Ground Clearance and Bumper Clearance for etrailer Hitch on 2015 Subaru Forester

Updated 09/04/2026 | Published 08/29/2026

Question:

Any info on distance from installed hitch pin hole to back of 2015 Subaru Forrester? Distance from lowest part of installed hitch to the ground? Thanks, John

asked by: John W

Expert Reply:

Hey John! We measured 4-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outside edge of the bumper with the etrailer # e98839 installed on a 2015 Subaru Forester. The lowest point of the hitch sits approximately 12" above the ground, and it's 14-1/2" from the ground to the top inside edge of the receiver.

What are you planning on using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Robin H

Hitch Measurement
(click to enlarge)

John W.

9/2/2026

Thanks, this is great info. Currently we plan to install the hitch for a bike rack. Our ask is because on a lot of the logging roads we would travel to get to where we bike the really rough road has us thinking about what we understand is called the departure angle, that clearance when our vehicle is climbiing out of a dip or hole. We don't want a steep exit to have anything hanging too low get hung up. Thanks again for the info.

Robin H.

9/3/2026

@JohnW you're welcome! Yes, departure angle is exactly what you're describing. The hitch is tucked fairly close to the bumper, but the bike rack will also factor into clearance depending on how far it extends and whether it has a built-in rise.

Manfred S.

9/3/2026

Hi, at the request of Robin H I am writing to share my experience with the hitch you are considering. I was impressed by two things with this hitch, the quality and absence of rust after 3 years of use, and the close fitting, relatively unobtrusive, profile of the hitch on my Subaru. Your concerns about angle of departure are well addressed by this hitch - its downward protrusion diminishes the angle of departure maybe 1-2 inches. My advice is that you get this hitch and dovetail it with a bike rack that has minimal protrusion from the hitch receiver. This will of course obviate opening the rear door, so get a bike rack that you can hinge down. You'll be fine.

Robin H.

9/4/2026

@ManfredS thanks for sharing your experience! It's great to hear the hitch has held up so well after 3 years, and your firsthand experience with the ground clearance should be helpful for John.