Installing an Aftermarket Trailer Hitch on a 2014 Subaru Forester with Factory Trailer Hitch

Question

Question:

Do I need to order a new crash bar? Has anyone one else done this. I have a nice Kuat NV 2.0 rack I want to make use of on our forester. It requires a 2foot inch receiver. The oem hitch needs to go.

asked by: Matthew

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have not yet had a chance to install a trailer hitch on a 2014 Subaru Forester with a factory trailer hitch but I took a look at how one installs and as you mentioned it does replace the rear bumper beam. Therefore, it would be smart to go ahead and add this back on when switching out the factory trailer hitch for an aftermarket one since the aftermarket one installs in a different location. The most cost effective way to do this is to go to a local junk yard to obtain the rear bumper beam.

The aftermarket trailer hitch I recommend for your 2014 Subaru Forester is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76182 which has a 2" receiver tube opening. I like this hitch because only the receiver tube is visible similar to your factory hitch. This will then allow you to use your Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack without issue. I have attached an install video of the aftermarket trailer hitch for you once you get the factory one removed.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Answer 1

For your 2018 Subaru Forester XT I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch #76182 because it features a hidden design where only the receiver is visible beneath the vehicle. This provides you with a clean, OEM appearance unlike the…

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Answer 2

The differences that you noted between the Draw-Tite trailer hitches #75876 and #76182 for your 2018 Subaru Forester are spot on. Both are custom hitches so no drilling is required (although you may need to enlarge some access holes) and they both…

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Answer 3

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Answer 4

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

If you are needing the hub and drum assembly then you will want to go with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ but if you are just looking for an idler hub then you will want part #8-213-5UC1 instead. These come with the correct…

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Answer 7

If the trailer wheels scrubbed (dragged and scrapped the ground instead of rolling) when jack knifed then it could have thrown something out of alignment or damaged something. First, inspect the suspension. Look for any elongated holes where…

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Answer 8

Since Demco uses 3,500 drum brake assemblies part #DMSB24429M and #DMSB24428M what you'd need is similar 3,500 electric brake assemblies like the etrailer part #AKEBRK-35L-SA for the left hand side and #AKEBRK-35R-SA for the right hand side. To…

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Answer 9

Since you have a wheelbase/axle spacing of 38 inches the correct hanger kit for slipper springs would be the part #HAP-105-205-01. And then for a 7k trailer axle the u-bolt kit you'd want would be the part #APUBR-8. I attached the diagram to use…

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Answer 10

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

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Answer 11

When installing/adjusting the Solera RV Slide-Out Awning #LCV000163285 tension is applied by rotating the awning roller 14 times. This should apply the needed spring tension so that the fabric doesn't billow in the wind or leave enough slack that…

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Answer 12

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Installing an Aftermarket Trailer Hitch on a 2014 Subaru Forester with Factory Trailer Hitch

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