Is a Trailer Hitch With a Difficulty Rating of 10 Harder to Install Than a 6?

Updated 09/10/2026 | Published 09/05/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(6)

$461.95

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(774)

$196.60

Question:

Is difficulty level 10 more difficult than difficulty level 6? Or, is it less difficult?

asked by: David W

Expert Reply:

Hello David,

Thanks for writing in!

Yes, a difficulty rating of 10 is more difficult than a 6. I looked at the different hitch options for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon, and the biggest difference between those ratings really comes down to the installation process.

A hitch like the Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT38GR gets a difficulty rating of 10 because there is quite a bit more involved in getting the vehicle taken apart and put back together. You have to remove the rear fascia, taillights, bumper beam, and other components to get the hitch into position. Installing the actual hitch is not necessarily the hard part, it is all the work needed to get to where the hitch mounts and then getting everything back together correctly.

Something like our etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98847, with a difficulty rating of 6, has a more straightforward installation. It bolts to the vehicle's frame, so there is less disassembly involved and overall it is a much easier install for someone doing this at home.

So yes, the higher that difficulty number gets, the more involved you can expect the installation to be. I actually just installed one of our etrailer hitches on the ground at home. I could have had our installers do it, but I like to struggle on the ground just like our neighbors do!

I had to enlarge two of the holes, which I did with a rotary tool. I also used jack stands to get the hitch as close to the frame as possible before running the fish wires through. If I can do it, anyone can! I attached some pictures of my install.

I have helped with the other style of installation down in our install bays. If you decide to go that route, my biggest advice is to use painter's tape to protect the paint and take your time when removing the rear fascia. It is definitely more involved, but taking your time makes a big difference.

I attached 2 different install videos as well for you to take a gander at.

What do you plan on using the hitch for? I have a bike rack on mine 90% of the year =)