Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

First I want to say that trying to design a hitch to fit around a muffler on a small crossover is not an easy task. The construction of the hitch and receiver are heavy gauge and we’ll constructed. The fish wires worked like a charm and were integral for the installation. I did run into an interference with the muffler isolation rods welded to the frame. After placing the hitch, I had to hand tighten the nuts before tightening incrementally each bolt as the rods were pushed away during the tightening process. Dropping the muffler would not have helped here as the welded ends were the issue (see photos) Other than that, I am pleased with the result and would recommend to other Crosstrek owners.1475376

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Kevin H.

12/5/2023

After one year, this hitch has made hauling our bikes around worry free. Combined with the Kuat bike rack and locks, our bikes are secure no matter the road conditions. Before purchasing this hitch I investigated mounting to the roof. This proved impractical since I couldn’t mount them while in the garage plus who wants to lift bikes over their heads to stow these. Not happening… love the hitch and rack setup. Peace of mind and just plain easy. Plus the hitch looks like I just installed, no rust and no movement even after many uses this year. Plus, I’m rough on stuff and I’m confident it will last for many enjoyable years to come.

Mike L.

12/5/2023

@KevinH We're delighted to hear that, thanks for checking back in!

Just got it in the mail and installed today. The installation video was a great help and definitely made it a faster and smoother process than it would have otherwise been. I didn’t know end up using the little spacer plates as I think that would’ve put the receiver at too much of an upward angle and possibly would’ve made it so I couldn’t fold up the bike rack. As is, it looks great and the bike rack folds up nicely. Thanks!1752560

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I placed the hitch onto my Subaru 2024. I watched some YouTube videos on how to use the fishing wire, bolts, spacers. Watching to videos was very helpful.
I drilled the back holes using a titanium step bit. Try to be very careful if you don’t have an extension from the drill to the bit. I crushed my fingers a few times because I forced the drill more then necessary and the drill and bit would twist and get stuck. Let the drill do the work with minimal force.
I didn’t t need to jack the vehicle at all I had enough clearance to get under as is. I did use a small wood box and some scrap wood to rest the hitch onto to help position. I completed the installation in about two hours. I also had to use the spacers at the two back bolts to level the hitch.1695972

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by: Phill08/28/2020

This is the 2nd Curt Trailer hitch I've installed on a 2nd Subaru. Both were easy to install with bolts and nuts supplied. They come with great spring' like things that make feeding the bolt in from the top of the frame hole easy. I use the 2" receivers for bike racks only, no towing. For hauling 2 bikes they receiver works great, even 2 fat bikes in winter. I would recommend these receivers 100%.870165

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Phillip K.

8/29/2021

One year in and Hitch is still great. Even use it to jack up the back of the car for tire rotation. But mostly used for bike rack.

The installation videos on etrailer guided me step by step and made the install manageable even without being on a lift. I was able to complete the installation on ramps with the help of my wife just to lift the hitch up. If you're not using a lift, taking off the muffler completely really helps and it's pretty easy to do so. I'd also like to mention that Odelia from customer service who helped me with the purchase was wonderful. She helped me cancelled the hitch that was on backorder and picked one that has the same features and price point. She was easy to work with, professional, and courteous which made me feel like I am a valued customer. I can't say I have the same experience with other companies I've dealt with. This is the 3rd hitch I've purchased from eTrailer and I've got to say, every experience was very pleasant.937711

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Adrian

1/15/2022

Still rock solid after one year. Didnt expect anything less.

by: Pig Pen11/30/2022

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Lower profile, and still holding strong! Initially wanted to get the EcoHitch (with the removable receiver) but couldn't find enough info to give me enough confidence to run it the way I do. Glad I went with the Curt! Great install tutorial. Pic included: can't even tell its there, like a vanishing magician.1476109

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So far so good. Going to mount my kuat nv 4 back rack on it today to test it out. Prepping the car was simple, was able to just lay underneath not jack stand needed. And I’m not small. The install video is quite helpful. I learned to not use duct tape to hold the spacer, the bolt won’t go through very easily. After I installed the hardware my 13 year old daughter helped me feed the fish tape through the hitch and get nuts started. I did not move the exhaust, I had a hinged ratchet that gave me plenty of ability to access all four bolts. Solid rack, simple install, love it.
Also this was installed on my 2021 Crosstrek Sport908328

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Stildo

11/6/2021

Still love it. I found out I put it on a little crooked. Totally my fault. Easy fix with putting a ball on it to see when it was square, then re tighten the bolts. I am planning to get the same hitch for our mini van and Subaru Accent when we get it.

by: Jason10/24/2023

Perfect fit, easy to install, and very discreet. I'm not a total gearhead or anything and I was able to follow the instructions and install this pretty easily with just an extra set of hands at the very end. I had to get some tire lifts to get all the way under the car to install comfortably. I've had this on my car for a year now and it's worked great! This option isn't a total eyesore and it looks great. Highly recommended!1685620

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by: Stan A02/27/2024

I got the Curt trailer Hitch and installed it on my second car. I enjoy it so far using it mostly for the hauling bicycle rack.1738923

It arrived in a box. There were two holes in the box, where the bolted to car parts were scuffed as they must have been dragged around during delivery. I filed them just to remove burrs. The center receiver (visible after installed) was well packaged and avoided any damage.

I grinded the hole into the car frame to allow fishing bolts and spacers into the car with the pictured tool. It was less material removal than I feared. But be careful you make the hole large enough for both spacer and the bolt, because I had trouble fishing the bolt in one hole that was just shy of the right size. A light hammering helped it in. But I made sure the hole was big enough before putting away the air tool.

I did not need to lower the muffler, but it was much easier to wiggle the thing into place with the fished wires with my wife assisting. It only took 10 minutes of her time. From raising the car onto jackstands, installing the hitch receiver, to lowering it, I was done in 2 hours.476939

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After looking at the Curt and Drawtite hitches, I decided to go with the Curt hitch because it appeared to be more concealed under the car and I did not need the increased tow capacity of the Drawtite hitch. I placed my order on a Tuesday afternoon and my hitch was delivered on Friday, which was awesome.
Installation was straightforward and easy as described on Etrailers website,
I took my time and even spray painted around the holes that needed to be enlarged to get the bolts in the frame. Total install was 1hr 15 min.
Very happy with fit and look.
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I bought and installed the hitch(bar is out of sight receiver is seen when not in use) and the vehicle specific Wiring Harness (plug n play).
I watched a install video of this being installed on my new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. After seeing how easy it was to install I ordered the things needed and in less then 48 hours they were delivered to my front door. I did the install by myself and followed the install video instructions. I took extra steps to run the wiring by removing the muffler heat shield so I could route the wiring out the spare tire drain hole. Resealed the drain plug and mounting hardware with Rubber undercoating spary.
This. Whole Kit and the video’s are top of the line. The fish wires for the mounting hardware is a very nice add and makes it very easy to install this hitch. I managed OK by myself but it would definitely be nice to have a helper when it comes to raising the hitch into place for bolting it to the frame.
I am very impressed with the thought and attention to detail this company did with this Hitch, wiring harness and install videos. I would not hesitate to do this same purchase again and highly recommend it. There were several hitch options and price points to for me to choose from for my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.489393

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by: Austin N01/12/2021

2018 Subaru XV Crosstrek

I am happy with the hitch for my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. I would definitely order again. Also I appreciate the good customer support and documentation that etrailer has.

Cheers936703

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Austin N.

1/13/2022

Still wonderful baby! Hauling sh*t all over the place.

Pleasantly surprised by the weight of it. Sturdy, built like a tank. Installation was fairly easy. Took me about an hour to install using rhino ramps. Widened the access holes with a rotary tool and dremel tungsten carbide cutter piece. Lifting the heavy hitch to the undercarriage while screwing in the bolts was definitely the hardest part. Get an extra pair of hands. Earlier hitch/crosstrek models recommended lowering the muffler/exhaust but that’s not necessarily needed with this. However, you’ll need extremely deep sockets to reach the left hex nut closest to the driver’s seat. I couldn’t get an impact wrench to fit and ended up hand ratcheting that one. (see picture). It looks amazing. Love the hidden look.1078428

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I bought this Curt trailer hitch receiver for my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek because of its clean appearance and easy installation. It took me a little less than 2 hrs. to get it and the T-One wiring harness installed, working at a very deliberate pace and checking the excellent etrailer videos frequently. I didn't have to jack up the car, and didn't need an extra set of hands. Could not be happier with the hitch and the fast, free shipping I received from etrailer. Highly recommended!558450

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The hitch quality is what was expected from Curt, exceptional. The installation was well demonstrated in the etrailer videos. Elongate the front holes and fish wire the hardware through. This was ingenuous. Definitely needed a second pair of hands to position the hitch in place for me. Also would recommend for others to have a selection of ratchet extensions. Great product looks great on the 2023 Subaru Crosstrak.1681262

by: Ryan 04/16/2024

Clear instructions, the special tools were included and made the job as simple as it could be.
Thanks!1767926

Buy a different harness! Installed and used after 90 day warranty, trailer lights stay on even with car light off, tester yields same issue so I know it's NOT my trailer or trailer wiring. E-trailer would not replace due to order placed over 90 days ago. $90 down the toilet. Avoid this harness and if possible, buy elsewhere with better warranty period.1668989

A little tricky to install without a lift and without a helper but i was able to do alone in about an hour. There are some very helpful videos showing how to install. One of the mounting bolts arrived with damaged threads but i was able to fix okay using a file. The shackle shown in my photo is more for look. I'll be using the hitch for a bike rack mostly.1037166

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by: Emily04/12/2022

Great product and easy install. I did not have to remove the exhaust, with two people we were able to rotate the hitch into place around the exhaust. 2019 Subaru Crosstrek1285171

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Excellent quality. Not installed yet. Looks like it will install readily and work perfectly.1551937

Gary

4/8/2024

PERFECTLY! NOT USED MUCH BUT IT IS GREAT VERY SOLID AND SECURE.

very solid. I like that the cross bar is hidden up above the receiver.1465973

Dan

11/10/2023

Still looks and works fine.

As advertised. The hitch arrived quickly and well-packaged with clear instructions and all parts. If you are in anyway mechanically inclined, this install is super straightforward. Highly recommend purchasing from etrailer.com1693801

Easy and quick install. Thanks for the great instructions.1699565

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Quick shipping and fixed a problem I had. 2nd purchase from etrailer.
Thanks!1738529