Does Exhaust Need To Be Removed Or Lowered To Install TowSmart Hitch On 2025 Crosstrek?
Published 11/20/2025
Question:
I’m planning to install this hitch myself on my 2020 Crosstrek. Do I have to the exhaust like other hitches require?
asked by: Paul
Expert Reply:
Hey Paul! The TowSmart 2" Hitch # TS68ZR is one of the easier installs out there (4 out of 10 as far as difficulty goes, and about 40 minutes). You could lower the exhaust temporarily for extra clearance, but most people manage without dropping it down. Check out the installation video I've attached which shows the install being completed without touching the exhaust or hangers at all. It's a pretty simple install using fishwired carriage bolts and spacers that go through the access holes. You will, however, need to enlarge the factory access holes a little bit for the hardware to fish through.
Once everything’s torqued to 110 ft-lbs, you’re all set! If you’ll be towing, grab the universal 4-way wiring kit # 119147KIT and ball mount kit # 989891 - that’ll cover your light trailer hookups and ball sizes.
What do you plan to use the hitch for, Paul?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- TowSmart
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How to Use a 1-1/4" Yakima StageTwo Bike Rack w/a 2" Hitch
- Search Results: hitch adapters
- Search Results: hitch anti~rattle
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Video: First Look at the Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter
- Video: All About the Trailer Hitch Reducer 2" to 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Article: How to Correct Noise from Exhaust Rattling Against a Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Mate Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter - 2" (Class III) to 1-1/4" - 4" Long
- Shop: Trailer Hitch Reducer 2" to 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Shop: Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter - 2" to 1-1/4" - 4-3/8" Long
- Shop: BulletProof Hitches Hitch Adapter - 2-1/2" to 2" Reducer Sleeve
- Video: Mount: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Video: Checking Out the etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Stabilizer for 2" Hitches
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: Recommended Bike Rack and Dual Hitch Adapter for Carrying E-Bikes While Flat Towing
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
on Trailer Hitch
