Price: $200 shipped
Installation: long but painless
Negatives: just one
Overall: positive

I purchased my trailer hitch from subaruparts.com. It came with instructions; however, some modification is required. On my car, I needed to drill a new hole in the thin U-shaped bracket that holds the rubber exhaust hanger. This hanger is located closest to the corner of the car...you'll know what I'm talking about if you want to do this. Since the hitch relocates the bracket, all you have to do is drill a new hole and flip it around. The bracket already has a little hole right in the spot you need to drill. I used a dremel to make it larger so that the 17mm mounting bolt could fit through. I used a jack to get the hitch in place because it weighs 30 lbs. Once the hitch is fitted, position the bracket so you use the new hole instead of the original one. There you go.
As far as bumper trimming, I didn't do any, but it does touch near the muffler cut out. I think it is a good idea to trim this area somewhat, but not as much as the instructions claim.
I think that it is a sturdy unit; I was niether impressed or disappointed with it's quality or fit. The paint on mine, however, was poor. It was flaked off in a few spots when I got it, so I gave it some rustoleum before installation. After a month, the paint flaked off in other places...so I painted it some more. Now it's fine. For $200 I think it's worth it if you plan on pulling or using a hitch mounted bike rack. It is not very low profile, but it's better than the Uhual ones. One strong suggestion I would make is to install harder exhaust mounts at the same time if you drive agressive or over bumps. You might as well since the two on the muffler have to be taken off and the hitch comes pretty close to the muffler tip.

just curious to know if there is clearance for the oem kit> and how much can you tow?:confused:

I installed the OEM hitch on my '02 Forester and I found the install ok. One of the bolts on the passenger side did not want to align and thread back in. Fortunately, there was another open hole that did work. Other than that the install was very straight forward. The wiring install was a snap, kudos to Subaru for having a wiring tail inside ready to go. :D There is plenty of clearance around the factory exhaust chrome tip, the fit and finish on my unit is excellent, still nice after a year. I got my unit at the dealer.

I towed a 5x8 u-haul trailer, unloaded weight was 900 lbs I think plus I hauled a load 1500lbs of bricks, 2400lbs total and I didn't have any issues. I have an automatic trans and even going up hills the Forester never seemed to struggle or have odd shift patterns. I am very happy with how the 2.5L engine handled the job.

I got a ball and harness adapter at u-haul.

correct me if im wrong but i heard that the wrx can also tow? i was very curious to know about that? have any insight?

I bought a hitch off here from a guy and had it installed yesterday. the installation went pretty smooth and it lined up just fine. The only problem we had was the muffler being a little close to the hitch itself, so we got some washers to give it a little more room. My only concern is that the only a Twin tip aftermarket exhaust will work due to others hitting the hitch frame. as far as towing I talked to a Subaru person and he said " If you have transmission problems they will look at the hitch as the reason " I said well I'm just using it as a bike carrier. I paid about 75 bucks for a used hitch and you can get them elsewhere for 89 bucks.

dont mean it in a bad way.. i am just annoyed at the fact that the warranty can be voided so easily with this car.. damn them!!! so if we get a hitch and the tranny blows they can blame the hitch huh.. that sucks.. well i havent got an aftermarket exhaust yet but the thought of the hitch has dawned upon me...

I actually am taking off my hitch this weekend. The person I bought it from had it put on there cause I guess he had some jet skis. It's for a 2002 WRX, it's made by hidden hitch I believe. If anyone is interested I'll be selling it on I-club or Ebay as soon as I get all the info on it. Peace.

Outkast - I'm with ya on the waranty thing ! I 've looked at BPM turbo back and MRT exhaust. I think these will work because they have the outlets at the bottom instead of the middle like others.

I'm planning on installing a hitch to mount a bike rack on. As to the warrenty issues, the dealer may look at the hitch and tell you that the warrenty is voided, however it's not that simple -- they, the dealer/SOA, have to show that your use did the damage. In otherwise that the modification was the cause of the problem. So one might have to fight, but they can't just say that the warrenty is void because you have a hitch...

my 2 cents...

Now with my hitch question... Is there a 2" reciever that mounts to the impreza wagon? I Want to beable to use the same hitch on the truck and car w/o adapters, and to beable to carry more than 2 bikes on the rack... Most or all rack makers say you need a 2" hitch to carry 4 bikes...

If you want a better price on hitches check www.etrailer.com I got my Draw-tite hitch for $89 :eek:

First question is for OPIE, did the Drawtite fit oK? I seen their's on etrailer.com and it seems that the hitch would interfer with the exhaust and how is the quality of Drawtite and ease of installation.
Next question is for "imprezive one" When Where and How much. also same questions for the Hidden hitch.
thanks

My hitch fits fine and wasn't that hard to install. I have a Drawtite from etrailer and the exhaust is fine , but a little close. I'm going to eventually get an aftermarket exhaust , but only one with the tips at the bottom will work. You couldn't get one with the large center pipe due to it hitting the hitch. As far as the warranty issue I was saying that if you had transmission problems they would blame it on that !!!! A rep from Subaru said this to me ! But you are right the have to prove that is what caused the problem. But a Mountain or Road bike isn't going to cause a transmission problem !

Drawtite fits fine, with a stock exhaust it will clear with no problem, depending on the size of the tip on aftermarket exhausts it may sit on the hitch. I have the SPT exhaust with Cusco hangers and the tip bearly touches the hitch, I zip tied a piece of rubber hose to the hitch and it is quiet as can be! :)
http://home.earthlink.net/~opiewho1/Hitch1.JPG
My self & 3 other RS owners have the same hitch from etrailer (1=1999, 2=2000 & 1=2002) with no problems at all.

Great pic Opie, thanks really. Only problem is i have a WRX, i guess i should have mentioned it in the first post.:( But i will look at etrailer.com website and see if the manufacter num. is the same for the 2.5RS and the WRX is the same. let us bow our head now and pray i do not have to spend an extra hundred for subaru's hitch.

ntrino- I have a WRX with a hitch from etrailer.com So you shouldn't have any problems.

Now with my hitch question... Is there a 2" reciever that mounts to the impreza wagon? I Want to beable to use the same hitch on the truck and car w/o adapters, and to beable to carry more than 2 bikes on the rack... Most or all rack makers say you need a 2" hitch to carry 4 bikes... [/B][/QUOTE]

I can't remember which hitch I had installed on my WRX, but it wasn't from Subaru since I have the sedan. The trailer shop that installed it for me, cut the 1 1/4" receiver off and installed a 2" reciever for me. It was a little extra, but you have a greater variety of racks you can use. I recommend the SportWorks rack, it's easy to use and very well made. Just a bit heavy.

The factory website says the WRX can tow 2000 lbs.

I have an 03 Impreza pamphlet that also says the WRX can tow 2000 lbs. However, I have seen in a few places that Subaru does not recommend towing with the WRX. Perhaps they keep changing their minds but if Subaru's literature says you can tow they should not blame you if the tranny blows.

My understanding is that you have to be careful not to have the turbo boost up for long periods of time i.e. hauling a load up a long hill because you might overheat the turbo.

Hi guys, I am new to the subaru community. I just got an 05 wrx sedan. I am just making sure my info is correct. the frame has not changed to this year so the hitches you speak of above should work fine. Also, has there been any more clarrification about the warranty thing. I have also seen yes and no in subaru literature.
thanks,
--z--

If you want a better price on hitches check www.etrailer.com I got my Draw-tite hitch for $89 :eek:
Ditto. I think the price is even lower since you bought it. Install was clean and easy with NO cutting at all. :banana: It is very low profile and the hitch itself is painted fine, with nice welds. I think it is the best deal out there for the money.
http://home.ucwphilly.rr.com/photog72/images/wrxhitchb.jpg

I just ordered a draw-tite! I'm nervous about fitment, as I have an aftermarket exhaust, but.. I guess I'll figure it out when it arrives! How about wiring, I understand the car (2003/wagon) has a plug ready to go? can someone verify this for me, and .. where is it? Thanks!

The car is pre-wired for a trailer hitch. You'll need to get the T One Wiring Harness (http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=E&Product_Code=18370&Category_Code=VWH) that goes for $34.95 (this is the same plug that fits the Legacy - don't worry, it fits the WRX too). The 6 plug adapter is (facing the rear of the car) on the right side. Pretty much behind the right taillight, near the bottom, but behind the cargo coverings and such - where you would expect to find wiring for a car. You run the wire through a grommet that is underneath the spare tire. Or you can leave it in there like me, and just pull it out and stick it between the wagon's door and the trailer only when you have to tow. Good luck!

Thanks very much!! I dug up the part number from an older post, and called them up, armed with confidance in Nabisco :) The lady was like "I really can't recommend that you buy that........ if it worked in the Impreza, it would say so right here!! And it doesn't!!" But I made her sell it to me anyway! :D

I think I might have to go ahead and get longer exhaust hangers, though, as I have a crazy aftermarket system. It's a dual-tip straight pipe that I had someone bend for me, and I specifically wanted it to sit up in the cutout all cozy-like, and... I think now that there just isn't room in there for everything, based on the pic of your car, and the hitch relative to the cutout. It's always something!

I placed my order online, so I didn't have someone tell me what to buy/what not to buy. :p Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress. I hear that you may want to go with Kartboy hangers to help make the muffler fit. As you can see from the picture, there isn't much space to fit a large muffler outlet.

Question about hitches

So I'm leaning towards the Drawtite hitch because its so low profile, but I was wondering if it will interfere with a Greddy EVO2 exhaust which I want to install in the future. I was thinking of getting the kartboy exhaust hangers, if there was a problem will that solve it? Also, if any of you use Bike Racks, which ones do you use, either two or three bikes. thanks.

Michael

Question about hitches

So I'm leaning towards the Drawtite hitch because its so low profile, but I was wondering if it will interfere with a Greddy EVO2 exhaust which I want to install in the future. I was thinking of getting the kartboy exhaust hangers, if there was a problem will that solve it? Also, if any of you use Bike Racks, which ones do you use, either two or three bikes. thanks.

Michael
I love the Sportworks racks. They're fast loading, stable and secure, and since Thule makes them now, they've added a lock!
http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/images/products/917.jpg

bump pa de bump

I think the Evo2 will rub with the Drawtite hitch. The factory hitch has a flat plate above the exhaust which gets you a little more clearance. You might be okay with the factory hitch and long hangers.

I use a one-bike roof mount because I only carry 2 bikes and my bike goes inside the car. I'd say it depends on how many people you drive to the trail/bike path. :lol:

We put a hitch on my friend's 06 WRX wagon in October. Here is the link with lots of reference photos. Maybe this will help with your decision:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=870952
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2134000-2134999/2134487_17_full.jpg

Add another for a hitch install on an '06! I transferred it from my old '04 WRX wagon. I am happy with the drawtite hitch quality.

Well first off - thanks to JPX for the write up, I used it for my install of a drawtite hitch on an '06 WRX wagon.

OK - with the good out of the way, this was a massive ordeal, relative to the promised 50minute install time.

First night:
Removed everything, set up for a test fit. The Hitch/Underbody interface was too small. I had to use a jack and a screwdriver to pry the "uprights" on the hitch out to place the hitch in the correct position. After that, I discovered the same seam weld interference that is mentioned above.

Used the block of wood trick to adjust the seam - after re-prying the hitch back out from under the car.

Re-lift the hitch, more prying, to find that the holes don't line up very well. At this point I've had enough, so I pull the hitch back out, reinstall the bolts.

Second night:
More wedging and cursing to get the hitch under the car, I set about getting the bolts in place. To do so involved the use of a screwdriver through the hitch/unibody mounting holes to pry and contort the hitch to line up enough to get the bolts started. In the process, the threads on one of the holes gets messed up. However - I'm able to get 5 of the 6 bolts in place, and torque them in in increments going back and forth across the car.

So - the upshot to this point:
Hitch is in, required ~4hours worth of work, and I still need to use a tap to clean the threads on the final hole to install the last bolt.

To add insult to injury, I am using the hitch for a bike carrier - a Yakima Bighorn. For whatever reason, the drawtite hitch has a "dimple" in the receiver tube, behind the receiver pin hole. The result of this was that the carrier would not fit into the hitch, the pin holes would not line up. So a dremel to notch the tube in the rack, and it fits. This is a "known issue" with the draw-tite hitches according to my bike shop.

Conclusion:
PITA install - marginal fitment quality, lots of sweating and swearing to get the hitch inplace. 4X the indicated install time.

Draw-tite hitch will not "out of the box" fit a Yakima Bighorn hitch bike carrier.

Anybody done this hitch on a sedan yet? I got my hitch from Etrailer and it is hitting the exhaust (stock) like pressed on it. and hangs down really low.

Ok fixed............


Confirmed fitment on the 06 WRX sedan. Although it is close on the exhaust.

A reciever hitch will NOT fit on an '06 STI due to the rear diffuser. I ordered from Etrailer.com. They are now aware of the fitment issue. On the plus side, their customer service was exemplary. If I were to have a vehicle that could fit a hitch, I would buy from them in a heartbeat.

just trim the diffuser like everybody else...

A reciever hitch will NOT fit on an '06 STI due to the rear diffuser. I ordered from Etrailer.com. They are now aware of the fitment issue. On the plus side, their customer service was exemplary. If I were to have a vehicle that could fit a hitch, I would buy from them in a heartbeat.


OEM hitch fit on my 06 STI...no problems:
http://www.corriewolfe.com/photos/for_nasioc/hitch5.jpg


http://www.corriewolfe.com/photos/for_nasioc/hitch2.jpg

^^^^^^^ who makes that i have it now i want the Tire holder!!

OEM hitch fit on my 06 STI...no problems:
http://www.corriewolfe.com/photos/for_nasioc/hitch5.jpg
http://www.corriewolfe.com/photos/for_nasioc/hitch2.jpg

^^^^^^^ who makes that i have it now i want the Tire holder!!


Chandy69, I would like to introduce you to Reading... :lol:

Anywho, that is the OEM hitch. The dealer may say that it is for the wagon only. But THEY LIE!:devil:

Corrie, is that the same hitch as this:

https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_47&products_id=937

if so, how difficult was the install?

OEM hitch fit on my 06 STI...no problems:
http://www.corriewolfe.com/photos/for_nasioc/hitch5.jpg


http://www.corriewolfe.com/photos/for_nasioc/hitch2.jpg

Does anyone know if the OEM Hitch will fit the '07 with NO modification whatsoever (and I mean not even trimming the diffuser)? Thanks!

David

probally will have to trim the defusser.

Chuck

It does not appear that Corrie's '06 needs a diffuser trim. If someone knows a "hard" answer please post. I can speculate all day on my own, that's why I came here :D .

Thanks!