Does the Bumper of 2014 Subaru Impreza STI Need to Be Trimmed For Curt Hitch # C11120 Installation

Question:

Just trading in my outback which had a hitch I bought from you and it worked great.. Bought a STI hatchback/5-door and I want to use the same bike rack which needs one of your hitches. Looks like this will work but do I need to cut the bumper?..Not really willing to do that.. Please confirm.2014 WRZ STI Thanks,

asked by: Sebastian C

Expert Reply:

There will be minor fascia trimming required when installing the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11120 on your 2014 Subaru WRZ STI. In the attached picture the required trimming is noted. The hitch is designed for vehicles with the quad tip exhaust.

When using this hitch to carry a bike rack, Curt requires using the Curt Support Strap # 18050. I have attached a brief demonstration of this strap.

The Curt hitch # C11120 that you referenced is a Class I hitch with a 1-1/4 inch receiver. It looks like the previous hitch from your Subaru Outback was a Class III with a 2 inch receiver.

Class I hitches, like the Curt # C11120 that will fit on your STI, require Class I accessories such as bike racks. Without knowing what bike rack you are using, but, knowing you used to have a 2 inch receiver on your Outback, unless you have a 1-1/4 inch bike rack that had a converter, your bike rack may not fit. The other point of consideration is that your new STI has a much lower tongue weight capacity than your Outback. Vehicles that use Class I hitches have a 2 bike carrying limit which is explained in the FAQ article about hitch mounted bike racks I have attached.

If your bike rack has a 2 inch shank, to get it to fit your new hitch is by using an adapter such as the Brophy # HTAD. This adapter will fit in your 1-1/4, Class I trailer hitch and allow you to use your 2 inch receiver bike rack. Please be advised that when using an adapter it cuts your tongue weight capacity in half. That puts your available weight that can be carried on your hitch at a maximum of 100 lbs.

I have attached a FAQ article covering trailer hitch classes and also the installation instructions for the Curt hitch.

If you absolutely do not want to trim the fascia, I have linked you to trunk mount bike racks that will work for your vehicle.