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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
Underbody panel will need to be removed and reattached. 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 will be temporarily removed for hitch installation
California residents: click here
Watched a video then put on the hitch. Dealer wanted over $1000 for the job. I had to spend $18 at Harbor Freight for a cone drill bit and that my only extra. Used some ramps to lift the back, creeper to move around on and a couple jack stands to hold up the tailpipe and muffler assembly. Some silicon spray worked great to lube the muffler hangers and easy to get those off. I used a cut-off disk on my grinder and thought that easier than tin snips to trim the heat shield. Took about 90 min plus time to get tools together, watch a video and buy the drill. Looks great and very solid. This went on a Subaru Forester Hybrid and it does block the sensor to swing foot under the rear to open the back. I’ll do without that to have the freedom of a hitch
Installation kit, instructions, and video specific to the year make and model were thorough, and clear. After carefully reviewing the information there was no surprises waiting for me and my self-installation. I think I only had to run to the tool chest once during installation because I had just about everything I needed ready for install. I just needed a different length socket extender, I found the 6 inch one suggested a bit long.
Hitch appears durable and well made. Great powdercoat finish. Grade 8 Hardware. This product is well past the specs of the manufacturer meaning it can handle more than the car is rated for.
Specific to the car - 2020 Subaru Forester. I didn't even put the car on jackstands. It was just enough room for me to get in there and it was even beneficial having the car a bit lower while "benchpressing" the hitch into place. I did not need to remove the plastic splash guard on the driver side that was removed in the video and in the instructions. I removed the two 10mm/Phillips bolts where it was attached on the frame rail and when it was time to put the hitch on, the plastic was flexible enough to shove over and around the hitch's driver's side bracket. That sure saved me a ton of time not having to fiddle with the flimsy retainer clips! Also, if I were to do another - I would probably pay the couple bucks for a new exhaust cursh gasket and just get it completely out of my way. The time I spent wiggling it around especially during the final torque was probably more than the two extra bolts after the cat to remove the catback part of the exhaust.
Overall fantastic experience with etrailer. Quick shipping, fair price, great product! Will shop again.

Mike L.
2/22/2026
Congratulations on your successful install, Greg. Well done!!
I installed this Hitch on a 2025 Forester Premium, installation went smooth and it took me about 4 hours to complete, the installation videos were a great help. The quality of Hitch Receiver and supplied Hardware are excellent.

Brooke M.
3/24/2025
Thanks for sharing a photo of your handiwork, Hank! Looks awesome and now you're ready to go. What will you be hauling?
It's nice when you buy something and get exactly what was advertised. The hitch is very well built and was surprisingly simple to install. The on line videos guided me through the installation. I ended up with a quality hitch and a factory like installation Overall I am very pleased with this product and highly recommend it. Money well spent.

Brooke M.
3/31/2025
Thank you so much for sending in the photos! It's really encouraging to hear you had a good experience. What will you be using the new hitch for?
It came quickly and exactly as described. Installation took 70 minutes and fit perfectly.
I would recommend etrailer as everything is precise.

Nick S.
11/3/2025
Can't go wrong with quick and perfect! I am glad the installation went well and it looks great. What are you planning on using the hitch for?
Just installed on our 2024 Subaru Forester. Took several hours but I am 64 and do not have a lift like they do in the video. Also the etrailer instal 2023 Video is much better than the 2024.

Jack
3/4/2025
A year in and going strong. This hitch along with bike rack I got from etrailer makes taking the bikes with us a breeze.

Hitch is on my 2019 Subaru Forester which the hitch was configured for. Once you get past the shields installed by Subaru the hitch fits perfectly. Just follow excellent installation instructions. If it helps, Subaru dealer quoted $1,200.00 for them to to install “their” hitch. You can do this, if you have the few tools required and a bit of mechanical ability
Great hitch for the price and yes there are a couple of extra modifications that are needed for a clean installation but to be honest if you are taking on this install yourself you should be able to perform the additional tasks. (I did not have an extra set of hands and I learned from prior installations to utilize an auto jack to hold the hitch while I threaded on the nuts)

Victoria H.
3/12/2025
That's great Gary! Thank you for sharing your insight and including photos too! This is helpful information. What are you planning on mounting on your hitch?
Fits great, easy install, excellent customer service. Josh reached out immediately after my purchase with a substitute part that would ship even faster if I wanted something sooner. Etrailer has my business in the future.

Lazer S.
9/23/2025
Thanks for the feedback, Brent! I will definitely let Josh know you mentioned him! What are you going to be using the hitch for?
Working great. Note to the installer, go ahead and purchase one of the quality Hoel auger’s. You need to use it twice on the install if it’s going on a Subaru. On the first hole, I tried to use a saw saw, and it was a very difficult task. The second hole I went to the hardware store and bought the proper tool and it was very easy.. The rest of the install was simple.
Everything works as expected. Any hitch is a great addition to a vehicle..
This works perfectly on my 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness. I pull a small trailer or carry ebikes.

Gary
1/7/2026
Still a great product for me
Fast free delivery and fits perfectly on our 2025 Forester Wilderness.

Thomas
3/13/2026
Hitch has been exactly what I had hoped it would be. It has been flawless and still looks good. Very satisfied.

The hitch installed without a hitch,excellent instructions. No surprises
While this went in as planned and without major issues, I give it 4 stars for the items we learned along the way.
- The muffler "grommet" could use some WD40 to assist it taking it off and putting it back on when you have to drop the muffler. Soapy water can work, but WS40 DEF works better and easier to apply with the long straw nozzle.
- On my particular Forester Wilderness the left back side plastic bumper pieces had to be removed. But when it is replaced there is one hold down flange that has to be cut back. So we did this with a small coping saw with fine teeth to cut back the sides and then the hitch was mounted on top of the small piece of remaining tab.
- Finally, the box the hitch came in was fairly well destroyed. Just wish there was some better way to send as I know I am not the only one who had this happen.
This is the second hitch I have ordered this month. I really love the install videos. I am a pro now. I purchased a nice bit to make the access holes slightly larger and I use two 4 ton jack stands to help lift in place solo.

Justin
8/21/2025
About a year ago I bought two of the same hitches for Subaru foresters. I love them. They are working great. No rust, no signs of wear. Use it everyday. For instructions for kids in thorough and I was able to do these installs myself.
Excellent product!! Almost hides away underneath the car. Very happy with the appearance and ease of installation. Jerry
Installed yesterday. Took longer since all 6 holes on the 2026 subaru were small. But enlarged just 1 on each side and fished the plates and bolts through those holes had to cut away some of the muffler heat sheild and one of the plastic box mount holes/tab on the other side some.
Hitch has been great and works as described. Packaging has left a lot to be desired as all of the hitches I’ve ordered from etrailer have busted out of their boxes. This has not affected their integrity but has resulted in scuffs/scratches to the finish.
Great deal for a quality product! Subaru wants $[XX] plus labor for a hitch and I can't imagine it's that much better than this for under $[XX]. I unbolted the muffler and disconnected the rear hanger rather than dropping the exhaust, plenty of room even without jacking up the vehicle. Step drill made quick work of enlarging the hole, hook tool made fishing the wire a breeze and floor jack with a zip tie made it a one man job. Took me a little over an hour with no unexpected surprises.

Joel
6/3/2024
After one year, the hitch has hit no unexpected surprises, works great though it usually just gets used for a bicycle rack
I was sent additional mounting materials that don't correspond with my hitch or my bike rack. See the photo below. Are these materials for my trailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Item #e83ZR?

Katrina D.
8/7/2024
Huh, that is weird. It doesn't look like any hardware you should have received. Is that white piece a plain piece of plastic? Can you take a couple more pictures from some different angles? Was there a number on the packaging for this kit?
Pros:
-easy to follow instructions
-minimal modification required to fit
-straight-forward and simple procedure
Cons:
-somewhat daunting for those who aren't comfortable under their car
-easy to make a mistake that can turn into a bigger issue
I would say that as far as installing a new and incredibly useful part to your car goes, it's hard to overstate the value of a well-built and useful hitch like this. For those who aren't familiar with working on their car, be careful as many plastic parts can be replaced if damaged but the inconvenience is there. Take your time to pop off any plastic holders and follow the instructions as closely as possible. For enlargening the holes to fit the bolts I used an arbor bit, with careful attention paid to getting the hole size I needed and not any larger. I also used a metal primer/paint to make sure the newly drilled holes would not provide a surface for rust to grow. Overall, this hitch is well-built and the process is not hard to follow. It is also significantly cheaper than most other hitches with what appears to be good build-quality. I only give this 4 stars as there is always room for improvement.
So I’d need another opportunity to provide a review after I start using the hitch. I’ll give the equipment 5stars now for quality of craftsmanship, ease of ordering and tracking, comms with your team, and DIY installation. The make/model specific video? Perfect. I got the hitch on very smoothly thanks to your tech’s video. The process up to now could not have gone better. You seem to have an excellent product and better customer service. Thanks! Now I just have to get my bike rack and trailer so I can start using the hitch. Send me a link in the spring next year and I’ll provide another five star review I hope.
Went very good one guy on the floor, one guy being a gofer , about 2hrs , a a 79 year old and a 69 year old , everything worked very well and looks great
Bad ass tow hitch, easy to install, and holy hell is it beefy. I offroad and the hitch has taken a beating and you cant even tell. This is the hitch you want!
I love the selection and how to videos. Your prices are competitive with everyone else.i have purchased two bolt on hitches and wiring harness, and both fit perfectly
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Nick S.
12/15/2025
I am glad to hear you were able to knock it out yourself after watching our video. It is not the hardest job in the world with the right tools and time! Looks great on the vehicle as well. I do want to add, some people have had success with the liftgate sensor by moving to the right or the left of the hitch. Some vehicles it will not work but some people have tried swinging their foot off center and had success. What are you planning on using the hitch for?