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?

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.

i bought a used draw-tite off ebay and installed it myself. took 30 minutes, required (2) 1/2" holes to be drilled, and was a piece of cake. i think i paid $60 for the hitch with a ball and support. definately not worth going through the dealer...

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?

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.

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.

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.

I have a Draw-Tite on my 96 OBW. It was installed for about $250. Included the wiring and ball. It is rock solid, no problems at all.

Mine has a Draw Tite Hitch, works great. It was an aftermarkert install.

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

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.

With Shipping - there is not much savings:

 

Hitch Kit: $131

Ball: $10

Wiring Kit: $45

 

SubTotal: $186

 

Shipping: $60 - it is heavy!

 

Total: $ 246

 

source: http://www.hitchesonline.com

 

I'm leaning toward the local purchase and installing myself.

 

The shipping on the product just kills the price savings.

 

Doug

Wow, $219 with shipping to me in DE, since it comes from PA it a shorter trip. Didn't realize going to CO would raise it that much...Geez