Comparing EcoHitch and OEM Hitch to Curt and etrailer Hitches on 2022 Subaru Ascent

Question

Question:

Why are the Eco hitch and OEM hitches so much more expensive than the e-trailer/curt models? Why do the more expensive ones have the pieces that slide into the frame rail in addition to the bolt locations the crash bar piece is removed from? My real question is, are these less expensive versions which mount differently really as good as maybe better than the Eco and OEM or is there a sacrifice for the lower expense? I believe OEM comes with 7 and 4 pin wire harness, so there is that added cost as well.

asked by: Zachary B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'll start with the EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7381. The price on any EcoHitch comes from the material used in the construction of the hitch. It uses a special alloy made of recycled materials and combines aluminum, steel, and stainless steel.

You are right about the OEM hitch too, a lot of times they come with a wiring harness. On some vehicles if you get it with the OEM hitch the bumper may also be different to allow for an OEM look. For your 2022 Subaru Ascent that won't matter since you have the bumper panel and cutout regardless. Realistically they charge more for the OEM hitch because they can.

The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e55ZR and Curt # C25VR are both high quality hitches. The design difference is just a matter of how the engineers chose to make the hitch. It does not affect the quality or reliability of the hitch in any way or there would be major liability issues. So yes, they are just as good as the other options and nothing is sacrificed.

If I had to choose one it would be the # e55ZR. This hitch has a maximum gross trailer weight of 5,000 lbs and tongue weight of 750 lbs just like the Curt and EcoHitch. It is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver, and is completely hidden with the bumper panel in place. What sets this hitch apart from others is the matte black finish. This protects the hitch while doing a better job hiding dirt and scratches when compared to a glossy finish.

If you need wiring as well, I recommend the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118290. This plugs into the connection point behind the rear interior trim panel and will provide you with a 7-way connection. If you need a 4-way you could use an adapter like the # PK12716. If you don't want the 7-way and just need a 4-way then the # 118790 would be the best choice.

For a ball mount, check out the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900. This kit has two ball mounts, one with a 3/4" rise or 2" drop and the other with a 2-3/4" rise or 4" drop. It also comes with a 1-7/8" and 2" ball, as well as a ball mount bag to store everything in.

I have attached some review and installation videos for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H

1

Answer 1

While both hitches look and install very similarly, I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch #306-X7391 for your 2020 Subaru Forester over the Curt Hidden Hitch #C47HR. Both have the same towing weight capacity of 3,500 lbs, but EcoHitch…

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Answer 2

I would be happy to help you scratch that itch by getting your 2024 Outback Touring XT set up for towing. Starting off with a hitch I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e25TR. The hitch features a bolt-on installation and a matte black…

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Answer 3

The main difference between these three hitches is going to be the looks and install time. EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #306-X7391. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C13409.…

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Answer 4

Between the Draw-Tite hitch #76253 and the EcoHitch #306-X7381 that both fit your 2019 Subaru Ascent if it were my money I would get the Draw-Tite. Both hitches will take about the same time for installation (2+ hours) but because the Draw-Tite costs…

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Answer 5

For your 2021 Subaru Ascent there are four trailer hitch receivers that will be all be hidden behind the center bumper cover, the EcoHitch #306-X7381, the Curt #C25VR, the Draw-Tite #76253, and the etrailer #e55ZR. These hitches are all pretty…

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Answer 6

We offer two styles of hitches for your 2022 Subaru Ascent, a fully visible model such as the Curt #C13400 or the etrailer brand #e35ZR or the partially concealed Curt #C25VR and etrailer #e55ZR. The #C13400 or #e35ZR mount to the underside of the…

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Answer 7

Yes, both the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13400 and the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76253 are confirmed to fit your 2020 Subaru Ascent and are both rated to tow 5,000 lbs. The main reason for their very different designs is the…

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Answer 8

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 9

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 10

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 11

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Answer 12

You will need the Red LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-52 or Amber LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-51 for your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker motorhome. These lenses have the same Top Command SAE-AP2-16 markings on the…

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Comparing EcoHitch and OEM Hitch to Curt and etrailer Hitches on 2022 Subaru Ascent

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