Exhaust Has to Be Lowered for Hitch Installation on a 2009 Subaru Forester

Updated 08/16/2010 | Published 08/13/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(246)

$206.12

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(2971)

$49.49

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2621)

$11.37

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.62

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3843)

$30.92

Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span

(895)

$13.90

Question:

Will this Draw Tite hitch require that I move the exhaust during installation on my 2009 Forester? Is there a hitch that you recommend over this one in regard to durability, quality, ease of install, etc? Thanks,

asked by: Eric L

Expert Reply:

Temporary lowering of the exhaust is the first step for installation of Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 75650, and for all of the available hitches for the 2009 Subaru Forester. I have included link to the installation instructions and an installation video for this trailer hitch below.

If you plan on doing some towing with this hitch, the recommended ball mount is # C45010. You can use hitch ball # 19260 (1-7/8 inch diameter), or # 19247 (2 inch diameter) and a pin and clip # PC3. For trailer wiring, you would need T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector, # 118467. I have included a link to the installation details and an installation video below.

Draw-Tite makes a good, quality trailer hitch, and it is a good choice for your Forester. Their hitches comply with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5 and SAE J684. They have a computer-aided design and fatigue stress testing for a strong, solid, all-welded construction.

In terms of ease of installation, all of the Class III trailer hitches, including the one you have referenced, will install the same way. We rate installation difficulty based on how long it would take a fairly skilled novice to install the hitch. All of the Class II hitches rank a 4 out of 10 meaning that it is estimated that it will take about 40 minutes to install the hitch if you have all of the required equipment and perhaps a helper to assist you.