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

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.

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!

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

See All (4) Replies to Steven E. ∨

Answer 1

Yes, it is accurate. The Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13382 is confirmed to fit all models of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek except for the hybrids. There was a customer that recently installed this on a 2024 with no issues back in May and he sent me in a…

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Answer 2

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 3

Both the Curt #C13382 and the etrailer #e98912 hitch are a 2" Class III hitch receiver that will provide a maximum gross trailer weight of 3,500 lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 525 lbs. You are correct, they are an identical hitch but our…

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Answer 4

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 5

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 6

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Answer 7

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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Answer 8

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In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 12

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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

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