How Difficult Is It To Install etrailer Hitch Receiver On 2015 Subaru Forester

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Question:

I currently have an etrailer/Curt 1-1/4inch hitch on my 2015 Subaru Forester. Id like to upgrade to a Class 3 hitech. Reading the reviews, it appears that the Curt class 3 hitch is more difficult to install than the etrailer class 3 hitch. Is my assumption correct?

asked by: John M

0

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Curt hitch would be more difficult to install. On our website we have a installation difficulty rating, from 1 to 10, on hitch receivers. The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", part # e98839, is a 4 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. The Curt offering that fits your car is a 10 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. The etrailer hitch receiver can be installed without drilling, but it will require the temporary lowering of the exhaust and the removal of the heat shield.

The installation of the Curt hitch receiver would require modification or trimming of the heat shield, the lowering of the exhaust, and you will also have to trim the fascia of your 2015 Subaru Forester.

I have included a product description link and a video review link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

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Answer 1

In order to choose the correct ball mount you will need to measure from the ground to the top of the inside edge on the vehicle's receiver tube opening and then compare that to the distance from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on the…

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Answer 2

I can confirm you are not imagining things, but you do have the companies reversed. There is a stabilization strap recommended with all Curt Hitches and required for some. For instance, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2", #C13144,…

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Answer 3

Hi Michelle! We actually do post the install times for hitches. For the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" #e98839 going onto your 2018 Subaru Forester, we have it listed as taking 40 minutes (see…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

For your 2015 Subaru Forester I would recommend going with a hidden hitch like the EcoHitch part #306-X7216 as only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper and the lower hitch opening is removable which means when not in use it's totally…

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Answer 6

You could do that if you wish, you'll just want to make sure that the heat shield is NOT sandwiched between the hitch and the chassis of the vehicle at any point. We frequently hear from folks with concerns about the vehicle being harmed because…

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Answer 7

If the holes are slightly off center when installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e98839 which is a fit for a 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester, you can enlarge them using a burr bit which you can obtain locally. Please note, these should only…

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Answer 8

Actually, removing and leaving off the heat shields won't present a problem. Instead of the thin metal of the heat shields, there's now a hitch installed which will provide much better heat shielding than the factory heat shields did. Plus,…

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Answer 9

I can absolutely confirm for you that your 2017 Subaru Forester XT with the Touring trim is compatible with the etrailer hitch you mentioned: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98839 I verified with the manufacturer for you that this hitch is a fit…

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Answer 10

Hi Terri; yes, the etrailer #e98839 will fit your 2016 Subaru Forester Premium 2.0XT with dual exhaust. This fits all models of the 2016 Forester. I went ahead and attached a picture from the instructions below which includes the dual exhaust.

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Answer 11

That's a good question, and what you will need is a 1-1/8" (1.125") step drill bit as that's the dimension you'll need to enlarge the center holes in the frame of your 2014 Subaru Forester to install the etrailer hitch that…

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Answer 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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How Difficult Is It To Install etrailer Hitch Receiver On 2015 Subaru Forester

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