad to hear that your shins remain unscathed!!
by: Paul 06/26/2023
Solid, well-made item. The instructions were very clear, no chance of a mistake. My only problem was that I was working by myself in a home garage. I had to figure out how to lift and support the car and then balance, lift, and hold the hitch in place while I drilled holes and bolted it in place to the frame. Other than that, piece of cake!
by: Paul 07/11/2023
Very easy to install. The pull wires supplied to help pull the bts into position are ingenious. Using the hitch for a bike rack - makes life easier.
by: Corey 04/28/2023
2018 Subaru Forester
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
by: Kyle06/18/2022
2015 Subaru Forester
Items arrived in timely fashion and perfect condition. The install video was extremely helpful along with the suggestion to leave the teathers on the bolts while mounting the hitch feeding them thru the holes. Was by myself so used a floor jack and block to raise up hitch then attach nuts. Everything fit perfect. My one and only complaint was the staples on the box , they are a very poor way to secure packaging like this, difficult to remove and a pain trying unload the box plus they were not very effective by time UPS dropped it off. Heavy fiber reinforced tape or plastic bands are much better. But am very happy with this purchase and install.
by: Steven06/02/2023
2017 Subaru Forester
Looks great installed, but box was broken on delivery and one of the mounting plates was bent by ~3/4". the mechanics were able to bend it back and install it without issue.
Jenny N.
6/5/2023
Your mechanics did exactly what we would have recommended by bending it back. As solid as the side brackets are they are made to flex after they are installed. As long as the brackets are not more than 0.75 inches to one inch off then they can be safely bent back to install.
Helpful Links
by: Gary05/23/2020
2014 Subaru Forester
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.
by: Greg11/15/2023
Speedy delivery and product as advertised.etrailer is my go to for car accessories and I have never been disappointed
by: Tj12/06/2022
2017 Subaru Forester
Easy install, great instructions! Need to get another one for the other suv!
by: Brian06/04/2023
The quality of the receiver and the hardware are great. The directions were easy enough to follow as well. The only issue I had with the whole thing was the packaging. The one size fits all box was about twice the size of the receiver and there was no packing material of any type to prevent shifting in transit. So long story short, the box looked like the American tourister test gorilla went off on it and the receiver was scratched and chipped. I touched up the paint after the install and it looks fine, but would have been nice not to have to.
by: David 09/26/2023
2016 Subaru Forester
The video was very instructive. I was glad I bought a drill bit to expand the holes. It made it a lot easier.
by: Richard C05/29/2023
2018 Subaru Forester
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!
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See what our Experts say about this etrailer Trailer Hitch
- Does Rear Fascia of 2018 Subaru Forester Need to be Trimmed to Install Hitch The rear fascia of your 2018 Subaru Forester does not get modified to install the etrailer hitch # e98839 that you referenced. The heat shield does get removed and access holes may need to be slightly modified but there is no drilling required. I attached an install video link for this for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Tool Used to Enlarge Hole on etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2014 - 2018 Subaru ForesterIf the holes are slightly off center when installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e98839 which is a fit for a 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester, you can enlarge them using a burr bit which you can obtain locally. Please note, these should only be used to correct minor issues. If the holes are too far off you'd want to either bend the hitch back into place or replace it.
view full answer... - Fit of etrailer Brand e98839 Class III Hitch on 2016 Subaru ForesterAs you can see in the provided photo, the etrailer brand # e98839 hitch will indeed fit a 4th Generation Subaru Forester with a single exhaust, like your 2016. Unless your vehicle has an aftermarket exhaust, the hitch will fit fine. I've also linked an install video, which shows Dave completing a successful install on a 2016 Forester. I've also linked the installation instructions for you, in case you didn't get them with your hitch.
view full answer...
- Weight of etrailer Trailer Hitch for 2014 Subaru ForesterThe etrailer.com Trailer Hitch # E98839 that fits your 2014 Subaru Forester weighs 30 lbs. This hitch is a great choice for your Subaru and will give you a perfect way to carry your bikes. It has a 2" receiver and hefty 525 lb tongue weight capacity so even the heaviest bike rack and bikes will work. The hitch is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty, which speaks to how durable it is. I have added a link to an install video of the hitch for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Weight of Etrailer Hitch # e98839The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2 inches # e98839 weighs 34 pounds and is confirmed to fit your 2018 Subaru Forester. I attached an installation video link below.
view full answer... - How Difficult Is It To Install etrailer Hitch Receiver On 2015 Subaru ForesterYes, the Curt hitch would be more difficult to install. On our website we have a installation difficulty rating, from 1 to 10, on hitch receivers. The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", part # e98839, is a 4 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. The Curt offering that fits your car is a 10 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. The etrailer hitch receiver can be installed without drilling, but it will require the temporary lowering of the exhaust...
view full answer... - Will Removing Heat Shield & Leaving it Off to Install e98839 on 2014 Subaru Forester Cause ProblemsActually, removing and leaving off the heat shields won't present a problem. Instead of the thin metal of the heat shields, there's now a hitch installed which will provide much better heat shielding than the factory heat shields did. Plus, if they were left in place, the shield would be sandwiched between the hitch and the vehicle frame rail and it wouldn't be possible to torque down the fasteners correctly. This is shown in the linked installation video.
view full answer... - Warranty of etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2016 Subaru ForesterI can tell you the details about the lifetime warranty of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 that fits your 2016 Subaru Forester. The warranty covers the hitch to be free of defects of materials and workmanship for the lifespan of the hitch. So long as it is installed per the directions and not altered in any way, if there is ever an issue with the hitch it does fall under warranty for as long as you have it. I have added a link to a video install for you to check out as well...
view full answer... - Trimming Around Heat Shield to Install Hitch on 2017 Subaru ForesterYou could do that if you wish, you'll just want to make sure that the heat shield is NOT sandwiched between the hitch and the chassis of the vehicle at any point. We frequently hear from folks with concerns about the vehicle being harmed because the heat shields were removed, but once the heat shields are removed, the hitch itself performs that function. The hitch is much thicker and heavier than the flimsy heat shields, so it provides better protection. You're more than welcome to trim...
view full answer... - Would Trailer Hitch from 2017 Subaru Forester Fit 2020 Subaru ForesterThere was a big enough amount of changes between a 2017 Subaru Forester and a 2020 that new hitch fits had to be made. So you wouldn't be able to install the hitch you have now and would need a new hitch like the Draw Tite part # 76271 which is very similar. I attached an install video for more info on this hitch for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch Fit for 2019 Subaru ForesterThere is a trailer hitch that fits your 2019 Subaru Forester although hitch # E98839 will not. Instead you are going to need the Draw-Tite # 76271 which according to the manufacturer is a fit for all models of the 2019 Forester. This is a Class III, 2" trailer hitch with a 525 lb tongue weight capacity and 3,500 lb towing capacity. The Draw-Tite # 76271 hitch is a bolt-on installation that does not require any drilling into your Forester's frame to install, has a black powder coat finish...
view full answer...
- Size of Step Drill Bit to Install etrailer Trailer Hitch on 2014 Subaru ForesterThat's a good question, and what you will need is a 1-1/8" (1.125") step drill bit as that's the dimension you'll need to enlarge the center holes in the frame of your 2014 Subaru Forester to install the etrailer hitch that fits: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 I also wanted to mention, in case you planned on doing some towing with your '14 Forester and needed a 4-way wiring harness, the correct fit for your vehicle is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467.
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for 2017 Subaru ForesterFor your 2017 Subaru Forester the best 4-way trailer wiring harness we offer is the Tekonsha part # 118467 which installs very easily and has the most reliable converter box. I attached an install video for it on a similar 17' Forester as well.
view full answer... - Does etrailer Hitch for 2015 Subaru Forester Fit 2021 Subaru ForesterThere was enough of a difference between the 2015 Subaru Forester and 2021 Subaru Forester that a new hitch had to be designed. So you would need a new hitch like the part # e83ZR.
view full answer... - Mostly Hidden Trailer Hitch with Gloss Finish that Fits 2017 Subaru ForesterSince you prefer a glossy finish and a mostly hidden trailer hitch for your 2017 Subaru Forester XT the hitch you'd want is the Draw Tite part # 76182 which is both. Only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper so it's mostly out of sight which also helps with ground clearance. This is compatible with dual exhaust models as well which means there would be no interference with the exhaust once installed either. If you needed trailer wiring too the Tekonsha kit part # 118467 is the...
view full answer... - What is the Best Hitch to use with the Thule EasyFold XT on a 2018 Subaru Forester?For a great economical trailer hitch that is compatible with the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 and will allow for bumper clearance on your 2018 Subaru Forester, I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" # e98839. The measurement from the center of the hitch pinhole of the # e98839 to the end of the rear bumper is 3-1/2 inches. Since the length of the center of the shank pinhole of the EasyFold XT to the upright bar of the rack is 8...
view full answer... - Does etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Fit 2017 Subaru Forester XT With Dual ExhaustI can absolutely confirm for you that your 2017 Subaru Forester XT with the Touring trim is compatible with the etrailer hitch you mentioned: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 I verified with the manufacturer for you that this hitch is a fit for your '17 Forester XT, and have added a photo for you that a customer sent in of the hitch installed on their XT with the dual exhaust so you can see how it will look on your Forester. Additionally, I did want to mention that in case...
view full answer...
- Is There a Trailer Hitch Fit for a 2018 Subaru Forester SportThe etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver # E98839 is confirmed to fit all models of the 2018 Subaru Forester, however according to my research I am not seeing that there was a Sport model released for the 2018 model year. There is a Sport model for the 2019 Subaru Forester for which the correct fit is the Curt Trailer Hitch # C13409. I have attached a picture from the Manufacturer showing this fit on the Sport model. Either way, if you can confirm which option you have and what you plan...
view full answer...
- Fit of Yakima Y02463 FullTilt Bike Rack on 2017 Subaru ForesterThe Yakima # Y02463 FullTilt 5 bike rack would indeed be fully compatible with the etrailer brand # e98839 once it's installed on your 2017 Subaru Forester. When we installed that hitch, we found that the hitch was recessed under the vehicle so that the hitch pin hole sat 3-1/2 inches forward of the rear edge of the bumper. This will leave 6-1/2 inches of clearance between the bumper and the closest portion of the rack, which is the foot, and 10-1/2 inches of clearance between the bumper...
view full answer... - Should Holes on Side of etrailer Hitch e98839 For 2015 Subaru Forester be PluggedYou have an excellent eye! Those are actually drain holes on the side of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839. The reason for the holes - which do not have to be plugged - is that the hitch is dipped in a liquid coating for rust prevention, and the holes allow the inside of the hitch to get that coating as well. The holes then allow the fluid to drain out of the hitch. So you don't have to worry about the holes causing any issues after installation of the etrailer Trailer Hitch...
view full answer... - Comparing Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2018 Subaru ForesterBoth the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13144 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 are class III receivers that will fit your 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i. Both receivers will have the same weight rating of 525lbs tongue weight and 3,500lbs trailer weight. Be sure to check with your Subaru dealer for your weight capacities and do not exceed the lower of the 2 sets of numbers. The only difference in these receivers is the powder coating used. Our etrailer receiver # e98839 will use...
view full answer... - Does etrailer.com Hitch e98839 Fit 2014 Subaru Forester with Single ExhaustYes and yes, the etrailer.com hitch part # e98839 that you referenced does fit your 2014 Subaru Forester with a single exhaust and also is manufactured by the American hitch manufacturer Curt. I attached a picture of this hitch installed on a similar Forester with single exhaust as well as an install video for you to check out too. The best trailer wiring option is then the Tekonsha kit part # 118467 which is very easy to install and comes with a very reliable converter box. I attached...
view full answer...
- Difference Between etrailer Trailer Hitch e98839 & e98841The difference between the two hitches are the vehicles they fit, as one is designed for certain model year Subaru Foresters and the other a fit for certain model year Hyundai Santa Fe Sports and Kia Sorentos: - 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 - 2014 - 2015 Kia Sorento & 2013 - 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98841
view full answer... - Replacement Trailer Connector For a 2006 GMC Sierra 3500 With a 4-Way and 7-Way ConnectorWe have 2 different styles of plugs to replace the 7-way on your 2006 GMC Sierra 3500 dually. First the 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket # HM40975 is the type of connector that is found on most new trucks. It has 2 weather protected covers that open for a 7-way or 4-way connection. Next the Custom Multi-Tow 7-Way and 4-Way Trailer Connectors # 30955 are going to be closer to the design that your current connector uses. With this you have the same 7-way style connector with the 4-way...
view full answer...
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Used Items Available
Condition: Like New
Notes: May have damaged packaging or minor cosmetic blemishes.
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
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Expert Research:
Rachael H
Video by:
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Video by:
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Video by:
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Edited by:
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Video Edited:
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Video Edited:
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Updated by:
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Test Fit:
David F
Test Fit:
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Test Fit:
Bradley B
Written by:
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Jenny N.
8/4/2023
Actually the square spacer will need to be replaced. I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you to take care of it.