Needing to purchase a hitch for a 2k OBW. There’s a few different options of varying price; they range from a Curt MFG. hitch for $125, Uhaul for $150, DrawTite and Hidden Hitch for north of $200 (240 and 260 respectively).

 

Anyone have experience with these hitches? Likes, dislikes, build quality?

I’d like a hitch where the flat bar connecting the square tube goes up and OVER the exhaust and not UNDER. Good build quality is important. Ease of installation, etc.

Looks like the Curt (being the least expensive) has a 2,000lb load capacity, whereas the others seem to have a 3,500lb capacity.
 

Not sure if Curt hitches are purposely underrated or if the build material is not as strong as the others.


Thanks.

 

 

I would think that 2000lbs would be all you'd want to tow with your Subaru. Yes, you probably could tow more, but with the amount of power the car has, even 1500lbs will be very noticeable. I hauled 2 snowmobiles on my aluminum snowmobile trailer. I estimate it to weigh around 1300lbs or so, and that was quite noticeable, and keeping speed was a chore. If it was all flat ground, it probably wouldn't be as big of a deal.

211,

 

I've put a trailer hitch on each OBW LTD's I've  ever owned, one from each generation, and usually got them from the dealership, and all of them were a different manufacturer's product. Two were Drawtites.

 

I don't believe that you'll be able to escape the flat bar under the exhaust pipe issue. What I can say, is that you should go with the larger capacity hitch at 3500 lbs. You never know when you may need to go that high with a trailer, but mainly because its got to be built better than the 2000 lb rated hitch.

 

I have towed a heavy 17 foot fiberglass boat and motor on very flat terrain for 20 miles on several occasions, but would never attempt a long distance with that weight on an OBW.

 

As far as ease of install, normal shop tools are all that is required, as all the needed parts come with the hitch. Some models and years need to have the heat shield above the mufflers pulled down, and have part of a corner of the shield cut off to clear the hitch, but no big deal.

 

Finding the electrical plug for different years and models can be a pain. The install sheet on some hitches will say one location, but on two the the cars I've put hitches on, the plug was on the other side of the car. Go figure!

 

Spend the money and get the better hitch weight, so you don't have to worry about the trailer passing you on the road.

 

One last thought, if you are hauling heavy or have a lot of hilly country, don't go higher than 4th gear, as its too hard on the transmission. Good Luck!

Thanks,
I went with the U-Haul hitch. For $150 it was a pretty good option. Flat bar goes OVER the exhaust, and its rated at 3500lbs. Comes with a receiver as well (no ball but those are all over).

Only thing I did was ditched the regular nut and lock washers and went with a nyloc nut and flat washer. That way if it ever comes loose, I'll have a nut and bolt rattling around rather than a nut and bolt on the highway someplace.

211,

 

The nylon lock nuts are a good idea!