Trailer Hitch Install on 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- This video shows the steps I followed to install an EcoHitch invisible trailer hitch on my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, along with a hidden wiring harness.
After comparing various hitches available for the Crosstrek, I went with this this one because it is stronger (350 pounds tongue weight + 3,500 pounds towing weight) than other hitches on the market and doesn't hang down below the rear bumper. In addition, it is recommended and installed by the Guru of Subaru over at the "Subaru XV Crosstrek Central" RUclips channel. If you haven't seen his videos, check them out immediately.
I'm currently working on a video of the trailer I haul behind my Subaru.
LINKS TO THE PARTS I USE IN THE INSTALLATION:
➠ 2013-2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek EcoHitch for 2"x2" Receiver (currently $275 from Torklift Central)
➠ Black Rectangular Bumper Plug (from Amazon.com at amzn.to/2f6blNV)
➠ Bumper Adapter for Trailer Wires (from Amazon.com at amzn.to/2fZ2kY1)
➠ Wiring Harness (from Amazon.com at amzn.to/2gjgPHB)
➠ Black RTV Silicone Sealant (from Amazon.com at amzn.to/2gjhRn8)
➠ Step Drill Bit Set (Titanium) (from Amazon.com at amzn.to/2gjjeCj)
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✯ Large tripod: amzn.to/2i1N4Hh
✯ Small flexi tripod: amzn.to/2hHpRhe
✯ Small solid tripod: amzn.to/2i1WUco
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very good instructions. I liked how every now and then you mentioned which way the camera was pointing. Thanks a lot.
hey, thanks for the nice comment! I'm super happy with this hitch ... it was well worth the work!
Nice install.
I was able to get the hitch up without removing the muffler by loosening the bumper fascia (i.e., removing a couple of its attachments on the side and bottom), then angling the hitch up and to the rear, around the exhaust piping. Also used the bolt fishing tool from the bottom of the car, just had to slightly widen some of the holes below for each bolt assembly and sealed+painted those cut holes before installing the bolts.
I agree this hitch is rather heavy and tough to get it in position, but I did it by myself by putting one end on a box and just lifting the other up into place, partially threading one bolt to get it going - then went to the other side and did the same thing, followed by threading all bolts and tightening, etc.
So, lots of ways to skin this cat.
Cool trick with that bumper removal! I never thought of that ... nicely done! Yeah, we use the hitch all the time, still, and it's pretty awesome. thanks for the note :)
I just installed the hitch on my wife's crosstrek last night.
The video really helped see what was involved.
Thanks!
I'm so glad it worked out! While it's a bit difficult to hook up the trailer each time, as you have to reach around under the bumper, I think it's worth it .... as this hitch is truly hidden and looks great!
You should tighten up those bolts after a few weeks if you think of it ... just to be sure they're still nice and snug. Take care
I just finished installing this exact same setup on our 2014 Crosstrek. Your video was absolutely indispensable. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this!
+Phil Rader ... I'm so glad it helped! I use the hitch all the time and still love it
Really considering this on my 2014 CrossTrek. Thank you so much for the video!
Oh excellent! I still love ours
Nice video, you included some nuances I hadn’t seen in other installation videos. I installed this last weekend on my 14 crosstrek. Love the hitch!
Most excellent
Just finished installing mine this morning. Thanks for the clear instructions. Made all the difference.
Oh great! Yer gonna love it I think
Once you pull the bolts through just put some zip ties on them to prevent them from pushing back through. :)
Smart! Great idea
That is a good idea. I was concerned that I would push the bolts back up while positioning the hitch. Nearly did once.
To lift a hitch like that, I've had luck with two jack stands on either end and a jack in the middle in the past. You can raise them one at a time until you're within a few inches of the bolts, then push the hitch up with your hand before putting the washers and nuts on.
+CptPoo oh man, that sounds better than what I did
He said "Butt Plug."
He also said "I've got my nuts where I can easily reach them." XD
Nice use of the bin haha. I used the cars jack, but it was a little tricky. Definitely the hardest part.
Thanks for checking it out. Great hitch, in my opinion. Still using it frequently
Great video!
just finished ..step drill was the ticket. I taped the hitch to the round part of floor jack then stuck it on jack worked great..im beat but damn hitch is cool.14 mm on nuts and bolts for muffler..I cut the tabs off.oops for butt plug.meta enjoyed your other voids too..hey my wife's 15 xv allows recirc of air when on defrost and feet.
awesome that you got it installed! it's a great design -- I love how it hides away when not in use. Good to know about the recirculating air thing ... interesting! Take good care
Bolting the hitch on is by far the most difficult task. I did it myself by using a jack to lift it up and hold it while I wrestled it in place. I put all four nuts on the bolts and once the hitch was aligned and secure, i went back and placed the washers. I realized it was quite impossible to hold the hitch a nd somehow wrench 3 washers and a nut.
That jack method sounds like a good one ... I just installed a hitch on a Ford Transit and it was a careful balancing act. Good job tho!
Clean install. But as one commenter said, looks weak.
I would have done the wiring hook up to go under the spare tire cover. Then when I needed it just bring it out through the hatch door. Much cleaner imo instead of drilling holes through the bumper.
I've checked the bolts a few times, and they seem solid still. As for the wiring, I can see your thinking there. Having had a lot of different wiring setups over the years, I like the wires there when I need them with no hassles, and this works nicely that way.
Thank you for links ! Nice job !
Thanks!
Wish I would have know about this hitch before I installed my Curt Class 3 hitch. I agree, holding the hitch in place and tightening the bolts was the hardest part on my installation.
Ya know, now that I've used it to haul my trailer a bit ... I'm not so sure. It's pretty annoying to have to reach up behind the bumper to (blindly) make all the connections. So you might have made a good choice!
That makes sense. I really only use my hitch to haul my bikes around.
Yeah but just think how good it looks when nothing is attached to the receiver (no offense but your VW one looked awful :) ) and also how you haven't lost any ground clearance ... worth the hassle?
+metaspencer can't you lay on the ground and see what your doing?pin and clip your talking about right?
Nice hidden hitch
Yeah it's been handy all these years
Maybe a good idea is to test the wiring out before reinstalling all of the car parts into place. Just for the rare person that makes a mistake during installation of the wiring.
Good point! Test and test again!
In the United States starting with the 2016 model year, Subaru dropped the XV from its name and sold it as simply the Crosstrek. That's what I have Subaru Crosstrek. No XV. Are we sure everything else is the same?
That's my understanding: the XV name got dropped in the US so they could do the Crosstrek thing. Same car
Do most ball receiver draw bars fit? Or did you have to find a short one? The instructions say it must be less than 2-3/8" from center of pin to end of the draw bar receiver or it will hit the exhaust. I find that nobody online specs out that dimension. Do you have a part number for a draw bar that worked?
That part was actually a bit of a pain in the neck. I ended up having to find a receiver at Wall Mart that was long enough ... but not too long, as you're right: the muffler is right back there. The one I got was close to this one: www.walmart.com/ip/Titan-Triple-Ball-Trailer-Hitch-for-2-Class-III-IV-Receiver-Truck-w-Tow-Hook/198636338
I say that it had to be LONGER than a standard receiver because it needs to clear the plastic of the bumper
I ordered this from Amazon and it fit great! Hopefully this will help anyone else. The distance from the center of the pin to the end is 2-1/4" for all ball sizes on the hollow shaft version. Don't forget to pick up a 5/8" diameter trailer pin, as well.
Towever 84173 2" Class III/IV Trailer Hitch Tri Ball Mount (Chrome Ball, Hollow Shank)
by Towever Towing Products
Learn more: www.amazon.com/Towever-84173-Trailer-Chrome-Hollow/dp/B01DDOPYWI/
Oh excellent
Do you tow 3500lbs or do you stick to the 1500lb limit from Subaru
I have a pretty light aluminum trailer and have never towed anything near 1,000 lbs. I'd suggest always keeping under the suggested limits, just to be safe.
GReat video thanks!
Thanks! The hitch is still great ... used it this week
Metaspencer What size drill did you use to drill in a hole for your wire connection?
Step drill bit that drills a progressively larger hole ... so I just kept testing it out for fit
metaspencer Ohhhhh so you used each step drill bit to test out the size? Okay now I understand
Yeah, a step bit is nice because the hole starts small and gets bigger
Step Drill Bit Set (Titanium) (from Amazon.com at amzn.to/2gjjeCj)
metaspencer okay but which step did you use to make the hole?
Great video. The one thing I was wondering about this particular hitch: if the trailer comes off and the chains have to do their job, will they tear the bumper cap off? It looks like they connect behind rather than below the bumper.
I haven't had the trailer come off on the road, but I do regularly test the chains to see if they are the right length. The chains do connect below the hitch, the point is just a bit further back under the car then with some other trailer hitches. So when the trailer falls down the chains engage just fine. It's definitely tighter than with lower hitches, but the bumper hasn't gotten in the way in my tests
Thanks for the great video. For the muffler, was there not a gasket or seal that needed to be replaced after detaching it?
I don’t recall such a gasket ... just slipped back on
What size step drill bit are you using?
1/4 to 1 3/8. Here is a link to the one I got on amazon: amzn.to/2gjjeCj
Any issues putting the muffler back up afters installing the hitch?
Great video btw!
I had no trouble with it at all: the muffler just slid back into place. We still use the hitch regularly and really like its low profile
Where did you find the 4 pin connector for going through the bumper?
I think you're talking about this little dealio: amzn.to/2fZ2kY1
hi! i have a 2016 too! How is this hitch holding up now? what do you pull?
The hitch is still excellent and we use it about once a month ... we pull our aluminum trailer and also haul a cargo rack on the hitch ... we used to use a bike rack on the hitch, too, but kinda stopped doing that
Where's the link to Crosstrek Central. Couldn't find him on the net.
He’s here on RUclips with lift mods and more
Will this work if my crosstrek has a 2 inch lift?
Oh heck yes. Cool that you lifted it. The connection points have nothing to do with the lift, as i understand it
Hi I'm in Australia where can I buy the towbar kit?
I bought mine online ... you could order it from EcoHitch and have it shipped. Fly me there from the US and I'll install it for you!
Thank you so much for the extra detail beyond the Subaru XV Crosstrek Central video. I am going to be installing this myself on my Impreza (not Crosstrek, but same aside from lower ground clearance) this weekend and these extra details help a lot. I am not mechanically experienced and I really need all of the extra guidance I can get so again, thank you.
Question: do you think that the spare tire jack could be used to hold the hitch in place? Maybe I can just put the hitch on top of the jack and crank it up into place? Well I guess I'll find out when I try it this weekend :)
I think the spare tire jack is a good idea ... assuming you could get it balanced! Really, the best thing is two people. Other than that, I'd go with a stack of wood. Wood would be nice because it wouldn't scratch and would be stable.
Good luck with it!
I did my install today and the spare tire jack idea was absolutely the most important part of the whole thing. Actually I used two jacks (one borrowed from a different car) and was able to balance the hitch on them (one jack at each end of the hitch), tape them into place, and then slide the whole assembly under the car and crank it up bit by bit as I moved it around the bumper and muffler. It was the EASIEST part of the install for me, instead of the hardest.
Oh man, that sounds awesome! The tape was a great idea to hold that puppy in place. I bet it looks great!
Your video was crucial to me having the confidence to do the install so ... thanks!
Awesome! I'm so glad and hoped it would help out at least one person. Check those bolts in a couple of weeks, just to make sure they're still tight. :)
Great video! Thinking about getting one of these but I have a question about the spacing between the outer side of the hitch and the inside of the plastic bumper on the right side. I have been looking at getting a hitch mount bike rack, specifically the Thule T2 Pro XT, which has a side mount pin mechanism. I've been trying to determine if there is enough room for it to slide in the gap between the hitch and the bumper. I'd appreciate it if you could measure that and post the distance. Thanks!
Okay, I'm running out to make the measurement now ... one sec!
Okay, got it. Along the right side, between the outside of the hitch opening (square in shape) there is 1/2" before you hit the plastic of your bumper. Note that when you take things on and off this hitch there is quite a bit of "reach around" that is required, which I usually preform down on my knees in the driveway ... all twisted up. So it's not the easiest hitch to take things on and off ... but BOY DOES IT LOOK GOOD when not in use, as it's 100% hidden.
Wow! That was fast. Thanks a lot. I'm going to go check out that Thule rack but I'm going to guess 1/2" won't be enough for their pin system to sneak by. This rack avoids the need to get behind the bumper to get a separate locking pin placed in the hitch and is actually pretty slick.
Maybe there's an adapter you could use ... something like this or similar ... www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-70033-1-1-Hitch-Adaptor/dp/B008CE09L6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495301045&sr=8-1&keywords=trailer+hitch+adapter
Genius! I think some kind of 2" extension would work great. Thanks for the idea.
Install looked great! How does the car do while towing up hills?
As you might expect, it all depends on the load: and that includes the weight of the load, distribution (front/back) on the trailer, and how high it is in terms of wind resistance. I haven't had any trouble towing various loads, but MPG does go down quite a bit on the highway with my trailer dragging a lot of wind. The Crosstrek, in my experience and opinion, is under powered. So don't expect to haul massive loads.
metaspencer thinking about traveling and living out of the car for a while, weighing the options of depending on a trailer, thanks for the info!
Having traveled quite a lot with a trailer, and even on a few cross-country trips, it's not my favorite option just because it can be hard to park and get into tight spaces. With that said, a trailer sure can carry a lot and be organized
Great video and procedure, you know some shit! You may want to keep your OEM butt plug and snazz it up by getting some 3M Diamond Grade RED tape, and apply it to the plug. A Very Bright reflector indeed! I can send you some FREE for the application, if you like.
ya know, I've seen that tape it's a cool idea! I am always looking to add a little SNAZZ to the Ru. :)
You guys are nuts to install these "cheap" aftermarket hitches. The aftermarket hitch is a rig job which uses a 4-bolt clamping setup into a thin sheet metal body reinforcement. The OEM hitch uses a 6-bolt direct attachment into threaded holes where the original bumper was installed. Spend the money and do it right. I ordered my OEM from Heuberger for $360 and installed it myself in a few hours.
The OEM hitch, as far as I can see, for some reason does not use the hitch hole that's designed into the body of the Crosstrek, and instead hangs down under the bumper. I'm only going to be towing light setups anyhow, but that bizarre design mismatch is pretty much a deal breaker for me. I want it out of sight / out of the way when not in use, and not eating into ground clearance for anyday driving.
Out of site is great!!
@@chriskaprys The butt plug/hitch hole was designed to house a light found on the WRX and STI. It was never intended to be used as a hitch hole. Torklift just found a clever use for it. Kudos to them.
People buy the "cheap" option for ground clearance and esthetics. Torklift makes a solid product. I use mine for a bike hitch. These cars are not made to tow. IT'S. A. CAR. If you wanted to tow you should've gotten a truck. And just because you bought an overpriced hitch at your local dealership it doesn't mean everything else is inferior.
6:30 and yes I am an adult!
haha ... good one :)
Hassle bro..
Great video!