06 forester - dealer or aftermarket tow hitch?

[-leslie]

­I'm in process of buying my 1st Subaru. I'm really looking forward to
the heated seats, and to not getting stuck going up my driveway this winter.
Anyhow - I'll be occassionally towing a light (130 lb.) sailing dinghy or a
light utility trailer. Should I get the dealer to install the Subaru one, or
does it not matter if I go aftermarket? Thanks!
­­
­

 

[Larry Van Wormer]

­I'm in process of buying my 1st Subaru. I'm really looking forward to
the heated seats, and to not getting stuck going up my driveway this winter.
Anyhow - I'll be occassionally towing a light (130 lb.) sailing dinghy or a
light utility trailer. Should I get the dealer to install the Subaru one, or
does it not matter if I go aftermarket? Thanks!
­­
­

I think you can get a good aftermarket one cheaper. Here's a link for
comparison:

http://www.etrailer.com/products.asp?model=Forester&category=hitch&year=2006&make=Subaru&t1=&h=e

 

[Phil]

If your vehicle is automatic you will need a transmission oil cooler to be
fitted. Best to go with the Subaru one I believe. I did with my OBW and have
not had any complaints or problems.

 

[Ralph E Lindberg]

If your vehicle is automatic you will need a transmission oil cooler to be
fitted. Best to go with the Subaru one I believe. I did with my OBW and have
not had any complaints or problems.

He actually might not, that trailer sounds really light (~400 lbs
loaded?).

--

 

[Edward Hayes]

My 97,000 mile Forester regularly tows an 1800 lb boat for 40 miles
one way to the lake without any problems with the standard
transmission oil cooler. I do tow on level. No extra cooler needed
IMO. eddie

 

[S]

Hi Leslie!

Should I get the dealer to install the Subaru one, or
does it not matter if I go aftermarket? Thanks!

The OEM hitch is very nice, and comes with everything you'll need to
get going except for a ball. Also comes with the proper wiring
harness, and a cool "Subaru" cover for the receiver opening.
Install is a simple DIY project if your dealership won't do it for you
for free. (I'd expect they would, assuming you're buying the car from
them; 15 minute job for a tech with access to a hoist.)

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Hi Leslie!




The OEM hitch is very nice, and comes with everything you'll need to
get going except for a ball. Also comes with the proper wiring
harness, and a cool "Subaru" cover for the receiver opening.
Install is a simple DIY project if your dealership won't do it for you
for free. (I'd expect they would, assuming you're buying the car from
them; 15 minute job for a tech with access to a hoist.)

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

Though its expensive compred to etrailer,etc. the oem one is nice. I
have it on my WRX and a coupla reasons I opted for it were clearance for
an aftermarket 'sport' muffler and possible warranty claims. I just
didn't want to hear "well, we can't fix your transmission because you've
been towing something with a non-factory hitch" - type stuff. probably a
remote chance of that happening I admit.

fyi

Carl
1 Lucky Texan