Thx Rick. I struggled for quite a while watching a couple videos on the installation and was about to give up after watching a video that said you had to lower muffler. Didn’t think I could re attach rewatching yours the key was lifting the rear driver side. Bingo needed that extra room to finagle hitch without lowering muffler. And did it solo. Quite proud of myself. You da man Rick!
Thanks for this video! I watched it when you first made it, and knew the day would come when I'd need it. The filing part took a bit longer for me, but still only about 15 minutes. I'm impressed that you were able to install it alone. I had my two teenage sons helping, and it was still a challenge, but we got it done, and now carrying the bikes is much easier! 😀 Anyways, thanks again for the great video.
Very cool! Glad it was helpful. It was pretty interesting getting that thing up there to bolt in. :) Have fun and thank you for watching and enjoy the hitch.
Made the installation of my own hitch on my Crosstrek much easier to handle on my own. It made me know exactly what to expect and what tools I would need. Thanks for the helpful video!!
Another great, straight to the point video. My wife just purchased a used 2019 CT Limited. I'll be installing a Curt hitch on it in the coming months as she'll want to transport her bike on the the bike rack attached to the hitch in the spring/summer. This vid will definitely help me with my installation. Thanks!
Just installed the Curt hitch on my 4 day old '18 Crosstrek. Your video was invaluable since I installed mine flat on my back in my garage as well; doable but not easy. Thanks for your help.
Rick, I finally got the Curt installed on my wife’s 2018 Crosstrek.........you must have arms the size of a wrestler! I had a younger guy help me lifting the hitch up to the sub-frame and we struggled......I didn’t fell too bad because I’m over 70 but the other guy was 26 and no slouch.......surprised that Curt didn’t see fit to use longer bolts for the front holes since the addition of the leveling blocks really keeps the bolts from extending all the way into the nuts........had to check afterwards to be sure that the bolts were all the same length......your video really impressed me after installing my hitch....all’s well that ended well........the overall install is very well thought out, hitch weight to lift aside!
Hi Steven, thank you for letting me know the video was helpful. That is what it is all about! Your comment made me laugh out loud and it was definitely tricky getting the hitch in place. :) I Hope all else is going well with your Crosstrek and thank you so much for watching along! Happy towing and carrying stuff! Cheers.
I'm so glad to watch you tackle the install on the Crosstrek. I got my wife's hitch from eTrailer for $120 two months ago during a sale........and now am getting ready to do the same install on my wife's IDENTICAL blue gray 2018 Crosstrek. I'm going to get a buddy to come over to help when the hitch has to be lifted up into place...........really appreciate the visual aid now. I bookmarked the video...... just need the temps here in NE to become consistently more Spring-like.
Thanks, Rick! Your video really explained several steps that the eTrailer video minimized......always better to watch a "regular Joe" in action than a tech rep! BTW, my wife compliments you on your automotive taste in model and color!
Steven Reiss Ha ya! Give your wife a high five 😃. It really is a nice color. And thanks you again. I have a lot of fun making the videos but enjoy interacting with good people like you. Cheers
Great video. I was leaning towards hire someone to install this for me until I saw your video. I got two quotes both suggesting 2 hours for install. One shop had an $85 hr shop rate and the other had a $149 per hour shop rate! no kidding. And they say two hours while you did it in about one hour. Thanks for helping me do it myself and save a bundle.
That is awesome Steve. It really isn't a bad job at all and it is nice to be able to do some stuff at home. I absolutely love having the hitch on the car and hope you enjoy yours as well.
This video helped me, Rick. Thanks. I bought this Curt for my 2018 and installed it alone. I used daisy chained zip ties and secured one side of the hitch up to some number straps that are under there to help me have some extra hands. That worked great.
I was able to do it solo after watching you. **tip for those trying it, make your notch whole big enough for both bolt head and retaining bracket. At first i only made it big enough for the bracket and the bolts could fit, had to file it down a bit more. Test everything before you commit.
Just got my hitch will install it in a day or two. Good to know you don’t need to remove the exhaust brackets. I will open the holes from inside the trunk
Came across this searching for bike racks. I just installed this on Friday, but I removed the tail lights, bumper cover & impact bar. So much easier to access the frame rails (hand fits right in) vs cutting a hole & trying to fish the bolts/brackets into place. All done in under an hour.
Hi Rick, I'll offer a few points to others who have not yet installed their hitch systems. I liked the way you filed a square slot instead of drilling a larger hole as I've seen in another video about installing hitches on the CrossTrek from a hitch manufacturer. The only thing I would say is to make equal sized squares on either side of the hole (vs just on one side as you did on yours). The reason for this is that the integrity of the frame is compromised less when you do it this way, and from what I've seen, the frame in this area is less than beefy. Another thing I'd suggest is to use the center hole for the filing to get the backing plate in there, leaving the remaining holes used for mounting untouched.
@@TheJackShack I believe that I made that comment prior to installing the hitch. If I recall correctly, two of the holes are smaller than the third (front one?). I think I probably went ahead and filed only the larger hole to minimize material removal. From a strength perspective, I'm not sure if the added support from the front/rear mounting would negate any issues with enlarging the center hole, but again, as I recall, I enlarged the larger hole. It would be good to know how you did yours.
Just finished putting one on my 2019. Video was on-point and covered everything I needed to install. 1-ish hour install with wife's help. Spacer makes it level/in-line with back end of vehicle; no spacer would make it more level with roadway. Will be personal preference. I would suggest lining it up with bolts and then supporting it (hitch end) with a jack. You can only hold that thing up so long...I found out the hard way.
Just as he did, I also did the tape to keep the washers on, and also used the muffler to temporarily support one side while I bolted the other side. That said I didn’t have a file so I used a corded Dremel with a metal coned tip (worked well but would have preferred a file for more control in a tight space). That was a very interesting install (don’t want to think about the headache if you got a bolt stick in the frame….). I did myself as well, but would recommend 2 people as well if you can.
Saw the video when you first posted, and now came back because I actually installed one! Mostly needed to figure out whether I needed those square spacers. It says “as needed to level” but definitely leaves a gap at that frame seam if you don’t put it on. Now I can go back and put them in 😂
Rick, thank you for this very informative video.. You did an Excellent job. My wife and I just bought an 18' in the same color you have. After watching your video I installed my hitch in 20 Min. quite possibly the easiest job i've done in a long time. Thank you
Thanks for posting the video! This is much more helpful to me than Curt's and eTrailer's, since I'm pretty much gonna have to do mine on the ground and by myself.
Great video. It gave me a good heads up for installing my hitch. I did find that the left side (driver's) was a little harder to access for opening up the hole in the frame. The exhaust was in the way. I was able to install the hitch myself in about an hour. In all, very easy install. Thanks for the video
Great video Rick, I agree with Ken wrt driver side hole. Took m about 2 hours if I don't count the interruptions. I used jack stands to hold hitch up. square file is way to go but make sure bolt will go in thread side first because the angle requires a little more access then the bolt head first attempt. Also, torquing down the driver side front bolt was challenging to get the wrench/extensions into position with muffler/pipes. I think if I had to do it over again I would take off exhaust.
Excellent vid. I installed the same hitch on my Trek, and yes, getting the hitch up in place is the most difficult, with only yourself (as I did as well). However, I used multiple blocks of wood under each side which I raised progressively to get the hitch to its final position to thread through the bolts. The blocks of wood held it in place, and made it a lot easier.
I got a used Kayak trailer. But I plan to haul a small overlander trailer which is small enough to pull with the crosstrek. Weighs about 600 lbs with the popup tent and some gear.
Awesome, just installed mine and i used a pump jack to hold the hitch up after all the screws are threw the holes, just use a screwdriver in a angle to hold bolt and start place nut on bolt slowly. And great idea to tape up the back spacer.
First off, thanks for making this video, it was very informative as to what you get with the hitch and the steps involved for install. Second, after doing this same install this afternoon, I think you made your life harder by putting the car on stands first. I'm 5'9" and with the car on the ground, I was able to prop the hitch up using a knee while I got the nuts started (the hardest part.) There's a little less clearance when initially getting yourself and the hitch under the car, but definitely doable.
Chaz I was working on installing my hitch yesterday and had the hardest time getting the bolts into those holes. In this video he made a small cut on the side, but after fitting the washers in, the head of the bolt wouldn't fit. We had to bore out that hole much larger than this video shows. I was wondering if anyone else ran into this issue? I thought a file would do it, but it took hours with a file and only got one side done. I didn't use jacks either, I had plenty of clearence to work.
I used a taper file so I ended up with a triangle shaped notch, but it was similar in size to what is shown here, maybe a little smaller. I do agree that the bolt head will drive the size of the notch you need, not the washers. On the first side I would file a bit check the washer, file a bit, etc. then when the washer fit I started trying to feed everything though and got the bolt stuck. D'oh! I had to take the bolt off the fish wire and continue filing with the washer laying in the frame rail and holding the fish wire off to the side, not ideal. On the other side I used the bolt head to gauge when I was done filing.
Yea I messed up and dropped the washer in the hole and spent another few minutes trying if fish it out. I ended up borrowing a dremel for the 2nd hole and went much quicker. Installing the actual hitch took less than 20 minutes. If anyone is reading this who plans to install the hitch yourself, I recommend using the bolt to measure the hole by, don't attempt to use a file, it'll take forever. Have a ratchet extension for your ratchet and torque wrench and when positioning the hitch in place start with the driver's side first, put bolts in to hold it in place then move on to the passenger's side. Also, I'm a smaller framed women and I had my sixteen year old daughter helping me. If we had the proper tools on hand (and had the dremel to start with) this job would have gone much faster, but sadly my tool box is lacking in most things. All in all, this video is a great tutorial on how to install the hitch. It's not that diffacult and doing it yourself can save so much money to put towards other things like a really nice bike rack.
I'm going to attempt to install mine..but. what is the spray called to put on bolts and 2 wht kind of wrench can you use to tighten bolts I dont own a torque wrench
No cursing good job .I would have been even before the box got open.lol Nice install their very handy I have a basket and a d ring shackle for towing people out when their stuck
Ha ha ha. There was a part when I was torquing the left side bolts and the socket slipped off the nut and I hit myself just left of my Left eye where there might have been a few. :) You can see the swelling in the Wheel update video. Glad you liked the video! I definitely have plans for a basket here soon. D ring is another great idea! Thanks for the idea.
Thanks for the video Rick! I just bought a '19 Crosstrek last weekend at Tucson Subaru (decision made easier by watching your backroading vids before the purchase) and I just got done installing my Curt hitch. I was nervous about the front bolts barely reaching all the way through the nut and wondered if I'd done something wrong, but from your vid and others it seems that's just the way it's supposed to be. Your vid gave me some peace of mind. I'm looking forward to having a better camping vehicle than my Prius!
HI Brain, that is awesome! Great to hear the video was helpful and congrats on the the Hitch. I love having one on the car and it has been super useful. From my trailer to my hitch basket. Cheers
Sorry if this question was asked already. I didn't notice if you mentioned thread locker. I just installed my curt hitch the other day after watching your video... after installing I thought, "should i have used some thread locker? "
I actually didn't use any either and she is holding up just fine so far. Nice and tight as of the other day when I checked. Probably shouldn't hurt, but wasn't recommended by etrailer.com so I didn't do it.
Ordered what I thought was this hitch off Amazon. Page said for model years 2016 and newer. Received the hitch installed the same hardware and went to put the actual reciever on and it was too narrow. Went back to the Amazon page. (This is 8 months later after I originally ordered.) And has since been updated to aay it doesn't fit my vehical. Here to hopeing that curt will swap recievers with me.
@@AZdroptop Amazon won't. But idk about curt. Their customer service is only open week days. So all I need is 2018 reciever and I'm hoping they will swap with me.
Oh ok. Sorry about that, I didn't realize Amazon said no. Hopefully Curt will do so. Seems like if you have all the parts they might. Best of luck with it.
Great video, just installed that hitch on my 2022 Crosstrek. I'm looking at how thin the medal is on the car where the trailer connects, that concerns me (being an engineer) Car is rated to tow 1500lb. My Outback also looks the same thickness and the car is rated to tow, 2700lb. I can't find any incidences on Google of hitches getting pulled off a car, so guess it is strong enough.
Greetings from Scottsdale Rick. Thanks for the vid. Just bought a 2016 Crosstrek and planning on getting the hitch on ASAP. I'm coming from a 2010 OB, so enjoying learning all the new stuff with some familiar Subie feels. Enjoy the channel, def will be looking at some OFF road easy add ons.
Cool Adam, give me a shout if you have any questions during the install. It is pretty straight forward, but sometimes those turn out to be the most difficult. :) Story of my life...LOL Thank you for watching.
Morning Rick, after researching tons on hitch mounts for my 2016 Crosstrek, Im def wanting the concealed style you have in this vid, but Trailer site can't confirm it will fit and I haven't found a concealed version that officially fits my 2016 Crosstrek. Think this one for a 2018 will fit? Thank you for your help! I appreciate you.
Thank you Mike! Much appreciated. My friend Trent is no longer doing sales there, but if you don't have a salesman yet give Baron Clement a call. Very close friend of Trent's and he will take care of you. Let him know I recommended him. Cheers and I hope you find a nice 18!
If you pull up the liner in the trunk (very easy to do) there is an access hole that you can fish the bolts and spacers through without having to cut your structural frame.
Thank you...I'm not sure there is access through there actually? What I had to drill was not structural...just thin metal. Thanks very much for watching.
@@AZdroptop Hi Rick, so maybe I got a different washer in my kit but it got through the hole in the trunk, which made me happy because I didn't want to cut the frame below. I've been watching your other videos and have to say that your ride looks terrific, I'll look through all of them but is there a chance you can let me know what rims you have?
Oh cool! I'll have to check out my car again when my son gets home and try to locate it. Much appreciated. Thank you for watching the videos! The wheels are Method Race Wheels VT spec 15 x 7, 5x100, +15 off set. Love them.
Another advantage to the Eco hitch that pins the receiver in when needed is for the off road oriented to maintain maximum departure angle with yours you lose a couple degrees.
Thank you so much for the video Rick! Well done! My son and I installed our hitch in about 40 minutes thanks to your video. Question: I do not seem to have much bolt thread coming through the nuts on the front of the hitch. Is this common?
Really like the idea of just cutting a slot instead of hogging out the bolt hole. Some of the online installations really butcher the sheetmetal.. When installing the wiring kit will you run it under the car or under the hatch ? I always thought the hatch pinching the harness will eventually cause problems.
Thank you. I agree, some really cut it up unnecessarily. From what I can tell there are already holes with caps underneath so I plan to run the wires under the car and into the rear area near the spare and over to the built in wiring. Not super familiar with the process yet, but that is the tentative plan. :)
Hey Rick I'm loving all the recent Crosstrek videos keep them coming, looking forward to an mpg update video. What other plans do you have for the car?
Thank you Brad, it has been a lot of fun finally doing some real mods to the car. At this point, other than putting on the black center caps when they arrive, I don't have any immediate plans. I have an amped sub that was in the 14 that I thought about installing, but I am pretty happy with the sound right now so I'll probably give it to my son. I think I will get out and do some more off road stuff and determine if a Lift is worth the time, money and further changes to the ride characteristics. Thank you for watching and commenting on her Brad...Cheers
I think the older models were better for the hitch as they offered a hidden section where you could put the plate back when not in use to cover the hitch
I believe that little section had to be cut out if I remember correctly? My 14 had the section you are referring to, but i don't think it was replaceable? There is still a hidden hitch that can be purchased, but it is 400 vs 150. Thank you for watching!
Hey Rick, love these videos man. Sorry if this has been answered before. I don't have the money for the eco hitch and wanted to know if you've noticed any significant loss in clearance or departure angle using the curt. This is the route I'd like to go, but spend a good deal of time off road.
Hey no worries, thank you for watching. I haven't noticed anything dramatic with the hitch back there and even go off road with the ball mount installed sometimes...The hitch makes for a great camera mount too. :) The biggest area I seem to rub or hit on off road is the lower front plastic lip and haven't notice much out back. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Hey Rick. You're probably knee deep in your Jeep adventures but I have a quick Crosstrek question for you. The Class 3 Curt hitch you installed. Did you have to unmount the muffler or did you manage to work around it? Just weighing in if I should have someone install it for me or not. I installed one before years ago on a Toyota Matrix. But it was pretty straightforward with no holes to expand. Thanks!
Hi Steve, I was able to do it with out removing the muffler. It really isn't a bad job at all. Just pick up a small file if you don't have one and you'll be fine. Nice to have a helper to lift the lift up when ready, but otherwise it really isn't bad. Happy to help anytime with Crosstrek questions. I appreciate your watching.
YOU MADE IT LOOK EASY! EVEN THOUGH I SURE IT HAD ITS MOMENTS! A JACK STAND MIGHT OF HELPED? THIS WILL COME IN HANDY WHEN I GET MY CROSSTREK HOPEFULLY LATER THIS YEAR? THE OLDER MODELS YOU COULD HIDE IT BEHIND THE PLASTIC BUMPER. THANK YOU AGAIN! BE SAFE! HAVE FUN! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS! ENJOYED!
Thanks David, I thought about the jack stand, but I don't think it would have extended up high enough. It took awhile to wrestle it up into place, but honestly even doing it myself it wasn't that bad. God bless you as well and thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers
Very well detailed video. A hitch is one of those things I feel the Crosstrek needed from factory, and I was a little afraid of having to either install one or pay someone to put one on but this hitch looks amazing and installation (though taxing) looks pretty straight forward. Do you find you have plenty of bumper clearance with the connection part (not sure the name) that sticks out?
HI Andr'e, thank you very much! If you have someone along to help lifting the hitch up the install really is very straight forward and I think you'll be able to handle just fine. No clearance issues at all after about 10,000 miles. Best of luck and thank you for watching.
I just got my Xtrek last week and will be installing a hitch soon. I like this car-so far-but it's strange that the designers opted to remove the bumper pass through that was available on earlier models.
HI And congrats on the new Crosstrek. Well, the pass through is still there, its just that the wiring harness is too big to fit through. One subscriber, Jaime Diaz, cut the harness then used wiring connectors to reconnect after passing through the hole. I plan to follow his routing just need to take the time to do it. Here is his link if interested. Good luck with the install and let me know if I can help. www.subaruxvforum.com/forum/subaru-xv-members-journal/158361-my-2018-crosstrek-limited-build-thread-5.html
Thanks Rick, it's definitely something I'll follow and the impetus to join this forum. Btw, I'm wondering if we're on separate pages about the pass-through. The thing I'm talking about is the 'blank' that used to be on earlier models. In the following link, it's the red trapezoid shape located on the bottom of the rear bumper... www.torquenews.com/sites/default/files/styles/news/public/image-1084/a-crosstrek_upgrades_2017.jpg I've seen people use it to hide their hitch receiver. My bumper doesn't have it. Does yours?
Oh ok, I know what you are talking about now. Sorry about that. Yes, my 18 does not have the cut out, but my 14 did. I thought you were talking about a place for the wiring to come through. :) Sorry about that. The link did not work for me by the way.
thank you for this video. i just installed mine on my 2019 crosstrek. I just noticed one thing, it seems like it's a little off-center. But when I think of it, theres no room for us to move the hitch when installing it because the holes on the car are just big enough for the bolts. im thinking its the car's frame? when i screen caputred your video, i noticed that yours is the samm its really unoticable, but if youll pay close attention you can tell that is probably couple centimeters off.
Hi Carl, I have never noticed it being off at all, but I am going to check it out now. :) Having the hitch on the car has been great. Hope you enjoy yours.
Good video Rick. I have installed 2 of these hitches in the past...Crosstrek and Outback...and am amazed that Subaru does not manufacture built-in threaded holes to mount a trailer hitch into the frame...that would make the install a breeze. This process of creating a huge hole to thread these plates and bolts through is ridiculous. This video will be helpful to those that endeavor to self install one themselves.
Patrick Caple I believe if you use Subarus hitch than it looks directly into the frame. I remember seeing a accessory video on it on there RUclips channel.
Great video. I just put mine on and when I attach my kuat bike rack it’s not level. Are you getting the same thing? It slopes up away from the back of the car. Just wondering if that’s normal. I did put the spacers in. It almost seems like the spacers are a tad to big.
HI Chris, mine seems to be level and I use a bike rack as well. It has been quite some time since I did the install and I can't pull it out of my head this morning if I used the spacers or not. I''ll have to watch the video again. I'm getting old. :)
Hi, wonderful video. I'm in the market for a new SUV would you recommend a Subaru crosstrek and why? What was the number of the gift hatch? Thanking again, keep these videos coming. GOD
The Crosstrek was a great car for me because I wanted something comfortable for the road with the ability to go off-road on easy to moderate dirt roads. It has plenty of room for day to day stuff, but can get a little cramped with 4 adults and a good amount of gear. Great options for the money and decent MPG.
I watched the install video on the etrailer.com site for Crosstrek. They strapped off the exhaust system, unhooked the exhaust hangers and lowered the exhaust a bit. That made getting the hitch up and over the exhaust much easier. Any particular reason you did not do that? I'm getting ready to get this hitch so I'll be doing an install in the very near future. Thanks .....
Sorry for the slow reply Steve. I just watched the video you mentioned and that is new on their site. It really was easy to do with out dropping the muffler so I am not sure why they changed it?
Hi Rick! Have you checked your mounting points lately at the frame? Is it still holding? Some folks have noticed tearing of the frame when they maxed out the tongue weight. For example, tongue weight on their hitch may be 500 pounds, but that amount of weight is stressing the frame and tearing where the hitch is bolted to the frame. Thanks in advance for responding.
Wow that doesn't sound good at all! I just went out and checked and I have no indication of a problem that I can see. I don't think I have had a huge amount of tongue weight on there however. What are folks overloading it with? Like a motorcycle hitch carrier or something like that? The Crosstrek's max tongue weight is 200lbs, but this particular hitch has a tongue weight of 525.(Only good if the car it is on can handle it) Thank you very much for letting me DadManDude! Love the name by the way. :) Awesome stuff.
I think heavy things like dirt bikes, etc ... Thanks for the quick response! When my son was young and excitedly wanted to tell me about something , he would start the conversation by saying,”Dad! Man! Dude!” I guess it stuck! Lol
Tounge weight and tow limitations are alot less on the Crosstrek itself, the hitch is beastly with a 2" receiver but you wouldn't be able to tow to it's limit. Good thing is you have more options like bike racks and foldable baskets.
Hi Larry, no need to drop it as far I as could tell...In the video I watched of theirs they didn't drop it? Different hitch model maybe? Biggest thing is just getting the hitch up into place to put the nuts on...definitely would be easy with a helper.
i didn't have to file down the hole like you did I was able to just send the nut and washer though the larger hole and place them into the smaller... then just put the bolt and washer inside the larger... no need for the cutting of the frame
Thank you so much! I used a small round file like the one in the link But you could use any small 1/2 round file as well. The metal is thin and its a quick job. I suppose a drill bit would be fine as well Best of luck www.zoro.com/performance-tool-round-file-with-handle-6-w5400/i/G5700129/?msclkid=163133ceb5e613a0893e536ff56de6a5&PLA_US_Bing_SSC&All%20Products&gclid=163133ceb5e613a0893e536ff56de6a5&gclsrc=3p.ds
Nice job! I've installed three of these (02WRX crosstrek and a jeep cherokee) Sometimes you can balance the hitch on a floor jack. but regardless its always interesting by yourself.
Just watched your video, very informative. I have a 2019 Crosstrek and will be looking to get a hitch on for the bike carrier and the small sport utility trailer that I use for kayaks and extra bikes and gear. Did you notice any significant hit on gas mileage after the hitch install? Just curious. Did you shoot a wiring video? Would like to see it if you did. Thanks again ...
Thank you Steve and congrats on the 19! Very cool. I got my hitch for similar purposes and it has worked out great. No hit on mpg unless I am towing my trailer a lot and it makes a nice place to mount the gopro. :) I bought the harness from etrailer.com as well and it is just a plug and play. At this point I tuck the set up under the back mat and just hang it out the back and under the hatch door when I need it. No issues so far. As you will see in the the linked video the harness does not fit through the Subaru provided holes. My plan is to clip the plug off, feed it through, and then reconnect the plug with a splice. Just haven't gotten around to it yet. Here is the link. Let me know if I can answer any questions. azdroptopyt@cox.net ruclips.net/video/ary5_YKSTJA/видео.html
Thank you Mike. BFG KO2's 215/75/15's. They don't make the KO2 in 225's and I didn't want to go 235's. The 215's are just a bit more narrow than stock, but they work great. Car does not have a lift, but I do have RalliTEK 1" springs on it. Thank you for watching.
HI Stephen, no lift as of yet, but it is a possibility down the road. The tires are BFG 215/75/15's and the wheels are Method Race wheels vt spec 15". Here is a link to all of the wheel and tire videos if you want to check them out. ruclips.net/p/PLKRNVgFGuPjgjQABrwokZue-bpGhD0-S5
Was that for the eco hitch? Can't remember. That would of helped a little on this one, but my luck I would have messed something up going that route. LOL I'm my own worst enemy sometimes. :)
I used two 5 gallon buckets to hold the hitch up while I installed the nuts. The hardest part of this is getting the nuts on. Dealer wanted $250 to do this !
I talked a little bit about that in the Reddington off road video I think, LOL I am getting old, but to be honest, in stock form there really wasn't a huge difference. I drove that road in both cars and nothing really stands out...Other than the lack of rattles and that the 18 is quieter even off road. Hard to really say performance wise. Hopefully that helps a little.
You're killing me Rick, LOL! I want the same rack, based on the hidden frame and lower price, like you mentioned. As always thanks for posting and I'll say, you're production quality is awesome! I have a question, what crossbars do you have for the factory roof rails, and are you happy with their quality, rigidity, etc.?
Thank you Kenrod as always you are too kind. They are great little hitches for all the stuff I like to do. The crossbars are Subaru bars from 2011 and spent time on my STI and my 14 Crosstrek. I have not had any problems with them at all up to this point. Even had 2 29er mountain bikes up there with no issues. If I remember correctly, someone said the older crossbars don't work on the 18, but mine seem to fit just fine and my buddy at Subaru didn't say anything different...Heuberger subaru in Colorado is a great resource for buying accessories and my dealer matched their price saving me a good deal in the past. Have a good weekend brother.
Good day Rick. I like your videos. I just ordered a Crosstrek and I want to install a hitch. The question I have is: why did you file the end hole instead of the middle hole? Seems to me that leaving both end holes (where the bolts are installed) intact would be better. Thank you in advance.
Hi Dennis, thanks for the question. I think in the long run it is just easier to file the rear hole so when you put the rear metal washer through you don't have to mess with feeding it through? I bet you could use the middle one if you want to...I just followed the directions. :) Best of luck and thank you for watching the video.
I've been looking around at cars and your videos are helping me narrow down my choices and I am leaning towards the 2018 Crosstrek. The only things I have to decide on is a base model (and mod it up myself) or the Premium. Do you or any of your viewers know if on the base model of the 2018 Crosstrek if the spots where the fog lights are (they look like covers) can be popped out to install fog lights? Also I suck with doing electrical stuff. Electricity hates me so if and when you do the wiring harness please record it lol. Thanks for all your videos!
Hi momo I am glad to hear the videos have been helpful. I honestly do not know if the wiring is there and just the fogs are missing? Or if there is nothing at all except the space for them. I can check with my Subaru buddy and I'll let you know what he says. Why are you leaning towards the Base over then Premium? They are less than 1,000 different in base price and you get a good amount of extras for it. The all weather package and fogs are probably worth it? Thank you for watching!
It looks like the kit is a little pricey at 335 to 375 bucks and sounds like it comes with all the stuff you need including wiring. Here is a link to instructions.subaru.oemdtc.com/690/h4510fl001-fog-lamp-kit-2018-subaru-crosstrek
Yeah I just don't need all the extras that come with the Premium. I may end up having to go that route but I'd prefer not to (I really don't need paddle shifters) which I've seen on all the Premiums I've looked at.
I hear you. It is good to save where you can for sure. That is how I felt about Navigation and eyesight. Cool features, but I didn't want those either. To be honest if I could have gotten Sirius/XM in a Premium I would have gone that route. At this point I am happy with the Limited because I absolutely love the Push button start and touch to unlock. Didn't thank that would be a big deal, but I love it! I will say this for the paddle shifters...they are nice when you are going up 6% plus grades on the highway..helps to put it in manual mode and use the paddles to stay in they gear you need to keep the rpm's up so it isn't always shifting. Best of luck and let me know if I can answer any other questions.
I guess I can always build it on the Subaru website and if a dealership doesn't have it in my area they could ship it but then you add shipping charges to it. I like trying to do things on my own. I will keep you updated on what I end up doing :)
Just ordered my hitch for my Crosstrek! This has to be the clearest and most straightforward video on its install so thank you!!
Thanks so much! Having the hitch on the car is great! Best of luck on the install.
@@AZdroptop thanks for the kind wishes, the install went off without a hitch *pun intended* :D
Thx Rick. I struggled for quite a while watching a couple videos on the installation and was about to give up after watching a video that said you had to lower muffler. Didn’t think I could re attach rewatching yours the key was lifting the rear driver side. Bingo needed that extra room to finagle hitch without lowering muffler. And did it solo. Quite proud of myself. You da man Rick!
Hi Mark, that is awesome! So glad the video helped and congrats on the new hitch! It is still one of my favorite mods on the Crosstrek.
Thanks for this video! I watched it when you first made it, and knew the day would come when I'd need it. The filing part took a bit longer for me, but still only about 15 minutes. I'm impressed that you were able to install it alone. I had my two teenage sons helping, and it was still a challenge, but we got it done, and now carrying the bikes is much easier! 😀 Anyways, thanks again for the great video.
Very cool! Glad it was helpful. It was pretty interesting getting that thing up there to bolt in. :) Have fun and thank you for watching and enjoy the hitch.
Thanks for the video.I did mine myself and it was a challenge, I used a hydraulic jack to help hold it up for me. 😅
Made the installation of my own hitch on my Crosstrek much easier to handle on my own. It made me know exactly what to expect and what tools I would need. Thanks for the helpful video!!
Awesome Jeremy! Glad it was helpful. Cheers.
Lol didn’t expect You to actually say dez nuts lol
Another great, straight to the point video. My wife just purchased a used 2019 CT Limited. I'll be installing a Curt hitch on it in the coming months as she'll want to transport her bike on the the bike rack attached to the hitch in the spring/summer. This vid will definitely help me with my installation. Thanks!
Awesome! I used mine with a bike rack all the time and the hitch is still probably my favorite mod.
Hey man. I just wanted to say that your video was SUPER helpful! Thanks for posting, my wife’s crosstrek now has a 2” receiver!!
Thank you so much! That is great to hear.
Very helpful! Just ordered a Curt hitch for my 18 Crosstrek!
Awesome. You will love having it on the car...still my favorite mod. Thanks so much for watching.
Just installed the Curt hitch on my 4 day old '18 Crosstrek. Your video was invaluable since I installed mine flat on my back in my garage as well; doable but not easy. Thanks for your help.
Thank you Michael and congrats on the new Crosstrek!
Rick, I finally got the Curt installed on my wife’s 2018 Crosstrek.........you must have arms the size of a wrestler! I had a younger guy help me lifting the hitch up to the sub-frame and we struggled......I didn’t fell too bad because I’m over 70 but the other guy was 26 and no slouch.......surprised that Curt didn’t see fit to use longer bolts for the front holes since the addition of the leveling blocks really keeps the bolts from extending all the way into the nuts........had to check afterwards to be sure that the bolts were all the same length......your video really impressed me after installing my hitch....all’s well that ended well........the overall install is very well thought out, hitch weight to lift aside!
Hi Steven, thank you for letting me know the video was helpful. That is what it is all about! Your comment made me laugh out loud and it was definitely tricky getting the hitch in place. :) I Hope all else is going well with your Crosstrek and thank you so much for watching along! Happy towing and carrying stuff! Cheers.
I'm so glad to watch you tackle the install on the Crosstrek. I got my wife's hitch from eTrailer for $120 two months ago during a sale........and now am getting ready to do the same install on my wife's IDENTICAL blue gray 2018 Crosstrek. I'm going to get a buddy to come over to help when the hitch has to be lifted up into place...........really appreciate the visual aid now. I bookmarked the video...... just need the temps here in NE to become consistently more Spring-like.
Awesome Steven! Good luck with the install. Thanks much for your kind words. Let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks, Rick! Your video really explained several steps that the eTrailer video minimized......always better to watch a "regular Joe" in action than a tech rep! BTW, my wife compliments you on your automotive taste in model and color!
Steven Reiss Ha ya! Give your wife a high five 😃. It really is a nice color. And thanks you again. I have a lot of fun making the videos but enjoy interacting with good people like you. Cheers
Great video. I was leaning towards hire someone to install this for me until I saw your video. I got two quotes both suggesting 2 hours for install. One shop had an $85 hr shop rate and the other had a $149 per hour shop rate! no kidding. And they say two hours while you did it in about one hour. Thanks for helping me do it myself and save a bundle.
That is awesome Steve. It really isn't a bad job at all and it is nice to be able to do some stuff at home. I absolutely love having the hitch on the car and hope you enjoy yours as well.
This video helped me, Rick. Thanks. I bought this Curt for my 2018 and installed it alone. I used daisy chained zip ties and secured one side of the hitch up to some number straps that are under there to help me have some extra hands. That worked great.
That is great, glad the video helped and hope you enjoy he hitch. Also excellent ingenuity on the zip ties!!!!
I was able to do it solo after watching you. **tip for those trying it, make your notch whole big enough for both bolt head and retaining bracket. At first i only made it big enough for the bracket and the bolts could fit, had to file it down a bit more. Test everything before you commit.
Good tip!
Hi! My husband and I installed this hitch this evening on my 2018 Crosstrek. Your video was a great help. It took us about 45 minutes. Thank you!
Thank you very much! Glad it was helpful. Cheers.
Just got my hitch will install it in a day or two. Good to know you don’t need to remove the exhaust brackets. I will open the holes from inside the trunk
Awesome!
Came across this searching for bike racks. I just installed this on Friday, but I removed the tail lights, bumper cover & impact bar. So much easier to access the frame rails (hand fits right in) vs cutting a hole & trying to fish the bolts/brackets into place. All done in under an hour.
Cool, glad your install went well.
Great tutorial on the hitch installation. I was able to navigate the install with your help.
Thanks so much John. Awesome to hear it was helpful.
Hi Rick, I'll offer a few points to others who have not yet installed their hitch systems. I liked the way you filed a square slot instead of drilling a larger hole as I've seen in another video about installing hitches on the CrossTrek from a hitch manufacturer. The only thing I would say is to make equal sized squares on either side of the hole (vs just on one side as you did on yours). The reason for this is that the integrity of the frame is compromised less when you do it this way, and from what I've seen, the frame in this area is less than beefy. Another thing I'd suggest is to use the center hole for the filing to get the backing plate in there, leaving the remaining holes used for mounting untouched.
Thank you very much for the tips and suggestions. I always appreciate it. It is my favorite mod. :)
Very smart. Thanks for this comment.
@@TheJackShack I believe that I made that comment prior to installing the hitch. If I recall correctly, two of the holes are smaller than the third (front one?). I think I probably went ahead and filed only the larger hole to minimize material removal. From a strength perspective, I'm not sure if the added support from the front/rear mounting would negate any issues with enlarging the center hole, but again, as I recall, I enlarged the larger hole. It would be good to know how you did yours.
@@ptmalm Ha, yeah I saw that when I got underneath the other day. Did the same.
Just finished putting one on my 2019. Video was on-point and covered everything I needed to install. 1-ish hour install with wife's help. Spacer makes it level/in-line with back end of vehicle; no spacer would make it more level with roadway. Will be personal preference. I would suggest lining it up with bolts and then supporting it (hitch end) with a jack. You can only hold that thing up so long...I found out the hard way.
Thanks Andres! The jack idea is a good one! Glad it went well and was helpful. Nice to get your wife involved as well. Cheers brother!
Did you have to remove the exhaust? I just picked one up and hoping to install this weekend
Just as he did, I also did the tape to keep the washers on, and also used the muffler to temporarily support one side while I bolted the other side. That said I didn’t have a file so I used a corded Dremel with a metal coned tip (worked well but would have preferred a file for more control in a tight space). That was a very interesting install (don’t want to think about the headache if you got a bolt stick in the frame….). I did myself as well, but would recommend 2 people as well if you can.
Saw the video when you first posted, and now came back because I actually installed one!
Mostly needed to figure out whether I needed those square spacers. It says “as needed to level” but definitely leaves a gap at that frame seam if you don’t put it on. Now I can go back and put them in 😂
Could you get yours to fit? I can’t seem to fit the spacer. Worried about skipping it
Rick, thank you for this very informative video.. You did an Excellent job. My wife and I just bought an 18' in the same color you have. After watching your video I installed my hitch in 20 Min. quite possibly the easiest job i've done in a long time. Thank you
Hi Joesph thank you very much. Glad the video was helpful and I hope you all love your Crosstrek as much as I do.
I'm impressed you were able to do 9:20 to 9:35 solo -- I had to have somebody help me with that part. It's so much easier with 4 hands.
Definitely would have been! :)
Thanks Rick, I just installed my Curt Hitch. Easy install thanks for your video on this install. I needed the hitch for my rear Thule bike rack.
Awesome Randy, it is a nice little option to have on the car. Glad it was an easy install.
Thanks for posting the video! This is much more helpful to me than Curt's and eTrailer's, since I'm pretty much gonna have to do mine on the ground and by myself.
Cool Craig, glad it was helpful!
Great video. It gave me a good heads up for installing my hitch. I did find that the left side (driver's) was a little harder to access for opening up the hole in the frame. The exhaust was in the way. I was able to install the hitch myself in about an hour. In all, very easy install. Thanks for the video
Hi Ken, that’s great! Glad it was helpful.
Great video Rick, I agree with Ken wrt driver side hole. Took m about 2 hours if I don't count the interruptions. I used jack stands to hold hitch up. square file is way to go but make sure bolt will go in thread side first because the angle requires a little more access then the bolt head first attempt. Also, torquing down the driver side front bolt was challenging to get the wrench/extensions into position with muffler/pipes. I think if I had to do it over again I would take off exhaust.
Excellent vid. I installed the same hitch on my Trek, and yes, getting the hitch up in place is the most difficult, with only yourself (as I did as well). However, I used multiple blocks of wood under each side which I raised progressively to get the hitch to its final position to thread through the bolts. The blocks of wood held it in place, and made it a lot easier.
Thank you Walter and nice job with the wood assist. Cheers
Thanks for the video! I recently got a 2019 Crosstrek and plan to get this hitch soon! Looks easy enough to install with a buddy and a few beers ;)
The beers will help for sure! 😃. You’ll love the hitch! Thank you for watching!
I ordered the exact one yesterday for my 2018 crosstrek as well. Then today run into your video awesome man can’t wait. Great content!!!!
Thank you Anthony! That's awesome. If you run into any issues with the install let me know and I'd be happy to help if I can. Cheers!
Thanks for the video! Just got my hitch installed on my 19 crosstreck! Love your videos keep it up!
Thanks Shawn! Much appreciated and congrats on the hitch.
I got a used Kayak trailer. But I plan to haul a small overlander trailer which is small enough to pull with the crosstrek. Weighs about 600 lbs with the popup tent and some gear.
Very nice. That will work great. You will feel it on the inclines, but it should work out well.
"So this is a dramatization.." Haha. Thanks for the video, will be invaluable when I install my hitch this weekend!
:) Best of luck. Love having the hitch on there and it is a pretty easy install. Thank you for watching.
THANK YOU FOR GETTING BACK TO ME! I LOVE THE STANCE OF THE CAR!
I’m getting ready to install mine on my crosstrek this afternoon; which me luck!. Thank you maestro.
Nice! Let me know how it goes and good luck!
Rick Hutton got it done. Looking good, thanks for the video.
I have the same hitch coming too. Great to see this!!
Nice Chris, very straight forward install. Cheers.
Awesome, just installed mine and i used a pump jack to hold the hitch up
after all the screws are threw the holes, just use a screwdriver in a angle to hold bolt and start place nut on bolt slowly.
And great idea to tape up the back spacer.
Excellent Saul! Sounds like your install went great. Awesome. Enjoy the hitch...it is a great addition to the car.
First off, thanks for making this video, it was very informative as to what you get with the hitch and the steps involved for install. Second, after doing this same install this afternoon, I think you made your life harder by putting the car on stands first. I'm 5'9" and with the car on the ground, I was able to prop the hitch up using a knee while I got the nuts started (the hardest part.) There's a little less clearance when initially getting yourself and the hitch under the car, but definitely doable.
Chaz I was working on installing my hitch yesterday and had the hardest time getting the bolts into those holes. In this video he made a small cut on the side, but after fitting the washers in, the head of the bolt wouldn't fit. We had to bore out that hole much larger than this video shows. I was wondering if anyone else ran into this issue? I thought a file would do it, but it took hours with a file and only got one side done. I didn't use jacks either, I had plenty of clearence to work.
I used a taper file so I ended up with a triangle shaped notch, but it was similar in size to what is shown here, maybe a little smaller. I do agree that the bolt head will drive the size of the notch you need, not the washers. On the first side I would file a bit check the washer, file a bit, etc. then when the washer fit I started trying to feed everything though and got the bolt stuck. D'oh! I had to take the bolt off the fish wire and continue filing with the washer laying in the frame rail and holding the fish wire off to the side, not ideal. On the other side I used the bolt head to gauge when I was done filing.
Yea I messed up and dropped the washer in the hole and spent another few minutes trying if fish it out. I ended up borrowing a dremel for the 2nd hole and went much quicker. Installing the actual hitch took less than 20 minutes. If anyone is reading this who plans to install the hitch yourself, I recommend using the bolt to measure the hole by, don't attempt to use a file, it'll take forever. Have a ratchet extension for your ratchet and torque wrench and when positioning the hitch in place start with the driver's side first, put bolts in to hold it in place then move on to the passenger's side. Also, I'm a smaller framed women and I had my sixteen year old daughter helping me. If we had the proper tools on hand (and had the dremel to start with) this job would have gone much faster, but sadly my tool box is lacking in most things. All in all, this video is a great tutorial on how to install the hitch. It's not that diffacult and doing it yourself can save so much money to put towards other things like a really nice bike rack.
Oh nice, so they included the fish wires?
Yep, all included in the package.
Another great video Rick! Very clear instructions with great pictures. Once again your production values are excellent! Cheers, Martin
Thank you so much Martin!!! Really appreciate it.
I'm going to attempt to install mine..but. what is the spray called to put on bolts and 2 wht kind of wrench can you use to tighten bolts I dont own a torque wrench
Great video Rick. I just purchased this hitch on Thursday, looks like a pretty straight forward install.
Mark, Nice! It really is a quick an easy job. Let me know if I can help at all.
No cursing good job .I would have been even before the box got open.lol
Nice install their very handy I have a basket and a d ring shackle for towing people out when their stuck
Ha ha ha. There was a part when I was torquing the left side bolts and the socket slipped off the nut and I hit myself just left of my Left eye where there might have been a few. :) You can see the swelling in the Wheel update video. Glad you liked the video!
I definitely have plans for a basket here soon. D ring is another great idea! Thanks for the idea.
Thanks for the video! Installed mine today following your advice. Took 45 min maybe (had a helper).
Very cool! Glad the video was helpful. It is a nice little hitch and I towed around a 4 x 8 trailer a few times this week. Worked great.
Awesome thanks! Ordered a Crosstrek, ordered this hitch, and will be using your video to install!
Very cool. Drop me an email if you have any questions. Good luck with the install. azdroptopyt@cox.net
Thanks Rick. I’m planning on installing a hitch on my 2018 Crosstrek so your vid is very helpful.
Thank you VaLiamZ, glad it was helpful. Any questions just let me know, happy to help if I can.
Rick Hutton you already helped me buy my CGK Crosstrek with your amazing drone footage and firsthand experience!
Very cool! I really appreciate it. Now you need to get a Drone. :)
Suggestion: use some bungee cords to hold the hitch up. It will free your hands to fish the wires
Thanks for the video Rick! I just bought a '19 Crosstrek last weekend at Tucson Subaru (decision made easier by watching your backroading vids before the purchase) and I just got done installing my Curt hitch. I was nervous about the front bolts barely reaching all the way through the nut and wondered if I'd done something wrong, but from your vid and others it seems that's just the way it's supposed to be. Your vid gave me some peace of mind. I'm looking forward to having a better camping vehicle than my Prius!
HI Brain, that is awesome! Great to hear the video was helpful and congrats on the the Hitch. I love having one on the car and it has been super useful. From my trailer to my hitch basket. Cheers
Sorry if this question was asked already. I didn't notice if you mentioned thread locker. I just installed my curt hitch the other day after watching your video... after installing I thought, "should i have used some thread locker? "
I actually didn't use any either and she is holding up just fine so far. Nice and tight as of the other day when I checked. Probably shouldn't hurt, but wasn't recommended by etrailer.com so I didn't do it.
Did you put any lock-tite on the threads since I don't see lock washers.
Ordered what I thought was this hitch off Amazon. Page said for model years 2016 and newer. Received the hitch installed the same hardware and went to put the actual reciever on and it was too narrow. Went back to the Amazon page. (This is 8 months later after I originally ordered.) And has since been updated to aay it doesn't fit my vehical. Here to hopeing that curt will swap recievers with me.
Bummer sorry to hear that! I hope they work with you too. Amazon is generally good about helping out.
@@AZdroptop Amazon won't. But idk about curt. Their customer service is only open week days. So all I need is 2018 reciever and I'm hoping they will swap with me.
Oh ok. Sorry about that, I didn't realize Amazon said no. Hopefully Curt will do so. Seems like if you have all the parts they might. Best of luck with it.
Great video, just installed that hitch on my 2022 Crosstrek. I'm looking at how thin the medal is on the car where the trailer connects, that concerns me (being an engineer) Car is rated to tow 1500lb. My Outback also looks the same thickness and the car is rated to tow, 2700lb. I can't find any incidences on Google of hitches getting pulled off a car, so guess it is strong enough.
Thank you! I have not had any issues over the past 3 years and I have towed a decent amount.
Thanks! You saved me time. I appreciate you taking the time to do this.
Tom, glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Greetings from Scottsdale Rick. Thanks for the vid. Just bought a 2016 Crosstrek and planning on getting the hitch on ASAP. I'm coming from a 2010 OB, so enjoying learning all the new stuff with some familiar Subie feels. Enjoy the channel, def will be looking at some OFF road easy add ons.
Cool Adam, give me a shout if you have any questions during the install. It is pretty straight forward, but sometimes those turn out to be the most difficult. :) Story of my life...LOL Thank you for watching.
Morning Rick, after researching tons on hitch mounts for my 2016 Crosstrek, Im def wanting the concealed style you have in this vid, but Trailer site can't confirm it will fit and I haven't found a concealed version that officially fits my 2016 Crosstrek. Think this one for a 2018 will fit? Thank you for your help! I appreciate you.
Hi Adam, according to etrailer.com this one will fit the 16.www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Subaru/Crosstrek/2016/C13135.html?vehicleid=201613967
Hi Rick
Great videos, we’re probably going to get a 2018 crosstek from Tucson Subaru, see you on the trails, live in Vail Az!
Thank you Mike! Much appreciated. My friend Trent is no longer doing sales there, but if you don't have a salesman yet give Baron Clement a call. Very close friend of Trent's and he will take care of you. Let him know I recommended him. Cheers and I hope you find a nice 18!
If you pull up the liner in the trunk (very easy to do) there is an access hole that you can fish the bolts and spacers through without having to cut your structural frame.
Thank you...I'm not sure there is access through there actually? What I had to drill was not structural...just thin metal. Thanks very much for watching.
@@AZdroptop Hi Rick, so maybe I got a different washer in my kit but it got through the hole in the trunk, which made me happy because I didn't want to cut the frame below. I've been watching your other videos and have to say that your ride looks terrific, I'll look through all of them but is there a chance you can let me know what rims you have?
Oh cool! I'll have to check out my car again when my son gets home and try to locate it. Much appreciated. Thank you for watching the videos! The wheels are Method Race Wheels VT spec 15 x 7, 5x100, +15 off set. Love them.
@@AZdroptop thanks so much. I'm going to go look out for them.
My pleasure! Happy to help in anyway that I can.can.
Another advantage to the Eco hitch that pins the receiver in when needed is for the off road oriented to maintain maximum departure angle with yours you lose a couple degrees.
Definitely, it is a very nice set up, just didn't want to spend the extra cashola on it. Cheers Brad
Is the eco hitch able to work on the 2018s? I didn't see a spot for it to be hidden like on the previous years? Or am I going blind lol?
Yep. I have seen a video on the install. They drop the muffler to install it.torkliftcentral.com/2018-subaru-crosstrek-ecohitch-stealth cheers.
Thank you so much for the video Rick! Well done!
My son and I installed our hitch in about 40 minutes thanks to your video.
Question: I do not seem to have much bolt thread coming through the nuts on the front of the hitch. Is this common?
Hey Kevin that's great! Congrats on the new hitch. My rear bolts are the same as yours. Just a very small amount of thread beyond the nut.
I bought the same Kit installed it myself in the driveway took just about an hour piece of cake
Nice. It is a great little hitch!
Really like the idea of just cutting a slot instead of hogging out the bolt hole. Some of the online installations really butcher the sheetmetal.. When installing the wiring kit will you run it under the car or under the hatch ? I always thought the hatch pinching the harness will eventually cause problems.
Thank you. I agree, some really cut it up unnecessarily. From what I can tell there are already holes with caps underneath so I plan to run the wires under the car and into the rear area near the spare and over to the built in wiring. Not super familiar with the process yet, but that is the tentative plan. :)
Hey Rick I'm loving all the recent Crosstrek videos keep them coming, looking forward to an mpg update video. What other plans do you have for the car?
Thank you Brad, it has been a lot of fun finally doing some real mods to the car. At this point, other than putting on the black center caps when they arrive, I don't have any immediate plans. I have an amped sub that was in the 14 that I thought about installing, but I am pretty happy with the sound right now so I'll probably give it to my son. I think I will get out and do some more off road stuff and determine if a Lift is worth the time, money and further changes to the ride characteristics. Thank you for watching and commenting on her Brad...Cheers
Thank you for your video. It helped me a lot with installation:)
Awesome! Glad it was helpful.
I think the older models were better for the hitch as they offered a hidden section where you could put the plate back when not in use to cover the hitch
I believe that little section had to be cut out if I remember correctly? My 14 had the section you are referring to, but i don't think it was replaceable? There is still a hidden hitch that can be purchased, but it is 400 vs 150. Thank you for watching!
Hey Rick, love these videos man. Sorry if this has been answered before. I don't have the money for the eco hitch and wanted to know if you've noticed any significant loss in clearance or departure angle using the curt. This is the route I'd like to go, but spend a good deal of time off road.
Hey no worries, thank you for watching. I haven't noticed anything dramatic with the hitch back there and even go off road with the ball mount installed sometimes...The hitch makes for a great camera mount too. :) The biggest area I seem to rub or hit on off road is the lower front plastic lip and haven't notice much out back. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Hey Rick. You're probably knee deep in your Jeep adventures but I have a quick Crosstrek question for you.
The Class 3 Curt hitch you installed. Did you have to unmount the muffler or did you manage to work around it?
Just weighing in if I should have someone install it for me or not. I installed one before years ago on a Toyota Matrix. But it was pretty straightforward with no holes to expand. Thanks!
Hi Steve, I was able to do it with out removing the muffler. It really isn't a bad job at all. Just pick up a small file if you don't have one and you'll be fine. Nice to have a helper to lift the lift up when ready, but otherwise it really isn't bad. Happy to help anytime with Crosstrek questions. I appreciate your watching.
YOU MADE IT LOOK EASY! EVEN THOUGH I SURE IT HAD ITS MOMENTS! A JACK STAND MIGHT OF HELPED?
THIS WILL COME IN HANDY WHEN I GET MY CROSSTREK HOPEFULLY LATER THIS YEAR? THE OLDER MODELS YOU COULD HIDE IT BEHIND THE PLASTIC BUMPER. THANK YOU AGAIN! BE SAFE! HAVE FUN! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS! ENJOYED!
Thanks David, I thought about the jack stand, but I don't think it would have extended up high enough. It took awhile to wrestle it up into place, but honestly even doing it myself it wasn't that bad. God bless you as well and thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers
Very well detailed video. A hitch is one of those things I feel the Crosstrek needed from factory, and I was a little afraid of having to either install one or pay someone to put one on but this hitch looks amazing and installation (though taxing) looks pretty straight forward.
Do you find you have plenty of bumper clearance with the connection part (not sure the name) that sticks out?
HI Andr'e, thank you very much! If you have someone along to help lifting the hitch up the install really is very straight forward and I think you'll be able to handle just fine. No clearance issues at all after about 10,000 miles. Best of luck and thank you for watching.
good video, helpful! but what about the electrical connector for an actual trailer?
HI Eduardo, here is the link to the hook up.ruclips.net/video/ary5_YKSTJA/видео.html
I just got my Xtrek last week and will be installing a hitch soon. I like this car-so far-but it's strange that the designers opted to remove the bumper pass through that was available on earlier models.
HI And congrats on the new Crosstrek. Well, the pass through is still there, its just that the wiring harness is too big to fit through. One subscriber, Jaime Diaz, cut the harness then used wiring connectors to reconnect after passing through the hole. I plan to follow his routing just need to take the time to do it. Here is his link if interested. Good luck with the install and let me know if I can help. www.subaruxvforum.com/forum/subaru-xv-members-journal/158361-my-2018-crosstrek-limited-build-thread-5.html
Thanks Rick, it's definitely something I'll follow and the impetus to join this forum.
Btw, I'm wondering if we're on separate pages about the pass-through. The thing I'm talking about is the 'blank' that used to be on earlier models. In the following link, it's the red trapezoid shape located on the bottom of the rear bumper... www.torquenews.com/sites/default/files/styles/news/public/image-1084/a-crosstrek_upgrades_2017.jpg
I've seen people use it to hide their hitch receiver. My bumper doesn't have it. Does yours?
Oh ok, I know what you are talking about now. Sorry about that. Yes, my 18 does not have the cut out, but my 14 did. I thought you were talking about a place for the wiring to come through. :) Sorry about that. The link did not work for me by the way.
Thanks for doing this install vid. Really helped me out
That’s awesome! 👍🏻
thank you for this video. i just installed mine on my 2019 crosstrek. I just noticed one thing, it seems like it's a little off-center. But when I think of it, theres no room for us to move the hitch when installing it because the holes on the car are just big enough for the bolts. im thinking its the car's frame? when i screen caputred your video, i noticed that yours is the samm its really unoticable, but if youll pay close attention you can tell that is probably couple centimeters off.
Hi Carl, I have never noticed it being off at all, but I am going to check it out now. :) Having the hitch on the car has been great. Hope you enjoy yours.
Good video Rick. I have installed 2 of these hitches in the past...Crosstrek and Outback...and am amazed that Subaru does not manufacture built-in threaded holes to mount a trailer hitch into the frame...that would make the install a breeze. This process of creating a huge hole to thread these plates and bolts through is ridiculous. This video will be helpful to those that endeavor to self install one themselves.
Thanks Patrick. Agreed. It would be nice if the hole in the firewall was big enough for the wiring harness too. :) Cheers.
Oh yeh...that too!
Patrick Caple I believe if you use Subarus hitch than it looks directly into the frame. I remember seeing a accessory video on it on there RUclips channel.
Yes...quite expensive...guess that's the idea.
Great video. I just put mine on and when I attach my kuat bike rack it’s not level. Are you getting the same thing? It slopes up away from the back of the car. Just wondering if that’s normal. I did put the spacers in. It almost seems like the spacers are a tad to big.
HI Chris, mine seems to be level and I use a bike rack as well. It has been quite some time since I did the install and I can't pull it out of my head this morning if I used the spacers or not. I''ll have to watch the video again. I'm getting old. :)
this was the most straight forward video ive seen on this
Thank you!
Hi, wonderful video. I'm in the market for a new SUV would you recommend a Subaru crosstrek and why? What was the number of the gift hatch? Thanking again, keep these videos coming. GOD
The Crosstrek was a great car for me because I wanted something comfortable for the road with the ability to go off-road on easy to moderate dirt roads. It has plenty of room for day to day stuff, but can get a little cramped with 4 adults and a good amount of gear. Great options for the money and decent MPG.
Nice video, lm going to get the same one next week for my bike rack. Thanks Rick.
Thank you Will and you will really like it. Very straightforward install and a nice hitch. Do you ride road or Mountain? Cheers Will
mountain, but mostly for pleasure along with my wife. Thanks for the reply and cheers to you.
I watched the install video on the etrailer.com site for Crosstrek. They strapped off the exhaust system, unhooked the exhaust hangers and lowered the exhaust a bit. That made getting the hitch up and over the exhaust much easier. Any particular reason you did not do that? I'm getting ready to get this hitch so I'll be doing an install in the very near future. Thanks .....
Sorry for the slow reply Steve. I just watched the video you mentioned and that is new on their site. It really was easy to do with out dropping the muffler so I am not sure why they changed it?
Thank you so much!! So clean 👍🏽
Thank you!
Great walkthrough. Thx.
You are welcome!
Hi Rick! Have you checked your mounting points lately at the frame? Is it still holding? Some folks have noticed tearing of the frame when they maxed out the tongue weight. For example, tongue weight on their hitch may be 500 pounds, but that amount of weight is stressing the frame and tearing where the hitch is bolted to the frame. Thanks in advance for responding.
Wow that doesn't sound good at all! I just went out and checked and I have no indication of a problem that I can see. I don't think I have had a huge amount of tongue weight on there however. What are folks overloading it with? Like a motorcycle hitch carrier or something like that? The Crosstrek's max tongue weight is 200lbs, but this particular hitch has a tongue weight of 525.(Only good if the car it is on can handle it) Thank you very much for letting me DadManDude! Love the name by the way. :) Awesome stuff.
I think heavy things like dirt bikes, etc ... Thanks for the quick response! When my son was young and excitedly wanted to tell me about something , he would start the conversation by saying,”Dad! Man! Dude!” I guess it stuck! Lol
Oh ok. I will definitely keep an eye on it. That's great about your son.! :) Love it.
Great video/job! I’ll be putting one of these on mine in the spring.
Thank you sir! Very appreciated.
Tounge weight and tow limitations are alot less on the Crosstrek itself, the hitch is beastly with a 2" receiver but you wouldn't be able to tow to it's limit. Good thing is you have more options like bike racks and foldable baskets.
Yes indeed. 1500lbs limit for towing. Not sure what the tongue weight limit is on there though. Cheers
Rick Hutton 400lb. Tounge weight on the Crosstrek 1500 tow
Ah cool, thanks for the tongue weight...Cheers.
Rick Hutton wait it's 150lbs. I don't know where I got 400.
Ooooohhhh. Ok cool. So just 150lbs in a hitch mounted basket then. Cool. thank you.
Great video, expecting my hitch later today. Very helpful but wondering why you didn't drop the muffler as etrailer's video shows?
Hi Larry, no need to drop it as far I as could tell...In the video I watched of theirs they didn't drop it? Different hitch model maybe? Biggest thing is just getting the hitch up into place to put the nuts on...definitely would be easy with a helper.
Yup, different hitch. Sorry about that
Oh no worries at all.
i didn't have to file down the hole like you did I was able to just send the nut and washer though the larger hole and place them into the smaller... then just put the bolt and washer inside the larger... no need for the cutting of the frame
Cool!
Hey Rick, great video. I’m preparing to install mine and this is the best video I’ve found. What tool did you use to enlarge the holes?
Thank you so much! I used a small round file like the one in the link But you could use any small 1/2 round file as well. The metal is thin and its a quick job. I suppose a drill bit would be fine as well Best of luck www.zoro.com/performance-tool-round-file-with-handle-6-w5400/i/G5700129/?msclkid=163133ceb5e613a0893e536ff56de6a5&PLA_US_Bing_SSC&All%20Products&gclid=163133ceb5e613a0893e536ff56de6a5&gclsrc=3p.ds
@@AZdroptop thanks! This helps a lot
My Pleasure. Best of luck!
Very helpful. Thank you for sharing
Why don't they make those brackets a little smaller so you don't have to cut into the frame?
Not sure John. I think so there is a good amount up in there to tighten the bolt against?
Nice job! I've installed three of these (02WRX crosstrek and a jeep cherokee) Sometimes you can balance the hitch on a floor jack. but regardless its always interesting by yourself.
Thank you sir. That is a good idea. I was an adventure for sure. :) The outtakes are good on that one. LOL Did you put them on your cars? Cheers
It was mine ,the exwifes and the new girl friends. The WRX was easiest. The crosstrek was the toughest to get on.
Nice!
Just watched your video, very informative. I have a 2019 Crosstrek and will be looking to get a hitch on for the bike carrier and the small sport utility trailer that I use for kayaks and extra bikes and gear. Did you notice any significant hit on gas mileage after the hitch install? Just curious. Did you shoot a wiring video? Would like to see it if you did. Thanks again ...
Thank you Steve and congrats on the 19! Very cool. I got my hitch for similar purposes and it has worked out great. No hit on mpg unless I am towing my trailer a lot and it makes a nice place to mount the gopro. :) I bought the harness from etrailer.com as well and it is just a plug and play. At this point I tuck the set up under the back mat and just hang it out the back and under the hatch door when I need it. No issues so far. As you will see in the the linked video the harness does not fit through the Subaru provided holes. My plan is to clip the plug off, feed it through, and then reconnect the plug with a splice. Just haven't gotten around to it yet. Here is the link. Let me know if I can answer any questions. azdroptopyt@cox.net ruclips.net/video/ary5_YKSTJA/видео.html
Hey Rick just a question is your Crosstrek lifted? What do yoou have on it for tires size and brand? It looks wicked thanks for the video
Thank you Mike. BFG KO2's 215/75/15's. They don't make the KO2 in 225's and I didn't want to go 235's. The 215's are just a bit more narrow than stock, but they work great. Car does not have a lift, but I do have RalliTEK 1" springs on it. Thank you for watching.
Yeah after seeing this great job on it and info but looks too much for me so I took mine to Subaru. :) Great hitch through!!
Hi Rick, I noticed you have some different tires than the stock Geolanders. What tires are those? Have you gotten any lift?
HI Stephen, no lift as of yet, but it is a possibility down the road. The tires are BFG 215/75/15's and the wheels are Method Race wheels vt spec 15". Here is a link to all of the wheel and tire videos if you want to check them out. ruclips.net/p/PLKRNVgFGuPjgjQABrwokZue-bpGhD0-S5
I saw another hitch install on youtube, where the guy took off the muffler to make the install a little easier.
Was that for the eco hitch? Can't remember. That would of helped a little on this one, but my luck I would have messed something up going that route. LOL I'm my own worst enemy sometimes. :)
I used two 5 gallon buckets to hold the hitch up while I installed the nuts. The hardest part of this is getting the nuts on. Dealer wanted $250 to do this !
I know right! Crazy install cost. Nice job on the using of the buckets! Much better than my ninja skills :)
Direct comparison of the 2018 and an older model of the Crosstrek in the same off-road conditions would be nice :D -With same tires-
I talked a little bit about that in the Reddington off road video I think, LOL I am getting old, but to be honest, in stock form there really wasn't a huge difference. I drove that road in both cars and nothing really stands out...Other than the lack of rattles and that the 18 is quieter even off road. Hard to really say performance wise. Hopefully that helps a little.
So those spacers things you taped on is only 2 and go in the front holes? Also did you remove tape once you mounted it on?
Yep, just on those 2 front holes.
You're killing me Rick, LOL! I want the same rack, based on the hidden frame and lower price, like you mentioned. As always thanks for posting and I'll say, you're production quality is awesome! I have a question, what crossbars do you have for the factory roof rails, and are you happy with their quality, rigidity, etc.?
Thank you Kenrod as always you are too kind. They are great little hitches for all the stuff I like to do. The crossbars are Subaru bars from 2011 and spent time on my STI and my 14 Crosstrek. I have not had any problems with them at all up to this point. Even had 2 29er mountain bikes up there with no issues. If I remember correctly, someone said the older crossbars don't work on the 18, but mine seem to fit just fine and my buddy at Subaru didn't say anything different...Heuberger subaru in Colorado is a great resource for buying accessories and my dealer matched their price saving me a good deal in the past. Have a good weekend brother.
Good install video! This is useful if I decide to install a hitch.
Thank you sir! Appreciate it.
This was helpful! Thank you
Glad it was helpful! Thank you so muck.
Good day Rick. I like your videos. I just ordered a Crosstrek and I want to install a hitch. The question I have is: why did you file the end hole instead of the middle hole? Seems to me that leaving both end holes (where the bolts are installed) intact would be better. Thank you in advance.
Hi Dennis, thanks for the question. I think in the long run it is just easier to file the rear hole so when you put the rear metal washer through you don't have to mess with feeding it through? I bet you could use the middle one if you want to...I just followed the directions. :) Best of luck and thank you for watching the video.
Thank you very much for your insight Rick. Greatly appreciated.
My pleasure Denis. Cheers
I've been looking around at cars and your videos are helping me narrow down my choices and I am leaning towards the 2018 Crosstrek. The only things I have to decide on is a base model (and mod it up myself) or the Premium. Do you or any of your viewers know if on the base model of the 2018 Crosstrek if the spots where the fog lights are (they look like covers) can be popped out to install fog lights? Also I suck with doing electrical stuff. Electricity hates me so if and when you do the wiring harness please record it lol. Thanks for all your videos!
Hi momo I am glad to hear the videos have been helpful. I honestly do not know if the wiring is there and just the fogs are missing? Or if there is nothing at all except the space for them. I can check with my Subaru buddy and I'll let you know what he says. Why are you leaning towards the Base over then Premium? They are less than 1,000 different in base price and you get a good amount of extras for it. The all weather package and fogs are probably worth it? Thank you for watching!
It looks like the kit is a little pricey at 335 to 375 bucks and sounds like it comes with all the stuff you need including wiring. Here is a link to instructions.subaru.oemdtc.com/690/h4510fl001-fog-lamp-kit-2018-subaru-crosstrek
Yeah I just don't need all the extras that come with the Premium. I may end up having to go that route but I'd prefer not to (I really don't need paddle shifters) which I've seen on all the Premiums I've looked at.
I hear you. It is good to save where you can for sure. That is how I felt about Navigation and eyesight. Cool features, but I didn't want those either. To be honest if I could have gotten Sirius/XM in a Premium I would have gone that route. At this point I am happy with the Limited because I absolutely love the Push button start and touch to unlock. Didn't thank that would be a big deal, but I love it!
I will say this for the paddle shifters...they are nice when you are going up 6% plus grades on the highway..helps to put it in manual mode and use the paddles to stay in they gear you need to keep the rpm's up so it isn't always shifting. Best of luck and let me know if I can answer any other questions.
I guess I can always build it on the Subaru website and if a dealership doesn't have it in my area they could ship it but then you add shipping charges to it. I like trying to do things on my own. I will keep you updated on what I end up doing :)