Subaru Forester Trailer Hitch, 09-13 - Class II
[12047]
$393.60 $357.82
by Douglas Howard | Date Added: Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Product Rating
Well haven't used it to tow yet so this review is on the apparent quality & installation of this hitch.
Looks to be VERY well made & finished. Could have used sturdier packing as the box was damaged a bit in its travel. There was no damage to the hitch.
I had watched an install video on You Tube previous. Although it was for the Class III hitch, it served me well & made the install go pretty well. I do not believe it would have been as easy if I just used the paper instructions and the images that were printed. I found they were not as clear as they need be. Typical of instructions that are written by someone who knows the job but not run past some test reviewers who have no idea what is involved.
All said, other than laying on my back(no fun for an aging arthritic, the install was pretty easy.
1. Best to have a helper so raising & holding the hitch in place while the nuts are placed on the 4 bolts is strongly advised. If you accidentally bump up into one or more bolts, it would be easy to push them back up into the frame where it would be challenging to get them. I would set up 2 bolts with nuts on them & put the fishing wires on the other two. Then bring the hitch up through the wires, put those nuts on loosely, then remove nuts from the remaing 2 bolts and carefully raise hitch in place an out those nuts on. Then no chance of bolts disappearing into the frame. Slower but safer.
2. The "Y" end of the exhaust pipe presents 2 openings perfect for a nut to fall in and rool 1-2 feet into the exhaust. I found this esy to do. Got it out with a magnet that I was lucky to have at hand. Stuff rag or paper towel into the ends of the "Y" pipe until all is tightened up.
Tips from a Klutz. If you are one these will help.
Wish the hitch came with a snug fitting black rubber plug to cover the receiver opening when hitch is not in use. My previous Hidden Hitch came with one but I lost it. Many I saw on line are $5 & up & have complaints that they don't have a snug fit & will come out in a car wash.
Enjoy,
DH
