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  1. Trailer Hitch
  2. etrailer
  3. Class III
  4. 2 Inch Hitch
  5. 3500 lbs GTW
  6. Visible Cross Tube
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

Item # e98839
Retail:$240.84
Our Price: $155.70
You Save: $85.14
Trailer Hitch

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Shipping Weight: 34 lbs
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This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look. Great Prices for the best trailer hitch from etrailer. etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" part number e98839 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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etrailer Trailer Hitch - e98839

  • Class III
  • 2 Inch Hitch
  • 3500 lbs GTW
  • Visible Cross Tube
  • etrailer
  • 525 lbs TW
  • Custom Fit Hitch

This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.


Features:

  • Custom-fit trailer hitch lets you tow a trailer or carry a bike rack or cargo carrier with your vehicle
  • Precision, robotic welding maximizes strength and improves fit
  • Bolt-on installation - no welding required
    • Complete hardware kit and installation instructions included
  • Lifetime technical support from the experts at etrailer
  • Matte black powder coat finish over protective base coat offers superior rust resistance
  • Stylish, round-tube design
  • Ball mount, pin and clip sold separately
  • Made in the USA
    • Mounting hardware may be imported


Specs:

  • Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
  • Rating: Class III
    • Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
    • Maximum tongue weight: 525 lbs
    • Not rated for use with weight distribution systems
  • Limited lifetime warranty


Rugged, Matte Black Finish

The sturdy steel construction is protected with a matte black finish for added durability. This unique powder coating gives etrailer hitches a carbide-like appearance and a rugged look that sets them apart from traditional glossy hitches. In addition to being rust and corrosion resistant, the tough matte coating hides dirt, scuffs, and dings better than a glossy finish.


Matte Carbide Finish vs Glossy Finish

Matte Carbide Finish vs Glossy Finish

etrailer Technical Support

At etrailer we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.



e98839 etrailer Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver - 2" - Matte Black Carbide

Installation Details E98839 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" - e98839

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (800 Customer Reviews)

This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.

by:
2015 Subaru Forester

Fit like a glove on my 2015 Forester, excellent instructions. Shipping box was destroyed in transit but no parts were missing. Total install time using a lift was 40 minutes.

John

4/27/2024

Its been over a year now and the hitch has served us well. No issues. Great price, fast shipping too.



by:
2017 Subaru Forester

The trailer hitch receiver was delivered timely and it is stout. Looking forward to using it. It went on as shown in the very helpful instructional video. It came with all the parts wisely taped to it because the box was trashed in transportation. The one other issue was that one of the rectangular metal washers was stamped/punched off center so it’s open on one side. Hopefully with everything else intact and solidly put together it shouldn’t be a problem.

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

8/4/2023

Actually the square spacer will need to be replaced. I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you to take care of it.



by:
2018 Subaru Forester

Hitch itself is solid and great quality. Clean finish and extremely durable. Definitely make sure you have the right tools to complete the DIY install. Took about 3-4 hours to do on my own. Easy enough to do if you have the tools and time.

Negative: the hitch on my 2018 Subaru Forester places any attachments (cargo hauler, bike rike, etc) in direct alignment with the muffler exhaust. Did not realize that at first and melted several boxes on a long car trip. So will need an attachment to raise the carriers as looked into altering the direction of the muffler and most places told me it was not possible

Corey

4/29/2024

Working great still! No rust on it one year later. Has had multiple trips under its belt in a years time



by:
2017 Subaru Forester

Going with etrailer was the right move. It shipped really fast and arrived on time. The one bad thing was that part of my hitch had poked out of the box. Otherwise, product quality and price could not be beat. They have the best video instruction. It makes it so easy.

Chuck

4/22/2024

I’ve used it several times in the past year. I’ve had zero issues. I will go the same route on the purchase of my next hitch.



by:

This hitch looks like it will last as long as the car. The installation is straight forward. Just follow the video instructions. I was able to do it myself with ramps and a creeper. (Like a redneck)

Henry

5/8/2023

This hitch is holding up very well. Excellent product.



by:

Pleasantly surprised. Worked well. Put heat shield back up after install with only 3 of 4 screws, cut it just around the frame hitch bolts.



by:
2017 Subaru Forester

Easy install! Didn't need to widen any frame holes, either, as I was able to reach all existing holes with fish wires from rear of channel.

David

3/11/2024

This has been clean and solid from day one. I heartily recommend.



by:

Quality hitch. Decent price. The only negative thing I could say is that their installation video has you remove and not reinstall the heat shields. I just trimmed mine around the hitch and then reinstalled them. To me it did not make sense to leave them out completely.



by:
2018 Subaru Forester

Installation was easy and fit correctly! Packaging could have been better, but everything was there

Jeff

4/10/2024

Still a great product after 1 year. I’ve had zero problems with this hitch receiver.



by:
2017 Subaru Forester

The hitch receiver arrived on time and as described. The instructions were well made and easy to understand and the online resources for assistance with dropping the exhaust and installation were very helpful too. The installation went well and was actually pretty straight forward.



by:
2018 Subaru Forester

Arrived in 2 days, no damage despite carton a little beat up. Install on 2018 Forester straight forward, video very helpful but there is a third exhaust hangar ahead of the rear axle which helps to remove, too. Also, very easy to trim off a bit of the heat shield and reinstall it if desired. Excellent fit and appears to be excellent quality. Great experience once again with eTrailer.



by:
2018 Subaru Forester

Perfect Fit, Great Install Instructions and Fair Price. . . what more could you want. They do their best to package but . . . Fortunately nothing damaged.

I have purchased from etrailer many times in the past and they have excellent customer service and support. If they have what you want = purchase it.



by:
2015 Subaru Forester

Relatively easy install, with more effort spent removing exhaust than anything else. Note you will have to cut/drill to expand a hole as detailed in the instruction video. This wasn't a big deal but a step I didn't notice.



by:
2014 Subaru Forester

The hitch and wire harness arrived on time and undamaged and exactly s ordered. My son and I installed the hitch today, took about an hour and fifteen minutes once we gathered up the necessary tools and laid out the parts and backed the car onto ramps. We beforehand watched the video and followed the procedure as shown. Very helpful. They did not mention, however that the third exhaust hanger is on the tail pipe behind the rear axle, not on the muffler itself. Dropping and supporting the muffler allowed easy access to the mounting area. We also modified the heat shield to fit around the hitch mounts rather than discard it. Installed the wire harness later, again after watching the video. Again, the video very helpful and exact. Took about a half hour. The hitch fit perfectly and looks great. Thank you etrailer.

Gary G.

5/24/2021

My original review stands. Still a great way to hitch up.



by:
2018 Subaru Forester

The trailer hitch receiver arrived as scheduled, a mere 3 days after I ordered it. The equipment was just as advertised and fit well on our 2018 Subaru Forester. Installation was straightforward and I look forward to using to transport our bikes around!



by:

Came complete with all needed hardware and my mechanic easily installed the hitch. Used the two bike rack to haul our bikes problem-free. Good job etrailer!



by:
2018 Subaru Forester

The hitch for our 2018 Subaru Forester XT arrived quickly and undamaged. The directions were adequate and typical. Ordering was easy and the price was great! The morning after install I picked up 5x9 U-Haul trailer and drove 3 hours each way to pickup a motorcycle for my son. I would definitely buy an eTrailer hitch again.



by:
2016 Subaru Forester

Perfect for our 2016 Subaru Forester. This hitch receiver will give us a great way to carry our bikes to Yosemite



by:

Hitch is great but I found out the forester can only tow 1500 lbs! Is that true

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

4/25/2024

Yes, per the manual that I looked into, the vehicle is rated to tow up to 1500 pound trailer. You do want to go by the manual when it comes to towing. So in this came the hitch is rated higher then what the vehicle is meant to handle.



by:

Excellent product and customer service. Hitch was easy to install and still works/looks great after a year of use.



by:
2017 Subaru Forester

I've purchased many hitches and baseplates from etrailer over the years. I've never had a hitch arrive with the box in such good shape and the item not hanging out of the box. I guess having it shipped directly from etrailer and not drop shipped from another manufacturer makes are huge difference. Everything was present and excellent shape. Instructions were excellent as usual, and installation did not provide any surprises. Thanks!



by:
2017 Subaru Forester

Perfect fit on my 2017 subaru forester xt. It was a bit tough to get both mufflers down and up but I was able to do it all by myself on my driveway. It would be easier with help or a lift but this 66 year old was able to do it. Honestly the hardest part for me was getting my torque wrench to beep at 110 ft lbs. I'm not as strong as i used to be.



by:
2017 Subaru Forester

Awesome hitch. Instructions are poor, but there are similar videos on YouTube that are better. Straight forward install.



by:
2018 Subaru Forester

Installed easily according to instructions and online video. The instructions indicate disposal of the muffler heat shield, however, with two small cuts in aluminum to account for the hitch and two holes to accommodate hitch bolts, it was reinstalled. The holes for the hitch bolts are already marked with a dimple to coincide with the mounting holes. Probably a good idea to reinstall the heat shield because of additional exhaust heat when towing.

Lane I.

4/22/2023

Works well, solid connection and easy to access.



by:

I've been using the hitch for my bike rack and it has been performing as expected. Absolutely no problems. A little harder to install than expected, but with a little help from friends it is still where it belongs.


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this etrailer Trailer Hitch

  • Will Removing Heat Shield & Leaving it Off to Install e98839 on 2014 Subaru Forester Cause Problems
    Actually, removing and leaving off the heat shields won't present a problem. Instead of the thin metal of the heat shields, there's now a hitch installed which will provide much better heat shielding than the factory heat shields did. Plus, if they were left in place, the shield would be sandwiched between the hitch and the vehicle frame rail and it wouldn't be possible to torque down the fasteners correctly. This is shown in the linked installation video.
    view full answer...
  • Fit of etrailer Brand e98839 Class III Hitch on 2016 Subaru Forester
    As you can see in the provided photo, the etrailer brand # e98839 hitch will indeed fit a 4th Generation Subaru Forester with a single exhaust, like your 2016. Unless your vehicle has an aftermarket exhaust, the hitch will fit fine. I've also linked an install video, which shows Dave completing a successful install on a 2016 Forester. I've also linked the installation instructions for you, in case you didn't get them with your hitch.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Weight of etrailer Trailer Hitch for 2014 Subaru Forester
    The etrailer.com Trailer Hitch # E98839 that fits your 2014 Subaru Forester weighs 30 lbs. This hitch is a great choice for your Subaru and will give you a perfect way to carry your bikes. It has a 2" receiver and hefty 525 lb tongue weight capacity so even the heaviest bike rack and bikes will work. The hitch is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty, which speaks to how durable it is. I have added a link to an install video of the hitch for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...
  • How Difficult Is It To Install etrailer Hitch Receiver On 2015 Subaru Forester
    Yes, the Curt hitch would be more difficult to install. On our website we have a installation difficulty rating, from 1 to 10, on hitch receivers. The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", part # e98839, is a 4 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. The Curt offering that fits your car is a 10 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. The etrailer hitch receiver can be installed without drilling, but it will require the temporary lowering of the exhaust...
    view full answer...
  • Tool Used to Enlarge Hole on etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester
    If the holes are slightly off center when installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e98839 which is a fit for a 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester, you can enlarge them using a burr bit which you can obtain locally. Please note, these should only be used to correct minor issues. If the holes are too far off you'd want to either bend the hitch back into place or replace it.
    view full answer...
  • Weight of Etrailer Hitch # e98839
    The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2 inches # e98839 weighs 34 pounds and is confirmed to fit your 2018 Subaru Forester. I attached an installation video link below.
    view full answer...
  • Does Rear Fascia of 2018 Subaru Forester Need to be Trimmed to Install Hitch
    The rear fascia of your 2018 Subaru Forester does not get modified to install the etrailer hitch # e98839 that you referenced. The heat shield does get removed and access holes may need to be slightly modified but there is no drilling required. I attached an install video link for this for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...
  • Warranty of etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2016 Subaru Forester
    I can tell you the details about the lifetime warranty of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 that fits your 2016 Subaru Forester. The warranty covers the hitch to be free of defects of materials and workmanship for the lifespan of the hitch. So long as it is installed per the directions and not altered in any way, if there is ever an issue with the hitch it does fall under warranty for as long as you have it. I have added a link to a video install for you to check out as well...
    view full answer...
  • Trimming Around Heat Shield to Install Hitch on 2017 Subaru Forester
    You could do that if you wish, you'll just want to make sure that the heat shield is NOT sandwiched between the hitch and the chassis of the vehicle at any point. We frequently hear from folks with concerns about the vehicle being harmed because the heat shields were removed, but once the heat shields are removed, the hitch itself performs that function. The hitch is much thicker and heavier than the flimsy heat shields, so it provides better protection. You're more than welcome to trim...
    view full answer...
  • Would Trailer Hitch from 2017 Subaru Forester Fit 2020 Subaru Forester
    There was a big enough amount of changes between a 2017 Subaru Forester and a 2020 that new hitch fits had to be made. So you wouldn't be able to install the hitch you have now and would need a new hitch like the Draw Tite part # 76271 which is very similar. I attached an install video for more info on this hitch for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch Fit for 2019 Subaru Forester
    There is a trailer hitch that fits your 2019 Subaru Forester although hitch # E98839 will not. Instead you are going to need the Draw-Tite # 76271 which according to the manufacturer is a fit for all models of the 2019 Forester. This is a Class III, 2" trailer hitch with a 525 lb tongue weight capacity and 3,500 lb towing capacity. The Draw-Tite # 76271 hitch is a bolt-on installation that does not require any drilling into your Forester's frame to install, has a black powder coat finish...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Does etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Fit 2017 Subaru Forester XT With Dual Exhaust
    I can absolutely confirm for you that your 2017 Subaru Forester XT with the Touring trim is compatible with the etrailer hitch you mentioned: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 I verified with the manufacturer for you that this hitch is a fit for your '17 Forester XT, and have added a photo for you that a customer sent in of the hitch installed on their XT with the dual exhaust so you can see how it will look on your Forester. Additionally, I did want to mention that in case...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Size of Step Drill Bit to Install etrailer Trailer Hitch on 2014 Subaru Forester
    That's a good question, and what you will need is a 1-1/8" (1.125") step drill bit as that's the dimension you'll need to enlarge the center holes in the frame of your 2014 Subaru Forester to install the etrailer hitch that fits: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 I also wanted to mention, in case you planned on doing some towing with your '14 Forester and needed a 4-way wiring harness, the correct fit for your vehicle is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467.
    view full answer...
  • Difference Between etrailer Trailer Hitch e98839 & e98841
    The difference between the two hitches are the vehicles they fit, as one is designed for certain model year Subaru Foresters and the other a fit for certain model year Hyundai Santa Fe Sports and Kia Sorentos: - 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 - 2014 - 2015 Kia Sorento & 2013 - 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98841
    view full answer...
  • Does etrailer Hitch for 2015 Subaru Forester Fit 2021 Subaru Forester
    There was enough of a difference between the 2015 Subaru Forester and 2021 Subaru Forester that a new hitch had to be designed. So you would need a new hitch like the part # e83ZR.
    view full answer...
  • Is There a Trailer Hitch Fit for a 2018 Subaru Forester Sport
    The etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver # E98839 is confirmed to fit all models of the 2018 Subaru Forester, however according to my research I am not seeing that there was a Sport model released for the 2018 model year. There is a Sport model for the 2019 Subaru Forester for which the correct fit is the Curt Trailer Hitch # C13409. I have attached a picture from the Manufacturer showing this fit on the Sport model. Either way, if you can confirm which option you have and what you plan...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Can I Carry Four Bikes On My 2018 Subaru Forester With A OEM Hitch Receiver
    The factory hitch receiver from Subaru is a Class I rated hitch receiver. It has a maximum tongue weight of 176 lbs and a maximum tow weight of 1,500 lbs. This presents two problems. The first problem is that Class I hitch receivers have a very limited number of hitch bike racks they are compatible with and none of them carry four bikes. For example, the Swagman Trailhead 4 Bike Rack is Class I rated, but when on a Class I hitch receiver, the rack has a two bike limit at 35 lbs per bike....
    view full answer...
  • Should Holes on Side of etrailer Hitch e98839 For 2015 Subaru Forester be Plugged
    You have an excellent eye! Those are actually drain holes on the side of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839. The reason for the holes - which do not have to be plugged - is that the hitch is dipped in a liquid coating for rust prevention, and the holes allow the inside of the hitch to get that coating as well. The holes then allow the fluid to drain out of the hitch. So you don't have to worry about the holes causing any issues after installation of the etrailer Trailer Hitch...
    view full answer...
  • Mostly Hidden Trailer Hitch with Gloss Finish that Fits 2017 Subaru Forester
    Since you prefer a glossy finish and a mostly hidden trailer hitch for your 2017 Subaru Forester XT the hitch you'd want is the Draw Tite part # 76182 which is both. Only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper so it's mostly out of sight which also helps with ground clearance. This is compatible with dual exhaust models as well which means there would be no interference with the exhaust once installed either. If you needed trailer wiring too the Tekonsha kit part # 118467 is the...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2014 Subaru Forester XT with Dual Exhaust
    The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e98839 is what I recommend for a 2014 Subaru Forester. It's a fit for dual exhaust models and there are instructions for these models specifically in the manual. It features an easy install with no drilling required. It will work great for towing but you will need a few other items such as the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118467 and the etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches part # 989900. This will complete your setup giving you everything...
    view full answer...
  • Fit of Yakima Y02463 FullTilt Bike Rack on 2017 Subaru Forester
    The Yakima # Y02463 FullTilt 5 bike rack would indeed be fully compatible with the etrailer brand # e98839 once it's installed on your 2017 Subaru Forester. When we installed that hitch, we found that the hitch was recessed under the vehicle so that the hitch pin hole sat 3-1/2 inches forward of the rear edge of the bumper. This will leave 6-1/2 inches of clearance between the bumper and the closest portion of the rack, which is the foot, and 10-1/2 inches of clearance between the bumper...
    view full answer...
  • What is the Best Hitch to use with the Thule EasyFold XT on a 2018 Subaru Forester?
    For a great economical trailer hitch that is compatible with the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 and will allow for bumper clearance on your 2018 Subaru Forester, I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" # e98839. The measurement from the center of the hitch pinhole of the # e98839 to the end of the rear bumper is 3-1/2 inches. Since the length of the center of the shank pinhole of the EasyFold XT to the upright bar of the rack is 8...
    view full answer...
  • Comparing Etrailer Hitch vs Curt Trailer Hitch for 2015 Subaru Forester
    Exactly! Both hitches are very similar in design and construction. That is usually what happens when hitches are custom-fit for your vehicle. The main difference is the finish. I personally prefer the matte finish that # e98839 has. We have them on some of our vehicles here and I think they do better at hiding dirt, scuffs, and scratches. They also have that rugged sporty look. Others like the traditional polished look that hitches like # c13144 have though. It is really up to you, but...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Comparing Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2018 Subaru Forester
    Both the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13144 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 are class III receivers that will fit your 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i. Both receivers will have the same weight rating of 525lbs tongue weight and 3,500lbs trailer weight. Be sure to check with your Subaru dealer for your weight capacities and do not exceed the lower of the 2 sets of numbers. The only difference in these receivers is the powder coating used. Our etrailer receiver # e98839 will use...
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Rachael H
Expert Research:
Rachael H
Employee Andrew K
Video by:
Andrew K
Employee Dustin K
Video by:
Dustin K
Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
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Employee Joshua S
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Employee Jacob T
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Employee Chris R
Video Edited:
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Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee David F
Test Fit:
David F
Employee Ryan G
Test Fit:
Ryan G
Employee Bradley B
Test Fit:
Bradley B
Employee Kristina F
Written by:
Kristina F

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