Installing an Aftermarket Trailer Hitch on a 2014 Subaru Forester with Factory Trailer Hitch

Published 12/16/2018

Question:

Do I need to order a new crash bar? Has anyone one else done this. I have a nice Kuat NV 2.0 rack I want to make use of on our forester. It requires a 2foot inch receiver. The oem hitch needs to go.

asked by: Matthew

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have not yet had a chance to install a trailer hitch on a 2014 Subaru Forester with a factory trailer hitch but I took a look at how one installs and as you mentioned it does replace the rear bumper beam. Therefore, it would be smart to go ahead and add this back on when switching out the factory trailer hitch for an aftermarket one since the aftermarket one installs in a different location. The most cost effective way to do this is to go to a local junk yard to obtain the rear bumper beam.

The aftermarket trailer hitch I recommend for your 2014 Subaru Forester is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76182 which has a 2" receiver tube opening. I like this hitch because only the receiver tube is visible similar to your factory hitch. This will then allow you to use your Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack without issue. I have attached an install video of the aftermarket trailer hitch for you once you get the factory one removed.

expert reply by: Conner L