Difference in Installation for Class II & III Hitches for a 2014 Subaru Forester?

Question:

On the install video for the Draw-tite class III hitch #75876, it shows the forward access hole on a 2014 Subaru Forester as being large enough to fish the bolts/plates through without any modification to the hole. But on the video for the Class II #36523 the one I want, the installer doesnt use the forward hole at all. He enlarges the middle bolt hole? Why? Same car. Why not use the forward hole? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Dave S

Expert Reply:

Good question! These two hitches are different in design and require different hardware for installation. The Draw-Tite Class II Hitch, # 36523 has spacers that are larger than those used to install the Class III hitch, # 75876. So, the instructions call for the installer to use a 3/8" drill to modify the center hole to allow for the larger spacers to be fished through the frame. Regardless of which hole was used, it would need to be widened to fit the larger spacers. It is easier to access the other two holes from the center with these bulky spacers, which is why they do not use the more forward hole, which is farther away.

expert reply by: Amy W