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09 Forester Towing Performance

34 messages,  Last post on Sep 18, 2009 at 2:55 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Towing

Messages Page 4 of 4

#25 of 34 Re: Transmission Cooler [xwesx] by ateixeira

Sep 03, 2009 (11:47 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Sep 03, 2009 9:18 am)
If you think you can use the 2" receiver, then yes, but getting an OE hitch for no money is hard to beat.

#26 of 34 Re: Transmission Cooler [ateixeira] by xwesx

Sep 03, 2009 (11:52 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 03, 2009 11:47 am)
True. But, I would still have to purchase all the balls, etc., specifically for a 1.25", whereas a 2" would provide perfect cross-compatibility with all my current equipment. If the 1.25 is noisy as indicated, I may be tempted. Also, I would like to use some of my Subie Bucks to buy a rack for my friend's Impreza in the same time frame as indicated with the hitch. We'll see; now that I have a $1000-buck annual capacity, maybe I will have enough built up to do both. I know, that doesn't make any sense to get the rack for him, but I'm a big-hearted guy.
 
I just noted that the factory hitch requires slight bumper modification.... on my new car?!

#27 of 34 Re: Transmission Cooler [xwesx] by ateixeira

Sep 03, 2009 (11:56 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Sep 03, 2009 11:52 am)
Oh, if you already have 2" equipment, go with aftermarket. Didn't realize that.
 
My OE hitch on the 98 did not require any modification, bumper or otherwise. Bummer that changed.

#28 of 34 Re: Transmission Cooler [ateixeira] by jbkennedy

Sep 16, 2009 (7:49 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 03, 2009 11:56 am)
I had U Haul put on a Class III with 2" receiver for $200 including installation & sales tax. They did not have to modify the bumper. I beleive Curt is the manufactor.

#29 of 34 Re: Transmission Cooler [jbkennedy] by ateixeira

Sep 17, 2009 (10:35 am)

Replying to: jbkennedy (Sep 16, 2009 7:49 pm)
That's great.
 
Did you lose much of your departure angle? i.e. does it stick down a lot below the bumper?

#30 of 34 09 Forester Aftermarket Hitch by jbkennedy

Sep 17, 2009 (5:39 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 17, 2009 10:35 am)
No, it is flush against the bottom of the bumper and looks like a professional job. That did not include the wiring,which I ordered the custom "t"connector from etrailer.com for $34.95 plus shipping, The wiring harness just plugs into the Subaru wiring and stows on top of the spare tire.

#31 of 34 Re: 09 Forester Aftermarket Hitch [jbkennedy] by ateixeira

Sep 18, 2009 (7:32 am)

Replying to: jbkennedy (Sep 17, 2009 5:39 pm)
Sounds like the one on my 98 Forester.
 
Cool.
 
Share with us any towing experiences, if you will, good or bad.

#32 of 34 Re: 09 Forester Aftermarket Hitch [jbkennedy] by xwesx

Sep 18, 2009 (9:47 am)

Replying to: jbkennedy (Sep 17, 2009 5:39 pm)
I looked up information on each of those and it does look like I can get everything on the car for $200 or less. Of course, that would be me installing it, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
 
Please do let us know your experiences and impressions as you use the setup.

#33 of 34 Re: 09 Forester Aftermarket Hitch [xwesx] by ateixeira

Sep 18, 2009 (11:05 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Sep 18, 2009 9:47 am)
It's not difficult, just heavy. A jack or jack stands will help, as will tie-straps.

#34 of 34 Re: 09 Forester Aftermarket Hitch [jbkennedy] by aatherton

Sep 18, 2009 (2:55 pm)

Replying to: jbkennedy (Sep 17, 2009 5:39 pm)
>> ... Did you lose much of your departure angle? i.e. does it stick down a lot below
>> the bumper?
> No, it is flush against the bottom of the bumper...
 
So you lost some departure angle. the OEM hitch is in the bumper, and replaces the car's bumper bar.

Messages Page 4 of 4

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