Trailer Hitch Installation - 2017 Subaru Forester - Draw-Tite 75876 Video

You could do that if you wish, you'll just want to make sure that the heat shield is NOT sandwiched between the hitch and the chassis of the vehicle at any point. We frequently hear from folks with concerns about the vehicle being harmed because…

Actually, removing and leaving off the heat shields won't present a problem. Instead of the thin metal of the heat shields, there's now a hitch installed which will provide much better heat shielding than the factory heat shields did. Plus,…

For your 2017 Subaru Forester the best 4-way trailer wiring harness we offer is the Tekonsha part #118467 which installs very easily and has the most reliable converter box. I attached an install video for it on a similar 17' Forester as well.

As you can see in the provided photo, the etrailer brand #e98839 hitch will indeed fit a 4th Generation Subaru Forester with a single exhaust, like your 2016. Unless your vehicle has an aftermarket exhaust, the hitch will fit fine. I've also…

Your impression was absolutely correct, the Draw-Tite #75876 will be the best hitch for your 2017 Subaru Forester to use a bike rack. The reason is that the Draw-Tite has a 2" receiver and Class III rated, which means you have much greater…

The rear fascia of your 2018 Subaru Forester does not get modified to install the etrailer hitch #e98839 that you referenced. The heat shield does get removed and access holes may need to be slightly modified but there is no drilling required. I…

Of the hitches available for your 2017 Subaru Forester, the easiest installation will be with the 2-inch etrailer hitch #E98839 and the Draw-Tite #75876 that you referenced. Both are no-drill installs that will take about an hour and both require…

If the holes are slightly off center when installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e98839 which is a fit for a 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester, you can enlarge them using a burr bit which you can obtain locally. Please note, these should only…

You have an excellent eye! Those are actually drain holes on the side of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98839. The reason for the holes - which do not have to be plugged - is that the hitch is dipped in a liquid coating for rust prevention,…

Yes, the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e98839 fits all models of the 2015 Subaru Forester. It is a nice choice with a rugged matte black corrosion resistant powder coat. I have attached an installation video on a Subaru Forester for your…

The Yakima #Y02463 FullTilt 5 bike rack would indeed be fully compatible with the etrailer brand #e98839 once it's installed on your 2017 Subaru Forester. When we installed that hitch, we found that the hitch was recessed under the vehicle so…

For your 2018 Subaru Forester XT I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch #76182 because it features a hidden design where only the receiver is visible beneath the vehicle. This provides you with a clean, OEM appearance unlike the…