best hitch for lower riding car

[catinmoon]

HI all,
I have been pulling our teardrop on a toyota tacoma, but want to put a hitch on our 2006 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon as well. NOte this is NOT an outback model so it rides lower to the ground than the outback version. I just went and measured and the ground clearance at the back bumper is 10 inches at the lowest point where the bumper meets the car chassis if that is the right term.

So it seems that adding a hitch will really reduce the clearance. is there a type of hitch that is low profile so as to give as much clearance as possible? or a configuration or type of installation? We have had good experiences in the past going to UHAul for hitches but I'm really wondering if there is a more specialized type to look for.

Once I was driving and swore I saw a hitch coming from mid-bumper on an suv type vehicle. IS there a way to do this-- put a hitch inside a bumper?

Thanks for ideas
Stephanie
[email protected]

[absolutsnwbrdr]

My buddy and I just put a hitch on his 2011 WRX, which is lower than your Legacy. The hitches actually tuck up nicely underneath the car without hindering your ground clearance. You'll just need a draw bar with a little bit of rise. We had to get a draw bar with a 4" rise so his teardrop would ride level.




Here's a hitch that would work... http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/S ... d=20065752

Installation on the Legacy/Outbacks is pretty simple too.

[catinmoon]

Which part is the draw bar? can you refer me to a drawing? Thanks for the info.

Stephanie

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I guess they're called ball mounts too. Here's a bunch on e-trailer....http://accessories.etrailer.com/search? ... ballmounts

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Here's a link to find the correct draw bar (ball mount) rise... http://www.etrailer.com/faq-ballmount.aspx

[catinmoon]

thanks zach. Now that i see the photo it makes sense. Can you recommend the brand of hitch you got? or are they all pretty much the same...
stephanie

[absolutsnwbrdr]

They're all basically the same thing. You'll want to look for a Class II hitch, which has a 1-1/4" receiver opening. They're good for 300lbs tongue weight and 3500lbs towing, which is higher than what your Subaru is rated to tow at. Getting a Class III hitch (2" receiver opening) would be overkill and overpriced. And Getting a small Class I hitch just wouldn't quite be heavy enough.

If you're going to do it yourself, E-Trailer has fast shipping and really great customer service. This Curt Class II would be my suggestion....http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/S ... d=20065752

I'm sure U-haul will have a similar hitch available.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

And also, your Legacy Wagon already has a trailer wire harness in the rear of the car. So all you would need to complete your trailer wiring is this kit.... http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehi ... 0061175923

There's no wire splicing or extra wires to run up to the battery. Just plug it in and go! Here's a link showing where that kit plugs in to.. http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php ... tcount=113

[catinmoon]

thanks again for all the tips! I love this forum, so many helpful folks. I'll look into the hitch options. I hope your friend is having fun with his. Zach I checked out your website -- love the convertable option.

Best,
Stephanie

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Thanks Stephanie. Glad to help!

[Shadow Catcher]

I just had a hitch installed on our 2012 Outback and went with Curt class 3 (more things fit the 2" receiver). I have got to say Etrailer was FAST and got it right.

[catinmoon]

Hi all,
I realize this is a delayed reaction -- but it's taken a while to get to the trailer hitch on the Subaru again.

I think I understand the advantage of the Class II vs III. But we already have several types of accessories for the Class 3 2" opening, so I'm wondering if it would be a huge faux pas to get the Class III to avoid having to buy all the other items in 1.25" all over again.

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/S ... d=20069924

the link above is to the one I found on etrailer. It looks very similar to the one Zach suggested. Just to remind folk, I have a 2006 Subaru legacy wagon that is NOT an outback.

Any thoughts?
thanks again,

SJ (catinmoon)

[pchast]

Cat,

That Class 3 hitch is also heavier than the class 2. Check the weight
difference. I don't know which accessories you are discussing. An
adapter is likely available as long as you watch the hitch weight.

[MidTNJasonF]

I can whole heartedly recommend the euro mount style hitches.

I recently put in a Curt Class I hitch on my Mazda 5. The hitch has a capacity of 200/2000 and the Mazda has a capacity of 1350 so the hitch is rated higher than car which is what you want in my opinion. It is a 1 1/4 receiver. The Mazda does sit fairly low and the receiver itself sits low and tucked up under the bumper. The Euro mount sticks up and out cleanly and neatly. The ball height is right at 18" on my setup.

The fit and finish of the Curt unit was very good. The install was pretty painless and actually fairly easy. They had some very well thought out coiled spring wire that the bolts threaded into and made fishing the hardware in through the access holes in the frame a cake walk.

http://www.amazon.com/CURT-Manufacturin ... ball+mount