Bolts Not Long Enough For etrailer Trailer Hitch on 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Question

Question:

Hi - trying to install hitch, the forward bolts on both side aren’t long enough for me to get the nut secure. Also, the plate that goes inside the frame isn’t long enough. When trying to tighten nut on bolt it just spins, also preventing tightening securely. Anyone else have this issue?

asked by: Steven E

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Steven,

I'm not 100% certain what you are referencing by the plate isn't long enough with the # e98912, would you possibly be able to clarify or describe what you mean regarding the length of plate? And for the bolts not long enough, is there any thread showing? Is it all four bolts? Did you use the spacer at the back of the hitch to level it out?

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Steven E.

5/15/2024

Hey Kyle - the 3” spacer in the front holes (both sides) doesn’t seem to be long enough, it just spins preventing trying to secure the nut into the carriage bolt. The carriage bolt in the front holes doesn’t seem to be long enough, I’m only able to get a couple of turns but not enough to secure. We tried both with and without the 2” spacer. It’s not all four bolts, we worked them to make sure they were in correctly

Reply

Kyle S.

5/16/2024

@StevenE Appreciate the info, and I'd start by ditching the spacers, as that's surely one issue. I went through and found that other folks had had this same problem, and had a couple solutions. One person said they used a screwdriver to put lateral pressure on the end of the bolt while screwing on the nut so that the bolt didn't push upward. Another mentioned to scrape some adhesive or sealant off of the vehicle frame near the front access hole. Otherwise, the hitch may not not sit flush and cause the bolts not to be long enough. They mentioned after scraping off that sealant they got it to sit flush. Finally, it is possible the square portion of the carriage bolt is not seated properly in the washer in the frame member. So you can unscrew the nut, push the bolt up slightly and turn the bolt by hand so it seats correctly.

Reply

Steven E.

5/16/2024

@KyleS - good deal, glad I’m not too off base, lol. I will give these suggestions a go this weekend. Thanks!

Reply

Steven E.

5/18/2024

@KyleS - bolts are too short. I’ve checked to make sure they’re sitting correctly in the spacer notch, they are. Even without the hitch you can’t get the bolt on too far. Can etrailer send longer bolts? If not, how do I send my entire purchase back? Thanks

Reply

See All (4) Replies to Steven E. ∨

Answer 1

I've provided a photo of the etrailer #e98912 Class III hitch installed on a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. There were no appreciable changes to the rear of the Crosstrek for the 2020 model year, so the hitch would appear the same as shown on the 2019.…

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Answer 2

Hey Isaiah, thanks for reaching out! I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 2025 Subaru Crosstrek simply because it has a matte black finish that offers a better look and protection over the glossy black finish we see on the other…

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Answer 3

In order to carry skis using your Yakima DoubleDown 4 Bike Rack you will want to use the Yakima HitchSki Snowboard and Ski Carrier part #Y02418, not the Thule Tram Ski and Snowboard Carrier Adapter part #TH9033. I can't confirm the Thule Tram…

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Answer 4

Hello David, great question. So, there is a chance that you will have to enlarge the access holes for the both the etrailer #e98912 hitch and the EcoHitch #306-X7365. Both hitches come with the same size spacers. The picture below will help…

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Answer 5

Hi V; the B&W Trailer Hitch #BW32PR will fit your 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness as long as it is not a hybrid. It is compatible with all trim levels of the Crosstrek. What do you plan on using the hitch for?

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Answer 6

The best hitch for a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is the etrailer item #e98912. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity and a 525 lbs…

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Answer 7

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 8

Hi Rich! The B&W Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #BW32PR for your 2025 Subaru Crosstrek (excluding the Hybrid) weighs right at 35 pounds. Which is pretty typical for a hitch of this design. Are you worried about adding…

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Answer 9

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 10

Thanks for the picture of your spring bar hanger installed on your frame so that I can see what you mean. Yeah a spacer or shim is going to be what you would need since your frame height is between setting so that you can't get a flush fit to…

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Bolts Not Long Enough For etrailer Trailer Hitch on 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

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