[technurse]

I'm told by the dealership that there is no genuine tow hitch for the 2018 OB, that there are only 3rd party tow hitches available. They said they tried the Subaru tow hitch and it didn't fit the 2018 OB, even though the brochure offers the tow hitch as an accessory. Wondering if they were just trying to save a buck by not using a genuine Subaru part? Was anyone else able to get a genuine Subaru tow hitch installed on their 2018 OB?

 

[redhunter]

I'm told by the dealership that there is no genuine tow hitch for the 2018 OB. . .

Rule 1: Don't rely on what a dealer says. I'm amazed at how little they know or how often they are wrong.
Rule 2: Assume that what a dealer says is for their benefit and not yours.

Subaru thinks that a hitch is available.

My guess is that the dealer has some arrangement with a local hitch shop where they get a kickback on an overpriced hitch. Who knows what would get slapped on your Outback by the corner hitch shop. Probably something that says U-Haul on it and cuts your ground clearance in half.

 

[technurse]

Thanks redhunter. I'm guessing it may require a different bumper configuration that they didn't feel like doing. The pic appears that the bummer is different (Indented) although it probably just a generic pic. They did put in a 2" which I prefer anyway, but as you mention ground clearance could be an issue, it doesn't appear it will affect me, but may for others. I will have to test it with my bike rack.

 

[Red Suburu]

Thanks redhunter. I'm guessing it may require a different bumper configuration that they didn't feel like doing. The pic appears that the bummer is different (Indented) although it probably just a generic pic. They did put in a 2" which I prefer anyway, but as you mention ground clearance could be an issue, it doesn't appear it will affect me, but may for others. I will have to test it with my bike rack.

If I'm not mistaken the bumper cover has to be cut to install the factory hitch.

 

[whiteyjfm]

Be happy that you did not get the factory hitch. You will be much happier with a 2" hitch.

 

[rc109a]

Be happy that you did not get the factory hitch. You will be much happier with a 2" hitch.

Why is that? I am looking for one for a 2018 (2015 just got flooded and totaled out) and am reconsidering another smaller hitch. The 2? really does not provide much benefit that I know of. What am I missing?

 

[patrikman]

Why is that? I am looking for one for a 2018 (2015 just got flooded and totaled out) and am reconsidering another smaller hitch. The 2? really does not provide much benefit that I know of. What am I missing?

People only say that because accessories are easier to find.

 

[mholder37]

Our dealer also said no 2" factory hitch for the 2018 Outback - only the smaller one. They can do a third-party hitch but for $250 more than if we hire it done ourselves. My husband went with a class III Drawtite on his and is super happy - though we were told (and charged) for 2 hours of installation when you include the wiring. Seems like a lot.

M

 

[skylergirl]

I was looking at the installation pdf for the factory hitch. It is a real mess. It's like if Ikea built a hitch. You get to put all the pieces together. It is not welded in any way it seems. I could just imagine years down the road when all those bolts and nuts could work their way loose. What a nightmare that would be!

 

[redhunter]

. . . I could just imagine years down the road when all those bolts and nuts could work their way loose.

Threadlock it and forget it

 

[Harleyduo]

I ordered my hitch when I ordered my vehicle and it came on it all installed along with the wiring harness, so I know they are available.