Safety of Trailer Hitches on 2015 Subaru Forester
Question:
Is there any difference between the Draw-tite 76182 model and the Draw-tite models without the hidden crossbars in terms of safety during a rear collision? I am also wondering if this is a new item - there are no reviews but Im curious how people like it. Seems to be a much cheaper and better option compared to the Ecohitch.
asked by: HP
Expert Reply:
The only difference between a hitch that does not have a concealed cross tube and one that does such as the Draw-Tite # 76182 that you referenced is going to be how it looks and Draw-Tite tests all of their hitches for safety. As for not having reviews we did start carrying this hitch in 2017 which may be the reason why. I cannot speak to how customers like it, but in general, Draw-Tite hitches are very well received. For example Draw-Tite # 75876, which also fits your 2015 Subaru Forester, has been reviewed nearly 300 times and has gotten very high reviews, which you can see for yourself on the product page.
Draw-Tite is a well-established manufacturer and I'm confident you would find it to be a great option. The concealed cross tubes make it a more difficult install and requires temporary removal of the fascia, trimming the heat shield and lowering the exhaust so I do recommend considering a professional install but I've also included a link to the instructions for you to take a look at so you can see the process for yourself.
If you need wiring to add a 4-flat to your Forester I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467 and if you are going to be towing, I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900, which may fulfill your towing needs in one tidy package; two ball mounts - one with a 3/4” rise or 2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise or 4” drop - a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You can use the link to the help article on ball mounts I've added to determine if this kit will give you the correct amount of drop or rise. I've also attached a link to our page with each of our ball mounts as well as a video review of the ball mount kit and wiring harness.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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