Taking Out the Play Between Ball Mount and Receiver on 2011 Subaru Forester with OEM Trailer Hitch

Question:

I need to know the length of the 1-1/4inch shaft. My particular receiver installed by Subaru has a lot of up/down play 3/8 at the ball. The hitch pin hole is drilled 2inch from the end. If the shank goes in the receiver another 2, the up/down play is reduced to around 1/8inch. I could re-drill the hole, but now the ball is too close to the bumper. I would like to find model like this also models DrawTite 3594, Curt C45520, which has a longer shank. Likely I would re-drill the pin hole to give at least 4inch inside receiver. Yes, I do need the additional rise with these ball mount models. Subaru 2011 Forester with Subaru trailer hitch receiver

asked by: Jake O

Expert Reply:

The issue that you are having seems to be a common one with Subaru OEM trailer hitches. But I have to warn you against drilling any additional holes because doing so can actually reduce the capacity of the ball mount and make it structurally unsound.

The best option for you is to use an anti rattle device of some kind. The simplest option is # RM-061-125. This little guy clamps itself between the ball mount and the receiver opening and takes up the play. I have included a link to a video review of this item for you. This will be much easier and safer than drilling new holes in a ball mount.

On the ball mounts, # 3592 measures 6-1/2 inches from center of pin hole to closest edge of ball mount platform. Ball mount # 3594 measures 7-3/8 inches from the center of the pin hole to the closest edge of the ball platform. And ball mount # C45520 measures 5-3/4 inches from the center of the pin hole to the closest edge of the ball mount platform.

On most Class I and II trailer hitches, the hitch manufacturers has a specific ball mount that must be used with the hitch for warranty reasons. I would check with Subaru to see if this hitch requires a specific ball mount. Also, if it is a Class I hitch, make sure to use a Class I ball mount. Class II accessories are not likely to fit. They are made that way so you do not accidentally overload a Class I hitch.