Does Rear Bumper Beam of 2020 Subaru Outback Get Replaced with EcoHitch

Updated 09/24/2020 | Published 09/23/2020

Question:

My local garage, who installed my previous ecohitch on my 2017 outback, installed my new ecohitch on my new 2020 outback. When I picked up the car he said that the hitch seemed to replace a cross piece in the bumper, see picture below. I cant find installation instructions anywhere on line for this hitch onto this car but this doesnt seem right to me. Yet when I look at pictures of the ecohitch on this site I dont see how this bumper beam, if that is what it is, would fit with the hitch. How is this hitch supposed to be installed and does it replace this part? Please answer ASAP as Im supposed to leave on Friday for a week and was planning to use the hitch for my bike rack and bring my bikes with me. Thanks.

asked by: David T

Expert Reply:

It's actually pretty common for hitches on newer vehicle to replace the rear bumper beam as it allows the hitch to become more hidden. The hitch's crosstube basically becomes the bumper beam so you wouldn't be without the support it normally provides. The setup on your 2020 Subaru Outback will be totally safe.

expert reply by: Jameson C