Best Long Lasting Trailer Hitch For A 2025 Subaru Forester  

I will primarily use the hitch for a bike rack Aluminum steel alloy doesn't make sense. I'm guessing steel construction with a plating before powdercoat? Do you have details on this? Stainless can weld to carbon steel but neithor can weld to aluminum.

This is my second or third EcoHitch. The one on the Forester fit very well but I too had a problem with some of the standard washers and lock washers spreading out under the proper torque specs. A trip to the hardware store solved the problem by adding slightly larger standard washers the did not "sink" into the slots on the hitch and lock washers that did their job with the listed torque specs. I also have never heard of an aluminum/steel alloy. As far as rusting goes I live in the south and all of my Subarus have never seen snow. The '23 Ascent is holding up very well and I leave the bar in the hitch which has never made a sound. I also cut a hole in the cover so it is even more "hidden" from view. I keep the bar in both cars which has helped in keeping people off of my bumpers. I believe ETrailer does an excellent job in their installation videos. The '25 Forester did not come with a bumper templet but cutting the bumper and its foot operation wire holder were easy to cut. The wires for the foot operation of the door are rerouted above the cuts. If I remember correctly the ETrailer mechanic on the 2025 Forester was Scott who made the cut and installation very easy. I used to have others install hitches back in the 80's until a mechanic who installed my hitch pinched a wire that blew fuses until I found the error myself. Since then I always install my own hitches and I'm in my "early" 70's. I also like the EcoHitch because it mounts in the frame rails which seem to be a reason some Subaru owners don't think anything but a Subaru hitch is the way to go. ETrailer provides a fish wire to carry to large bolts into the frame rails. Very simple to install although time consuming but since retiring my time is my own. I only had one Subaru hitch the dealer added to the new car so had to purchase or not buy the car. I hope this helps and I know ETrailer videos are up to date with each specific car install. They are a great help with detailed videos that are simple to follow if you run into any problems and are always a phone call away. I might also mention the EcoHitch customer service is Excellent! They are TorkLift.com and have a great website for additional products. No, I don't work for them or ETrailer but have give credit when credit is due.