boxerT Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 I would like to install a trailer hitch on my '05 Legacy GT Wagon. Besides the factory unit, who makes the nicest, most invisible and bolt on unit? I would like the hitch to be invisible except for the receiver portion. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubiGT Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 If you want to tow, you might as do it right...... http://images.vetteweb.com/tech/0312vet_01z+2000_Chevrolet_Corvette+Rear_Side_Towing_Harley.jpg Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehsnils Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Maybe search for other threads with trailer hitch references to get a bunch of examples. Personally I have a fixed 50mm ball, but that's fine over here in Sweden. There are a few 60mm too, but all rental places runs 50mm so it's no problem. The only visible part is the ball and the bar it's on. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84475 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praedet Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 The OEM hitch is the most "invisible", most complete, and nicest kit out there (also the strongest) This is even more true if you add the Outback mounting brackets... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShrinerMonkey Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Ditto on the OEM Outback hitch. Be sure to get the Outback brackets like praedet mentioned. I did a ton of research and it is by far the best hitch for our cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gf2020 Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 I did a ton of research and it is by far the best hitch for our cars. Unless you want a 2" receiver, in which case you will have to look elsewhere. Such as, http://www.etrailer.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praedet Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Or, you use an adaptor... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LGT-NY Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Buy a truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubberman Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 The OEM hitch is the most "invisible", most complete, and nicest kit out there (also the strongest) This is even more true if you add the Outback mounting brackets... +1 On the OEM hitch & Outback brackets. The aftermarket hitches do not mount up as close to the bumper and also they don't allow as much clearance (slight difference vs OEM hitch). Here's mine with an aftermarket drawbar so that my trailer would sit pretty level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSRBIKER Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 Rubberman if you looked at how the factory hitch curves would it clear the spare tire well if it could be mounted up higher? The Australian OEM hitch is completely hidden behind the bumper and they notch the lower part of the bumper for the receiver. I am going to do the same thing but would start with the OEM hitch if I can and just modify the brackets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubberman Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 Rubberman if you looked at how the factory hitch curves would it clear the spare tire well if it could be mounted up higher? The Australian OEM hitch is completely hidden behind the bumper and they notch the lower part of the bumper for the receiver. I am going to do the same thing but would start with the OEM hitch if I can and just modify the brackets. I'm not sure, I'd have to take a look under the car to see. Will check and report back. I'm inclined to say it would clear the spare tire well, but the OEM hitch would require a significant mod to raise it higher. The Outback brackets actually utilize a brace in a triangular fashion, so the mounting points on the hitch would also have to be modified (it wouldn't simply be say cutting an inch off the top of the hitch brackets, new holes would need to be created/relocated for the brace). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubberman Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I looked through a few pictures that I already have and found this one, it shows the hitch and how close it is to the spare tire well. Based on this pic, I'd say that the hitch could not be quickly modified and still fit. Note the actual horizontal hitch tubing, it is welded to the interior of the mounting brackets/plates and creates the fitment interference with the spare tire well. But, if the tubing were welded to the other side of the mounting brackets, then it might work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSRBIKER Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 From the picture it doesn't look wide enough to clear the spare tire well, how big is the gap between the hitch and the muffler? What might be the easiest it to cut the hitch just before it makes the curve and reweld it up higher using some flat stock and gussets for strength then it should be able to be hidden behind the bumper and a hole cut for the hitch tube to pass through. Let me know if that makes sense, I'll have to either get a stock hitch or find someone locally that has one installed to verify this as well. Just an FYI so no one says this will not be safe: I own a 4x4 fabrication company(Extreme Offroad Equipment) so modifying a hitch and making sure it can still carry the proper load isn't a backyard project but something I can do properly. Once the project is completed I could modify these for other owners if they would like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSRBIKER Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 ok, I found these from Brinks who is owned by Thule: http://www.brinkweb.com/download_manual.php?id=1753 http://www.brinkweb.com/download_manual.php?id=1754 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainmorgan Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 my class II Hidden Hitch sits better than the OEM one does on my OBXT. And it was $63 shipped from JCWhitney.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praedet Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 pics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSRBIKER Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 my class II Hidden Hitch sits better than the OEM one does on my OBXT. And it was $63 shipped from JCWhitney.com pics and part number please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dammitjim Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 The Hidden Hitch round tube is the best but good luck finding one. They haven't made them for a couple years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Umbakrail Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 I phoned to my dealer last week (in Canada) to order an oem hitch. I had us part number but the part guy tolm me he can't do anything whit that because his part # are different. I told him I wanted the oem and not the Draw-Tite. On Monday I went to the dealer to take the hitch and when I asked him to open the box I saw the Draw-tite one wich I returned. I showed the picture I had from the net (oem hitch) and he told me it's not available anymore in Canada. Can someone confirm me if it's true ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ1177 Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 By far the strongest tow hitch & one of the neatest looking, as everything except for the actual attachment is hidden is the Australian OEM unit, http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40784 & this is the australian supplier to aus subaru http://www.haymanreese.com.au/index.htm they are rated at 1500kg & 150kg on the tow ball Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSRBIKER Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 CJ that hitch is perfect, the Brinks hitch i posted a link to mounts very similar and has a 2000kg rating. Brinks responded to my inquiry but said i need to talk to Valley industries about US hitches which are not the same. I just sent a reply and told them i am willing to import them if they let me know how many the minimum order will be and we can get a mass buy organized. The Australian hitch is the best fitting and looking IMO. Unfortunately Hayman Reese has never replied to the three e-mails i have sent them, I wonder if www.Japanparts.com can import them for us? I am going to contact them now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSRBIKER Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 I'll have to look later but do we have a bumper beam behind the bumper skin that would interfere with the Australian or Brinks type hitch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praedet Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 So, what are you going to do about the fact that the car is rated to less weight by far than the hitch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSRBIKER Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 I am not sure what the question is, all hitches have a weight rating this doesn't mean the car/truck can pull up to the rating of their hitch...just the hitch is strong enough to. So, what are you going to do about the fact that the car is rated to less weight by far than the hitch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praedet Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 Right, so the Subaru hitch exatly matches the rating of the vehicle... Why go above that? Personally, I actually think the hitch under the car is less noticable than the 2" reciever sticking 2" out of a hole in the bumper... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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