EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

The hitch gets five stars across the board; etrailer...not so much & I'll explain why.

This Ecohitch is a pretty fantastic hitch. On my '21 Impreza, it looks great, sits high off the ground (for an Impreza, anyways), and it has the right specs for the family of bikes I'm set to put on it. Overall, pretty straightforward to install (I might not say "easy" but definitely "straight-forward") and I didn't have to drill any new holes or do any major mods to my car. For what it's worth, you do NOT actually have to remove the bumper & fascia OR drop the exhaust if you're not so inclined in order to install this hitch. I was able to snake the whole thing up & under everything and then tighten all bolts with everything still attached - although I did alter the hardware slightly by hack-sawing a slot in the tail of each bolt that allowed me to use a screwdriver to hold onto each one while I tightened the nuts. Once things were snugged up, I was able to torque everything to the right setting and I was good to go. Easier than removing everything? I can't say, really; but I was able to do it so it *is* possible.

Which brings me to two complaints regarding my purchase from etrailer. First, shipping was delayed by over almost a week with no communication or explanation from etrailer at all. I had to contact them in order to get any response and what response I did get still offered no explanations for the delay and acted pretty much like no time had ellapsed from my order date (I ordered on 6/8, contacted them on 6/14, and didn't received my order until 6/18). I get that logistics are chaos these days, and I might not even have noticed if etrailer's website didn't flat-out say that an order placed on 6/8 would arrive by 6/14. Honestly, if I had to guess, it felt like my order may have been overlooked & forgotten about and it wasn't until I poked them that someone noticed it hadn't been completed; I'm guessing here but the flurry of emails *after* I sent an inquiry suggests someone somewhere dropped the ball.

Ultimately, I think I could have forgiven the delay in shipping had the order been complete once it had arrived but, sadly, this wasn't the case & that's my second complaint. Now, I'll admit this is partially on me as I did not check the contents of everything immediately when my order did finally arrive, but I found out too late that the hardware bag was missing TWO (2) flat washers and THREE (3) - count 'em, *three* - of the 1/2" nuts. Three-quarters of the required nuts just...weren't there. No, the bag & shipping box were not damaged in any way suggesting something may have fallen out and yes, I checked the boxes & bags and obsessively searched my floor & driveway looking for it all.

Now, I am certain that, had I contacted etrailer about the missing hardware, they would have set it right without any complaint or much delay; their reputation and other reviews here gives them that much credit. However, by the time I realized this, it was a Saturday morning on a holiday weekend less than a week from when I needed this hitch installed and I didn't want to go through the hassle of contacting them and anyways simply couldn't wait for something else to get shipped and delivered. Thankfully, the Ecohitch uses fairly standard hardware I could get my hands on at the local hardware store (don't skimp - get grade-8 nuts) and that's what I ended up doing.

Overall, my assessment is the Ecohitch from Tork Lift is well worth the extra money for its high ground clearance, its overall slim look, and the large capacity it boasts. Just make sure you follow up w/ the vendor if you're on any kind of a timetable to get it and get it installed.1319925

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Jacob

7/6/2023

One year later, the Ecohitch from TorkLift is still worth the extra moneys and the extra effort to install. Weve use it more than a few times over the past 12 months, both locally and over longer trips +-450 miles and its held up wonderfully. Highly recommend.

I installed hitch in 5 hrs with 3 of these hours researching bumper removal and cutting notch. Next time it would take 2-3 hours.
My thoughts in no particular order-
This is a well engineered solid hitch, hidden from view and does not subtract from the already negligible Impreza clearance.
Installation Tips-
- I used a magnet on an adj stick that helped hold the stack of washers during install.
- Ratcheting combination wrenches are helpful.
- During bumper removal I peeled it away from the fascia prior to just pulling it down/off. A push pin tool would be helpful and during reinstallation having push pins disassembled helps with a faster reliable connection.
- During hitch prep I used boards under hitch to raise it approximately into position and 8" carriage bolts to temporarily hold the hitch up.
- I did not bother lowering muffler - fit just fine.
- I suggest viewing a few utubes on how to remove subaru bumpers.
- I cut the slot for the hitch using both a sheetmetal sheer and a multipurpose saw for a tight cut. I started notch smaller at first and then larger for a glove fit. I like precision.
- The directions were copy's if copy's with poor photos. I should have looked for an online version.
I'm going mountain biking tomorrow- sure nice not to have a roof rack.1313306

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Davesu

6/18/2023

Excellent - glad I got a 2 hitch. Works as advertised and used over 20 times. Like with all hitches there will be movement so a anti-vibration threaded hitch lock was added and load is solid. Looks great!

by: Rudolph03/14/2024

This is the best town hitch in the market for me. Its super strong and the most i like about it is this is the only one in the market thats is stealth and it doest ruin the look of the back of my car when its not installed.1747583

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Fits like a glove! I was able to put it on without muffler removal, although access to bolts would be easier without it in the way. I torqued the nuts to 75lb and noticed that one of the metal pieces got bent. Hopefully not an issue, as I don’t ever plan on towing anything. Needed it for a cargo carrier and a bike rack I use with my truck. Overall very satisfied with the product, with the exception of the metal rectangular washers. Perhaps an extra $15 dollars and something sturdier? Also, I was missing the nuts, for some reason. Hope the ones I picked up are same rating.1699683

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by: Ronald 04/21/2024

Good video instructions on how to install. More involved than a standard hitch, but worth it for the clearance and cleaner aesthetic.1770947

Follow the instructions and take your time and installation is quite simple. Took around 2 hours to do alone.I didn’t drop the exhaust as suggested, I can see why you might though. So much better than the other options available for this car.1576508

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Hitch itself is nice and clearly designed to fit these vehicles, no complaints with the product itself. I did have some trouble with my order as it took well over a month to ship as both etrailer and the manufacturer were out of stock even though that was not conveyed in the website. When I did get my hitch it was missing some hardware and there was a lot of chipped paint which might lead to rust in the future.1660090

Jenny N.

9/7/2023

I hate to hear that the hitch arrived missing paint and hardware. I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you.

Ordered this hitch so that I could use my bike rack with the 2" receiver. Also wanted to keep as low of a profile as I could for my new car (Subaru Impreza Sport). This receiver hitch is perfect, Construction is very good and over kill for a Subaru Impreza, don't think it will ever see anything near those ratings on this car, but it will keep my bikes secure!
Installation was pretty straight forward, especially if you've ever done one of these. No holes to drill, directions super easy to follow, and it came out super clean. I've installed a few receiver hitches on cars for family, this one was easy, well laid out and took about 1.5 hours. I was super happy about how clean the cut out was after following the instructions that came with the bumper. This can be done with basic tools, and jack stands to support the receiver, unless you have a friend.

Worth the extra $$ over the 1.25" receivers.993734

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Harry

3/28/2022

So glad I opted for this 2 receiver hitch for my car. After a year I havent experienced any issues and would recommend this over the standard 1.25 hitch because of the availability of accessories for 2 receivers.

This is great for my Subaru Impreza hatchback. I was worried because the car is so low, but the hitch doesn't stick down too far, it's great. I use it for my Thule Helium Platform 1 bike rack... The whole thing is just what I wanted. I even went over a big dip in the road and no scraping.819567

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Heather

6/23/2021

This has been a perfect experience. Id been worried the hitch might hit ground on bumps, but knock wood it hasnt yet. Its now easy to install my bike rack, which I also love.

by: Connor10/22/2020

Worth it. Sits right up against the bummer. Almost hidden. Best hitch I could find that would give me the most ground clearance. Planning on carrying 4 bikes, with the 1Up bike rack.902201

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by: Evan05/30/2021

Great product. Well made. Fast shipping. Installation was fairly simple although I did have to purchase a tool or two to install. Probably could have even used some additional tools to make installation easier but was able to manage without-just took a bit longer. I installed without help but an extra set of hands would have made things easier. Go easy on the pegs holding the bumper facia-very brittle. Perfect for use with Saris bike rack. No ground clearance issues yet with the bike rack.1051595

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by: Dan 09/12/2023

2017 Subaru Impreza

Excellent hitch. Fit perfectly on my 2017 Subaru Impreza hatchback.1665747

by: Victor 08/29/2023

This hitch is an amazing option, it doesn’t show at all and it’s super easy to install yourself if you wanted to. Really happy with it. No rust what do ever had it for a year now.1656665

Very high quality product. Hitch is tucked up nicely under the bumper. Installation went exactly as described in the instructions. The reason I keep coming back to etrailer is because of their customer support and instructional videos. 783303

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amazing - 4th item Ive ordered from etr ailer.1654993

The ordering process was very good. I obtained a trailer hitch for a difficult vehicle to equip and was able to confirm the correct hitch and wiring setup. The order was promptly processed and shipped. It arrived in several days and was installed yesterday. It fit very nicely. I am very pleased with etrailer and the EcoHitch hidden trailer received.1569344

PERFECT FOR 2018 IMPREZA, 5DR. ,SPORT,NOTHING SHOWS EXCEPT
RECEIVER517635

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Great, was able to install in about an hour. However, it was missing 4 nuts and I had to go purchase at HD.1706618

Great product. Install wasn’t too bad, directions weren’t great, but I was able to find some [online] videos that helped. I would recommend. Hidden is the only way to.774659

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by: Rachel 11/25/2022

Subaru Impreza

Love it! Since I have a Subaru Impreza, I didn't want to lose too much ground clearance, and this was the best hitch for that issue. I have never hit it on anything once it was installed, and it holds my bike rack and two bikes with no problems.1473837

I’m really impressed. I’ve had the usual brands on the last two cars and wasn’t very pleased (the last one was a rusty mess in short order). Moreover the other options for the Impreza all hang well below the bumper with the crossbar exposed and the receiver very close to the ground. The Torklift hitch was more expensive and shipping to Canada was an extra cost as well yet it turned out to be money well spent. Out of the box I was very pleased with the finish and construction. Installation was not difficult and I much preferred removing the bumper versus modifying the mounting holes as other manufacturers required. The hitch looks good and is not intrusive - this is a new car and I didn’t want to see something ugly hanging off the back every time I approached. I was also impressed that it appears Torklift has looked at the specs of the car and tailored their weights/capacities to what this specific car can handle rather than a generic classification.
Here’s some other thoughts:
-Past receivers have been open at both ends and resulted in the tube getting full of grit then rust. This is closed on the leading edge. I am confident that with a plug the receiver tube will operate smoothly for the life of the car.
-The instructions were excellent with advice and photos specific to this car.
-The packaging was minimal and easily recycled while confidently protecting the hitch. I was quite pleased with the low-impact approach.
-I was unclear whether duty would be included in shipping costs and it indeed was - making the order from etrailer significantly cheaper than from the manufacturer.819585

Stephen

6/23/2021

I’ve had the hitch for a year. What more can I say other than it works? It’s really nice to have the class III hitch as it opens up some options and it’s also really nice to have it legitimately mostly hidden. I’ve actually had people comment about it in parking lots. I just noticed yesterday that it has some rust forming in the receiver but I think that’s inevitable and I’ll make sure to just spray it with some undercoating oil here and there. I have to say - every time I notice the hitch I’m pleased the cross bar isn’t visible. I think the impreza is as good looking car and having the whole thing visible would wreck the look.

Hitch install was easy with use if attached video. I eill say tgat actual instruction manuals piicturez where pretty much useless. Would suggest possible online install manual with much better picture. Perhaps also include list of tools. I had the 19mm so ket and wrench . Turns out you need deep socket and a longer 19mm wrench.
In conclusion very pleased with hitch . Bike rack is very stable. I use an older Hollywood platform fir teo bkies1333933

Jenny N.

7/26/2022

I recommend taking a look at our online video installation on a 22 Subaru Impreza.

Helpful Links

tv-install-ecohitch-trailer-hitch-2022-subaru-impreza-306-x7350.aspx

by: Michael 08/09/2021

Subaru Impreza

Great hitch. Tucks up under our Subaru Impreza for great clearance and with it fairly well hidden when the bike rack is not attached.1118615

Michael

8/10/2022

Still going great! Highly recommended

by: Mike S01/05/2020

Subaru Impreza

A very good hitch on my Subaru Impreza. Was more expensive, but i wanted the 2" for more stability of my bike rack. Very tight and secure. No rattles. 735916

Oak S.

1/6/2021

The rack is strong and stable one year later. Glad I went with the 2 for more versatility and options.

by: Mongo Mongoson07/09/2022

This was the most involved hitch install I have ever done, but that was expected and it really wasn't that bad. The results look great, and on my 2019 Impreza hatchback the hitch receiver is no lower than the muffler.

I am very happy with the hitch and the install instructions.

I use the hitch to pull a very small, light trailer and to transport bikes. I wanted the 2" receiver so it would match our larger vehicles so that was a deciding factor when I but this hitch.1323153