Can You Reuse the Fastners When Upgrading to a 2 Inch Hitch on a 2018 Subaru Forester

Updated 03/18/2019 | Published 03/15/2019

Question:

I currently have the Draw-Tite 36523 1.25 inch class 2 hitch for my 2018 Subaru Forester. I need to upgrade to a 2 inch hitch wish I would have just bought a 2 inch to start, but thats my fault. Im wondering if the hitch I have and this hitch have the same mounting points? If so, could I just unbolt the current one and bolt this one on using the same bolts and mounting hardware I already snaked through the frame? Seems to me as though it should work. Please let me know, thanks.

asked by: Adam

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76182 will use the same mounting holes as the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 36523. However, you cannot use the same fasteners that you have now as they are different sizes (1/2" vs 7/16") and the fasteners are torque to yield which means they must be discarded after the initial torque. Therefore, you must use the new fasteners that come with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver when you install it on your 2018 Subaru Forester. I wish I had better news for you. However, since you have already done the install process once, it will be much easier the second time around.

expert reply by: Conner L