What Supports the Exhaust Once Hanging when Installing a Trailer Hitch on a 2012 Subaru Forester  

Expert Reply:

It looks like our installer attached the support strap to something in the vicinity of the anti-sway bar. It doesn't really matter what it is attached to as long as it is a solid structure that won't be damaged when supporting the weight of the exhaust.

The strap is supporting the exhaust once it is lowered. It isn't hanging just resting on the support strap. This would not put undue stress on the exhaust manifold.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for a trailer wiring harness you can use # 118467 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle.