Can Old Hitch Hardware Be Reused For etrailer Hitch Installation on 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

Updated 07/05/2024 | Published 06/27/2024

Question:

Hello, I just removed my 1.25 hitch and am replacing it with the new 2 one. Can I use the same bolts and hardware from the smaller one? The old one is one of yours from 2 years ago. Thanks Dave

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

Hi David; you need to use the hardware that came with the # e98912 for installation. This hitch uses 1/2-13 x 1 1/2 carriage bolts while the Draw-Tite you previously had uses 7/16-14 x 1 1/2 bolts.

expert reply by: Robin H

David

7/5/2024

It's funny, I called etrailer about a week ago and spoke to a woman who stated that the old bolts would work just fine. Next week I'm towing a motorcycle across the state of AZ... So now I have to pay someone to reinstall the receiver using the new bolts. This is all truly shocking and could've resulted in a very bad outcome.

Robin H.

7/5/2024

@David I'm not sure how that conversation went, but I'm sorry for any trouble and that we didn't get your question here sooner. The Class III Draw-Tite uses the same 7/16" bolts so as far as the bolts are concerned I'm sure they would technically hold. However, the torque spec for those bolts is different. If the installer followed the instructions for our hitch the old bolts have more than double the torque Draw-Tite calls for in their installation so I really wouldn't trust it.