Jump to content
Ultimate Subaru Message Board

Recommended Posts

I'm looking for a trailer hitch for my 1999 Legacy Outback and have learned the factory model costs more than twice as much as a Draw-Tite or Reese (aftermarket) model. Has anyone installed an aftermarket unit? If so, was it satisfactory?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My dealer installs Draw-tite models.

Very satisfied up to now. Bolted to the frame and to the tow hooks. It really seems bullet proof. I can remove the ball and ball support by removing a big pin and sliding it out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a draw-tite on my forester. I ain't coming off. You could pick up the car with the hitch.

 

You shouldn't have any problems with it.

 

The tolerances are real tight, it should bolt right on.

 

Good luck,

Glenn

82 Hatch, now with winch-hitch capabilities.

01 Forester, .......the winch would fit this hitch too.........Hummm?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Originally posted by Phillip

I'm looking for a trailer hitch for my 1999 Legacy Outback and have learned the factory model costs more than twice as much ...

 

I believe that the Subaru hitches always come with wiring harness and drawbar. Generally aftermarket ones don't. The drawbar will be about $20 and the wiring harness about $35.

 

If you're towing you will need these, but depending on your trailer the Subaru drawbar might not be the right height anyways. If you're getting the hitch for a bike rack you don't need drawbar or wiring.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Subaru hitch is made by Draw Tite or Hidden Hitch.

 

Hidden Hitch is used by Subaru Canada, and I think Subaru USA uses Draw-Tite (which is the same company as Reese?).

 

My dealer wanted $486 CDN for the hitch and wiring harness, I got the identical Hidden hitch model including drawbar, ball and wiring unit for $240 CDN installed.

 

I guess it costs about $240 to ship from Hidden Hitch to Subaru Canada to have the Subaru sticker applied over the Hidden Hitch one and then send it on to the dealer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought a hidden hitch for minelast spring, for around a hundred bucks. Easy to install.

I did get a lot of looks and stares at the Frankfurt airport, since I checked it in as baggage on my way back to Germany, and just wrapped the sharp edges with paper and tape.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

I just called our local dealer regarding hitches:

Class 2 hitch package, in stock: $262

Labor: $95

 

Asked if he would install a hitch I bring in. No problem, same labor if it is correct hitch.

 

Local "Truckstuff & Hitches" company - authorized Drawtite retailer:

$149 hitch Model: Part Number: 36234

$45 to install

$60 wiring kit

$45 to install

Total approx $300

 

Any feed back: Should I save $62 +/- and have a dealer do my install???

 

Doug

loan@ski-town.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought a hitch from hitchesonline here's the link for your Outback:

 

http://www.hitchesonline.com/subaru_cl2_outback_95-99.htm

 

$131 for everything but wiring harness ($46) and ball ($10). Even with shipping I think you'd save a little here.

 

I put on my own on our 01MY Outback. Took about 45 minutes, and I didn't need to jack up the car.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...