How to Tell if Aftermarket Trailer Hitch Fits OEM Cutout of Trailer Hitch on a 2015 Subaru Forester

Updated 03/07/2018 | Published 03/06/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(159)

$236.92

Question:

Hi- I have a 2015 Forester XT with the factory installed 1.25” hitch that sits in a bumper cutout, meaning the crossbar is not visible. Do you know if this 2” hitch receiver would fit in the same cutout? If not, I may just opt for the DrawTite. I’ll be carrying a 1up bike rack with three bikes. If it’s relevant, the 1up folds up very close to the bumper, as opposed to, for example, the Kuat which sticks out very far from the bumper. Thank you.

asked by: Kelly

Expert Reply:

If 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 of the hitch pin hole to the rearmost part of the bumper measures 4". You can use this measurement for both trailer hitches to get an idea of what kind of clearance you have.

As of yet we haven't had the chance to remove the OEM hitch and install an aftermarket product so there really isn't a way to tell if they will use that same cutout size other than to look at the attached installation details and compare that to what you areleady have.

expert reply by: Jon G