2016 Subaru Forester XT Touring Exhaust Rattle After Hitch Install

Question

Question:

I seem to have the same issue as another customer here with their Forester. I just received and installed the hitch and I am hearing vibrations similar to droning and it’s because the exhaust hangers are sitting right against the welded gussets. It’s really apparent at cold idle and low acceleration in the 20-50 mph range. It’s unfortunate if we would have to make some sort modification to the stock equipment to get the hitch fitted right without affecting the ride quality. I also received the hitch with some damage to the finish, scratched to the bare metal. The hitch might need to be wrapped entirely to protect the finish. I didn’t want to return it because it would have been a hassle and nothing a little touch up paint wont cure. It’s hidden and don’t care much but I want to at least protect it from rust where possible. I also can’t rate the equipment on the site for some reason but thus far before having to actually use it, I would rate it a 3-4 because of the fitment and the condition it came in. Otherwise it appears to have solid functioning quality. More to come after initial use. I do like your service and customer response etrailer, that deserves a 5.

asked by: Phil

0

Expert Reply:

Exhaust rattling against a trailer hitch is a common occurrence but it is easily fixed although it does require a bit of modification. Exhaust pipes and mufflers hang on rubber isolators. The hangers can usually be manipulated to gain more clearance between the exhaust and the hitch. Or you can source different length isolators and go with ones that allow the exhaust to have the needed clearance. I have included a link to the right that covers the different fixes for this problem.

Heavy metal stuff like hitches are pretty hard to get to survive through shipping. I do wish they were wrapped like you said.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

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Answer 1

For your 2016 Subaru Forester XT I highly recommend the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch #CU64FR because of its concealed design that allows only the 2 inch receiver to be visible behind the vehicle and the fact that it's made right here in the USA.…

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Answer 2

Curt just recently decided to stop requiring the stabilizer strap with their hitches like the part #CU64FR that you referenced when carrying non-supported loads like bike racks. Also, this hitch didn't ever have that requirement since it can be…

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Answer 3

Normally when a hitch install causes exhaust rattle the solution is to move the exhaust hangers or get longer or shorter isolators to allow the exhaust to be held at a different height. Worse case scenario the best solution would be to take the…

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Answer 4

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #CU64FR and the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76182 will have a concealed look therefore only the receiver tube opening will be shown once installed. In regards to the heat shield, this must be…

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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

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 8

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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Answer 11

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 #SH22G and the NV 2.0 #NV22G that you referenced are both excellent platform-style racks that will hold your bikes by the front wheels with no frame contact. These are top-of-the-line carriers and you really would not go wrong…

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Answer 12

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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2016 Subaru Forester XT Touring Exhaust Rattle After Hitch Install

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