Sir, I want to thank you from the bottom of heart. I just installed the hitch on my 2022 Subaru Ascent and didn’t look at the instructions once. There was no need since your video was a step by step process. You saved me a ton of money. Thanks again.
Thanks for the video. To remove popits in the wheel well without breaking them, you have to press the center with a screw driver first, then you can remove them pretty easily.
Did what you suggested. One completely broke. The other broke a little bit, but was still salvageable. Maybe the quality on these popits is questionable?
Thank you guys for the detailed install demo! I just installed the 004 (updated version according to Subaru…) using this as the guide. Went off without a hitch! I’m pretty handy, but was a little worried about tackling it myself. After watching the video and following along it was easy! The new ‘updated’ 004 version doesn’t include the receiver (available separately) or the cover plates. It did include the wiring harness for the brake controller, just have to add the controller itself. Thanks again!
Great video - it gave me confidence to do this myself on my '22 Ascent Limited. Maybe due to part update but ground wire install instruction is missing. If you search for L101SXC005 on Subaru Parts Pros, there's a detailed installation PDF on how to secure the ground wire.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for this video. I followed it while installing a hitch on a ‘21 Ascent Touring and it went flawlessly. The OEM instructions helped some, but you guys knocked it out of the park.
Thank you for a great video. This is going to save me a lot of money. By the way, the Poppets that you broke, can be released by pushing the center pins in halfway, and that will release the little fingers so that the whole pin will be removable. Thanks again for a great video.
Thanks for this awesome video. I wasn't sure if I wanted to tackle this but the video convinced me. It was a very easy job. I have a lift but you certainly don't need one. I saved $500.00. I was very detailed and careful but damn it, I forgot to plug in the bumper sensors. I was able to reach through the hitch area and above the drivers side muffler and plug it in. Phew... Thanks again, I owe you a 6 pack. Ps: My unopened box from the dealer did not have the cover plates or any instructions.
Great video editing. I appreciated how you explained (and showed) the essence of the step, and then fast forwarded through the mundane or obvious parts of it. It was also helpful that you called out the tools & torque required as you went. Many thanks for taking the effort to do this. All the best to you.
Thank you for the well done video. Definitely 10 out of 10. As others mentioned, there are some changes with the latest version of this tow hitch (004, instead of 001). And, yes, you can avoid breaking those two pop-outs by pushing in the center button prior to pulling them. Although you gave the Subaru number for them, you can also find something "close enough" at your local Advanced Auto (or the like).
I don't even own a Subaru Ascent, but plan on getting one later this year. I will have the two hitch installed by dealer/subaru, but wanted to know more about what exactly is done to get it installed. Your video took the mystery away and was very easy to understand. Thank you! I will now know exactly what's been done to my future Ascent. :)
Thanks for the video! My 2023 packaged hitch didn't come with instructions, so very needed video. I will add that there is a chassis ground wire that was added to the hitch wiring harness section. put it on a chassis ground and its should be good.
Awesome video! By the way, those two pop rivets on the top of the inside of the two wheel wells, you can push the middle in with a flathead screwdriver, and the take them off with your finger. That will keep them from breaking.
You guys just saved me $600. Thanks a bunch. Fun morning of work. And no joke on those poppers breaking in the wheel well, haha! Only critique - coming from a guy without a air drill - was loosening the tow hitch mounts after the video tells you to cinch them down was painful. I thought I had remembered to leave them loose from the first time I watched, but was following 25-30s at a time pausing and restarting so I didn’t get the tip till it was too late. I wonder if there Is a way to amend the video without a complete repost to put that in sooner... regardless, Thanks a ton.
I have a 2014 Forester I put a hitch on it has many of the same clips as this. The ones you broke you need to push the center in first prior to popping off.
It's not terribly difficult, just have yourself a good torque wrench and socket set. I did it in less than 3 hours. If I had to do it again, I bet 1.5 hours. The dealer charges almost $500 to install it, so it's a no brainer. The kit doesn't come with a manual, so make sure to google the part number and dl the pdf. Also, the new revision 4 of the tow kit does not have the metal covers, which took us an hour of searching before we realized it. Even the Subaru dealer didn't know that.
This install is a piece of cake compared to the 2020 outback hitch install. I had to remove the mufflers on my outback, and cut a section of the bumper out.
@@briancoverstone4042 thanks for the info about the metal covers. Our dealership did not know anything either so we ended up making our own covers out of stuff lying around the shop. This is a sign of relief that we didn’t need them.
You guys are the best! Thank you for saving me a bunch of money. To get dealer installed it would have been $1200. Followed your directions and had in installed with an hour. Thanks again for you video.👍👍👍🙏👍
@@subierecycler3487 Same procedure, but there are some changes to some of the parts. There are no more side plates, you use silicone (I used paint), and some new white round clips that replace the stock ones on the plastic trim pieces. Other than that, install is the same.
Thanks for the tutorial it was perfect. Just did mine in under 2 hours. Seems like the cover plates are no longer included so I just put the bolts back in place.
Thank you very much for this video! Perfectly clear, easy to follow, exactly what I needed to install the hitch on my 2019 Ascent today. Saved a good chunk of change installing it myself, and it was much easier than thought before watching this!
This is a perfect video if you want do to it yourself. I've just installed mine and it worked like an Ikea manual. A few things: - the part number I've got was: L101SXC004. This is without the tongue (gonna use it for a bike rack anyway). BUT mine did not have the two black metal cover plates the goes on after you install the the crossbar. No biggie, it doesn't add a lot to the car's integrity, but I was surprised. - also, I'm left with some white pop-it kind of plastic thingamajigs that were in the bag with the twist-off pop-its that allows you to easily remove the cover. No idea what they are 🤷♂️ - I managed to remove all the pop-its without breaking one. If you take a minute and inspect one of them, it's easy to realize how they work. Basically you need to use your removal tool between the washer looking thing and the circular thing. The one in the wheel well is the special one, you just need to push in the middle. Also, I learned a lot about my car during the process, so that's an added bonus!
Thanks Rob, we haven't installed the brake controller at this point because we don't tow anything heavy enough to warrant trailer brakes. I will take another look and maybe do a quick video on how to install the controller.
The pop-its you broke are really easy to remove. To remove, just use a pointy tip to push the button in. It will pop in slightly and click. Then simply pry the pop-it out and it will slip out easily.
What a great video. I planned to have it installed at a Subaru delearship though after watching this I believe i can do it myself and save a good amount of money. The dealership wants around 500 for the parts and 500 for labor. I have a 2023 Ascent, where can I purchase the htich? From Subaru dealer @ $500?
Some Subaru parts dealers will price match online prices. I found this one on SubaruOnlineParts.com for $431 + shipping. www.subaruonlineparts.com/sku/l101sxc004.html
Question. I purchased and installed the 2020 version of this hitch. The 2020 version doesn’t have cover plates. Is this true? Want to make sure I’m not missing critical pieces. Great video guys. It made my install easy.
We have heard the plates are no longer included with the hitch package. They really do not offer any structural support for the hitch, but were more to block up the holes in the bumper beam where debris could accumulate. I wouldn't worry about not having them. Thanks for watching!
I followed your video and put the OEM hitch on my 2021 ascent within 1 hr. This video is legit helpful, thanks for the totorial. What should i do with the brake contorller pigtail? should i buy a brake controller to use the wire? thanks
Great video. Helped tremendously. I have a question. I got a handful of white pushpins and white foam stickers. Any idea where they go? Also my OEM package didn’t come with the black plates. Are they absolutely necessary or just to cover up the remainder of the holes?
A number of people have said the newer kits do not come with the black plates, they don't really do anything other than block the holes so my guess is Subaru decided to save some $$ and not put them in the newer kits. As for the white push pins and foam stickers the only place we used them was on the wiring harness to keep it tight and attached to the hitch.
The white pins are for the two side plastic strips.. the first thing you took off. They have two of those white pop rivets on both sides. Make sure you reinstall them with the tiny black rubber washers, or just use the new ones. The two foam strips wrap around the two connectors in the trunk to that little black box. I don't know what they're for. Maybe vibrations can cause the plug to become intermittent in some rare case.
Hi thanks for saving me some money! I noticed you have trailer hitch part # L101scxc002, I have 003. I believe there is a 004 now. Cant find what the differences are, any idea? One thing I did notice was they don't include the hitch receiver or the the cover panels in the newer kits. Thanks!
Typically the increase in the final digit of the part number refers to a superceded number with the same fitment as the old number due to a small revision of parts within the package. That is interesting about the cover panels not being included, I have not heard about that, they did not seem crucial to the install process nor the strength of the hitch itself.
Great question, we have actually lost one of them and I need to order a replacement but have yet to find a part number for them. There is not a part number for those clips on the documentation included with the hitch. I have my friends at Subaru looking to see if they can find a part number, otherwise it may be best to take one into NAPA and see if they have something that will work.
@@HBHenryChoi Success! Subaru part number L101SXC700 is for the 1/4 turn fastener and clip that slides over the plastic. They are sold individually so if you need both, order two of those.
Great video! I just bought the L101SXC005 kit from my dealer to install on my 2022 Ascent. It includes the H771SXC002 wiring harness (with a sticker on it that says "New Ground Design". It has a ground wire coming out of the side of the harness that plugs into the car-side plug with a ground ring on it. Also, there is a single screw (p/N 904580002) that is included in the kit (looks like it fits in the ground ring). Anyone have any idea of how this is supposed to be installed or have a link to the instructions for this version?
Our shop is located just outside of Denver, CO. At this time we do not do installs, we sell recycled Subaru parts. We wanted to put some information out there that could help someone install the OEM hitch themselves. Thank you for the kind words!
We don't see any sort of risk by not installing them, should not cause an issue. But they will be needed if you go back to the factory bumper beam at any point.
If it came with washers I'd probably use them. Subaru updates the kits with new parts all the time, it could just be they ran out of the other style rivets or decided to redesign them.
Any Subaru dealership should be able to get it for you. There are other aftermarket+ brands of hitches as well, Uhaul, Curt etc, but in our opinion the OEM hitch is the strongest option on this vehicle.
I didn’t get any either when I bought the OEM set in July 2021…seems Subaru deemed it unnecessary. Reinstalled the original bolts and moved on to the next step.
From what I have been able to find there is no specific part number for the trailer brake wiring harness, meaning that it is probably not able to be purchased separately from the hitch. There are aftermarket options from etrailer.com but I don't know if they are plug and play like the Subaru harness is.
Install costs can vary widely from dealership to dealership. We were quoted about $650 for the install on this hitch, which is why we decided to make the video and show people how to save some money.
As far as we know the hitch did not come as standard equipment, many dealers will add them to vehicles on the lot before they are sold and add the cost to the price of the vehicle.
Confirmed…purchased the OEM hitch shown here from a Subaru dealership and it does not include the cover plates shown around 10:02 in the vid. I just reinstalled the original bolts where the cover plate should have gone and moved on. Great video guys. Thanks!
The video was great, thank you! I was able to get it all done in about 3 hours. Small suggestions - Could you explain which of the M14 bolts use washers and which don’t? Could you also speak to the order In which the bolts need to be torqued? Here’s a link to the PDF guide for those who need any clarification: techinfo.subaru.com/stis/doc/accInstallGuide/TR8%20tow%20hitch%20-%20installation%20instructions%20-%20DRAFT%20-%2001242018.pdf
Sir, I want to thank you from the bottom of heart. I just installed the hitch on my 2022 Subaru Ascent and didn’t look at the instructions once. There was no need since your video was a step by step process. You saved me a ton of money. Thanks again.
One of the best made installation videos I have ever seen. Rated: 10 out of 10. Well done.
Done in 2 1/2 hrs. by myself - no lift. Saved $360 installation fee. Thanks again.
@@RickfromLafayette Thank you, glad it was helpful and saved you some $$!
Thanks for the video. To remove popits in the wheel well without breaking them, you have to press the center with a screw driver first, then you can remove them pretty easily.
DAMN..which I had read this line before starting!
Did what you suggested. One completely broke. The other broke a little bit, but was still salvageable. Maybe the quality on these popits is questionable?
I figured this out on one side. Only broke 1 lol
Thank you guys for the detailed install demo! I just installed the 004 (updated version according to Subaru…) using this as the guide. Went off without a hitch! I’m pretty handy, but was a little worried about tackling it myself. After watching the video and following along it was easy! The new ‘updated’ 004 version doesn’t include the receiver (available separately) or the cover plates. It did include the wiring harness for the brake controller, just have to add the controller itself. Thanks again!
Exactly what I wanted to see. Every step shown and explained very clearly. Thanks!
I agree, very specific and you can see exactly how its done.
Great video - it gave me confidence to do this myself on my '22 Ascent Limited. Maybe due to part update but ground wire install instruction is missing. If you search for L101SXC005 on Subaru Parts Pros, there's a detailed installation PDF on how to secure the ground wire.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for this video. I followed it while installing a hitch on a ‘21 Ascent Touring and it went flawlessly. The OEM instructions helped some, but you guys knocked it out of the park.
Glad we could be helpful! Thank you!
Thank you for a great video. This is going to save me a lot of money. By the way, the Poppets that you broke, can be released by pushing the center pins in halfway, and that will release the little fingers so that the whole pin will be removable. Thanks again for a great video.
Thanks for this awesome video. I wasn't sure if I wanted to tackle this but the video convinced me. It was a very easy job. I have a lift but you certainly don't need one. I saved $500.00. I was very detailed and careful but damn it, I forgot to plug in the bumper sensors. I was able to reach through the hitch area and above the drivers side muffler and plug it in. Phew... Thanks again, I owe you a 6 pack. Ps: My unopened box from the dealer did not have the cover plates or any instructions.
Great video editing. I appreciated how you explained (and showed) the essence of the step, and then fast forwarded through the mundane or obvious parts of it. It was also helpful that you called out the tools & torque required as you went. Many thanks for taking the effort to do this. All the best to you.
Thank you, Scott. We appreciate the feedback!
Thank you for the video. Just installed a factory hitch on my 2023 ascent no directions. Your video made it easy Super helpful.😊
Thank you for the well done video. Definitely 10 out of 10. As others mentioned, there are some changes with the latest version of this tow hitch (004, instead of 001). And, yes, you can avoid breaking those two pop-outs by pushing in the center button prior to pulling them. Although you gave the Subaru number for them, you can also find something "close enough" at your local Advanced Auto (or the like).
Is there any chance you can post a video or pictures of the install of the brake controller?
I don't even own a Subaru Ascent, but plan on getting one later this year. I will have the two hitch installed by dealer/subaru, but wanted to know more about what exactly is done to get it installed. Your video took the mystery away and was very easy to understand. Thank you! I will now know exactly what's been done to my future Ascent. :)
Hello and thanks. Installed and you saved me $800.00 bucks (dealer price to install). Would have taken them maybe 1.5 hrs.
Thanks for the video!
My 2023 packaged hitch didn't come with instructions, so very needed video.
I will add that there is a chassis ground wire that was added to the hitch wiring harness section. put it on a chassis ground and its should be good.
@ 17:59 - The bumper cover clips broke because you didn’t push in the centre round portion in first.
Awesome video! By the way, those two pop rivets on the top of the inside of the two wheel wells, you can push the middle in with a flathead screwdriver, and the take them off with your finger. That will keep them from breaking.
You guys just saved me $600. Thanks a bunch. Fun morning of work. And no joke on those poppers breaking in the wheel well, haha!
Only critique - coming from a guy without a air drill - was loosening the tow hitch mounts after the video tells you to cinch them down was painful. I thought I had remembered to leave them loose from the first time I watched, but was following 25-30s at a time pausing and restarting so I didn’t get the tip till it was too late. I wonder if there Is a way to amend the video without a complete repost to put that in sooner... regardless, Thanks a ton.
Clean install! Thank you for this. Quality work. "it's all back, like no one was ever there."
Awesome step by step video! Took us just under 2 hours. Nice to save the money and do it ourselves. Thank you!!!
Thanks Emily, glad we could help!
Great video and description, helped me make the decision to go to the subaru dealership for my 2022 Ascent tow hitch installation.
Thank you for such a detailed install video! I just bought an Ascent and I will need to get this on our vehicle ASAP
After this, I will be wanting a small travel trailer.
I have a 2014 Forester I put a hitch on it has many of the same clips as this. The ones you broke you need to push the center in first prior to popping off.
Excellent overview and summary of the installation process. Thanks for the video!
Thank you, we're glad you enjoyed the video!
Great video! So much labor, Subaru should have just included it from the factory.
It's not terribly difficult, just have yourself a good torque wrench and socket set. I did it in less than 3 hours. If I had to do it again, I bet 1.5 hours. The dealer charges almost $500 to install it, so it's a no brainer. The kit doesn't come with a manual, so make sure to google the part number and dl the pdf. Also, the new revision 4 of the tow kit does not have the metal covers, which took us an hour of searching before we realized it. Even the Subaru dealer didn't know that.
This install is a piece of cake compared to the 2020 outback hitch install. I had to remove the mufflers on my outback, and cut a section of the bumper out.
This was not too bad actually. Instructions were not included in the box, and the stis site does not have that manual....but this video was perfect!
@@briancoverstone4042 thanks for the info about the metal covers. Our dealership did not know anything either so we ended up making our own covers out of stuff lying around the shop. This is a sign of relief that we didn’t need them.
I don't have a garage lift so I will probably pay Subaru to install mine. If I were 30 years old, I might try this job.
You guys are the best! Thank you for saving me a bunch of money. To get dealer installed it would have been $1200. Followed your directions and had in installed with an hour. Thanks again for you video.👍👍👍🙏👍
Awesome! Glad we could help you save some $$$!
Thank you so much for the video. I was able to install the hitch on my 2024 in about 2.5 hours.
Glad it was helpful! We will edit the title as the 2024 model will be the same procedure. Thank you!
@@subierecycler3487 Same procedure, but there are some changes to some of the parts. There are no more side plates, you use silicone (I used paint), and some new white round clips that replace the stock ones on the plastic trim pieces. Other than that, install is the same.
Great video, after viewing this I'd be very confident in installing this myself, well done Allen and the other guy who was assisting.
Thanks for the tutorial it was perfect. Just did mine in under 2 hours. Seems like the cover plates are no longer included so I just put the bolts back in place.
Superb information it’s also fitted for 2022 ascent. The tire well little clip pin needs to push down on the center piece when you disassembling.
Thank you very much for this video! Perfectly clear, easy to follow, exactly what I needed to install the hitch on my 2019 Ascent today. Saved a good chunk of change installing it myself, and it was much easier than thought before watching this!
Very nice job! Glad I am getting the hitch installed by the factory, I thought about a DIY. Glad I didn't. Thanks again!
Thanks man!! Just did mine using ur video. Did it in 1hr 10 min by my self lol
I echo what others have already said... fantastic tutorial! A friend and I did this in 1.5 hours. Thank you!
To remove the fasteners on the wheel well, you need to push the center before removing the whole thing.
Thank you for this video! I had the instructions, but this provided some much needed clarification.
Thank you, glad it helped you out!
The best diy video installation ever. Thank you so much. You guys are awesome
Perfect video. I just ordered the OEM hitch for our Ascent.
Very helpful from start to finish. Great job
This is a perfect video if you want do to it yourself. I've just installed mine and it worked like an Ikea manual.
A few things:
- the part number I've got was: L101SXC004. This is without the tongue (gonna use it for a bike rack anyway). BUT mine did not have the two black metal cover plates the goes on after you install the the crossbar. No biggie, it doesn't add a lot to the car's integrity, but I was surprised.
- also, I'm left with some white pop-it kind of plastic thingamajigs that were in the bag with the twist-off pop-its that allows you to easily remove the cover. No idea what they are 🤷♂️
- I managed to remove all the pop-its without breaking one. If you take a minute and inspect one of them, it's easy to realize how they work. Basically you need to use your removal tool between the washer looking thing and the circular thing. The one in the wheel well is the special one, you just need to push in the middle.
Also, I learned a lot about my car during the process, so that's an added bonus!
Great video, happen to have one for adding a brake controller?
Thanks Rob, we haven't installed the brake controller at this point because we don't tow anything heavy enough to warrant trailer brakes. I will take another look and maybe do a quick video on how to install the controller.
The pop-its you broke are really easy to remove. To remove, just use a pointy tip to push the button in. It will pop in slightly and click. Then simply pry the pop-it out and it will slip out easily.
Correct, they still like to break so it's a good idea to have some spares.
I'm surprised Subaru went with a 5-piece construction on this versus a one piece like Curt did for their model. At any rate, great video.
Followed the steps and worked perfectly! Thank you!
You make it look easy! Thanks.
It's not hard, you can do it!
You mentioned the socket size for every bolt except the big m14 bolts. And of course my socket set only went to 18mm.
You guys are great! Thanks for making the video. Do you have a video about what to do next for a brake controller on the Ascent?
What a great video. I planned to have it installed at a Subaru delearship though after watching this I believe i can do it myself and save a good amount of money. The dealership wants around 500 for the parts and 500 for labor. I have a 2023 Ascent, where can I purchase the htich? From Subaru dealer @ $500?
Some Subaru parts dealers will price match online prices. I found this one on SubaruOnlineParts.com for $431 + shipping. www.subaruonlineparts.com/sku/l101sxc004.html
Thanks! Ill check it out@@subierecycler3487
Great video! Thanks for taking the time.
Thanks for the video. It made my install easy.
Question. I purchased and installed the 2020 version of this hitch. The 2020 version doesn’t have cover plates. Is this true? Want to make sure I’m not missing critical pieces. Great video guys. It made my install easy.
We have heard the plates are no longer included with the hitch package. They really do not offer any structural support for the hitch, but were more to block up the holes in the bumper beam where debris could accumulate. I wouldn't worry about not having them. Thanks for watching!
I followed your video and put the OEM hitch on my 2021 ascent within 1 hr. This video is legit helpful, thanks for the totorial. What should i do with the brake contorller pigtail? should i buy a brake controller to use the wire? thanks
Do a video on the installation of the Brake controller please.
It would be very helpful to see the install of the ebrake control harness. Where does it attach? Etc.
do you have a resource or P/N for those wonderful replacement popits on the bumper cover?
Great video!
Question. Where does the white ground wire off the harness itself connect to ?
Great video. Helped tremendously. I have a question. I got a handful of white pushpins and white foam stickers. Any idea where they go? Also my OEM package didn’t come with the black plates. Are they absolutely necessary or just to cover up the remainder of the holes?
A number of people have said the newer kits do not come with the black plates, they don't really do anything other than block the holes so my guess is Subaru decided to save some $$ and not put them in the newer kits. As for the white push pins and foam stickers the only place we used them was on the wiring harness to keep it tight and attached to the hitch.
The white pins are for the two side plastic strips.. the first thing you took off. They have two of those white pop rivets on both sides. Make sure you reinstall them with the tiny black rubber washers, or just use the new ones.
The two foam strips wrap around the two connectors in the trunk to that little black box. I don't know what they're for. Maybe vibrations can cause the plug to become intermittent in some rare case.
Great video! Thanks for making this!!!
Nice job. I just got this install job
Those poppets don't brake if you will pinch them in prior to taking them off.
Hi thanks for saving me some money! I noticed you have trailer hitch part # L101scxc002, I have 003. I believe there is a 004 now. Cant find what the differences are, any idea? One thing I did notice was they don't include the hitch receiver or the the cover panels in the newer kits. Thanks!
Typically the increase in the final digit of the part number refers to a superceded number with the same fitment as the old number due to a small revision of parts within the package. That is interesting about the cover panels not being included, I have not heard about that, they did not seem crucial to the install process nor the strength of the hitch itself.
Ya. Mine also didn't come with hitch receiver and cover plate. So I end up skip that cover plate.
My L101SXC004 kit did not come with F/G/H or K (two cover panels)
so you show the sring type retainers but you didnt share where to get those nor did you share what theyre really called. whats with that
19:05 What are these fasteners called and where can I buy them?
Great question, we have actually lost one of them and I need to order a replacement but have yet to find a part number for them. There is not a part number for those clips on the documentation included with the hitch. I have my friends at Subaru looking to see if they can find a part number, otherwise it may be best to take one into NAPA and see if they have something that will work.
@@subierecycler3487 none looks as perfect/easy as these little things. Hope your friends can help!
@@HBHenryChoi Success! Subaru part number L101SXC700 is for the 1/4 turn fastener and clip that slides over the plastic. They are sold individually so if you need both, order two of those.
Where i can buy thehitch trailer harness by itself?
Same exact process for 2020 ascent I assume ?
That is correct, all current models of the Ascent will be the same.
Great video! I just bought the L101SXC005 kit from my dealer to install on my 2022 Ascent. It includes the H771SXC002 wiring harness (with a sticker on it that says "New Ground Design". It has a ground wire coming out of the side of the harness that plugs into the car-side plug with a ground ring on it. Also, there is a single screw (p/N 904580002) that is included in the kit (looks like it fits in the ground ring). Anyone have any idea of how this is supposed to be installed or have a link to the instructions for this version?
Same question here
Great video. Where are you located? Do you do installs? Your video is so detailed I'm sure I could figure it out but I would rather come to you!
Our shop is located just outside of Denver, CO. At this time we do not do installs, we sell recycled Subaru parts. We wanted to put some information out there that could help someone install the OEM hitch themselves. Thank you for the kind words!
Is there any risk involved with not re-installing the nut and bolt after taking the bumper beam off? I noticed my dealer did not reinstall them.
We don't see any sort of risk by not installing them, should not cause an issue. But they will be needed if you go back to the factory bumper beam at any point.
This is great guys! I’m excited to take this on myself. Those plastic rivets always scare me though. What tool are you using there?
How long would you say it takes to complete the project?
My 1/4 twist rivets came with a small washer. I didn't see one with yours. Is it not needed?
If it came with washers I'd probably use them. Subaru updates the kits with new parts all the time, it could just be they ran out of the other style rivets or decided to redesign them.
Very well done video...
Thank you! It was our first attempt, but we will have more coming and hopefully improve a few things!
Would this instructions be the same for a 2023 Ascent?
Yes, the install steps should be very close on the '23. Some parts may look a little different, but the overall process will be the same.
Where do I order the exact same kit you have shown in the video?
Any Subaru dealership should be able to get it for you. There are other aftermarket+ brands of hitches as well, Uhaul, Curt etc, but in our opinion the OEM hitch is the strongest option on this vehicle.
Does this seven pin provide power or will I need to run wiring from the front of the car?
If you use the wiring harness that is shown on the video starting at 8:17 then yes the 7pin has power from the plug in the rear hatch area of the car.
Hey guys they didn’t give me the side cover plates..would it be okay without these ?
I didn’t get any either when I bought the OEM set in July 2021…seems Subaru deemed it unnecessary. Reinstalled the original bolts and moved on to the next step.
Is there a part number for the spring loaded clips?
Subaru part number L101SXC700
anyone know the part number for the wiring harness?
From what I have been able to find there is no specific part number for the trailer brake wiring harness, meaning that it is probably not able to be purchased separately from the hitch. There are aftermarket options from etrailer.com but I don't know if they are plug and play like the Subaru harness is.
How much does that install usually cost?!
Install costs can vary widely from dealership to dealership. We were quoted about $650 for the install on this hitch, which is why we decided to make the video and show people how to save some money.
Where I can buy
Does the hitch not come standard with the Ascent?
As far as we know the hitch did not come as standard equipment, many dealers will add them to vehicles on the lot before they are sold and add the cost to the price of the vehicle.
do you torqued the bolts in the wheel well too?
Yes. You torque all 12 M14 bolts to 82ft/lbs. The installation instructions show you the order in which to torque them.
How different is this on a 2021?
Should be nearly identical, although others have said the updated hitch kit does not come with the plates that block off the bumper beam holes.
Confirmed…purchased the OEM hitch shown here from a Subaru dealership and it does not include the cover plates shown around 10:02 in the vid. I just reinstalled the original bolts where the cover plate should have gone and moved on. Great video guys. Thanks!
Trying to understand the logic of having SEA and metric parts on one car.
Where do I get this hitch?
This hitch is a Subaru OEM hitch, any dealer should be able to order it for you or you can find them by part number on ebay/Amazon etc
Blue loctite on everything
The video was great, thank you! I was able to get it all done in about 3 hours. Small suggestions - Could you explain which of the M14 bolts use washers and which don’t? Could you also speak to the order In which the bolts need to be torqued? Here’s a link to the PDF guide for those who need any clarification: techinfo.subaru.com/stis/doc/accInstallGuide/TR8%20tow%20hitch%20-%20installation%20instructions%20-%20DRAFT%20-%2001242018.pdf
thank GOD I just paid the dealership to do this lol
Its a 4x4
Great video!