L101SSJ005 – Trailer Hitch – 2022 Subaru Forester

“This site contains affiliate links for which OEMDTC may be compensated”

Accessory Installation Guide

2022MY Forester Trailer HitchL101SSJ005

 

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

PART NUMBER: L101SSJ005

 

DESCRIPTION: FORESTER TRAILER HITCH

 

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY, BEFORE YOU START INSTALLATION

SAFETY PRECAUTION: When installing Trailer Hitch, the use of safety glasses is recommended.

 

WARNING:

1. Always install the accessory following the instructions. Failure to do so may cause damage to the vehicle or the accessory.

2. Please also refer to SUBARUeBay SERVICE MANUAL upon removing and re-assembling vehicle components.

3. Do not drill, cut, weld or otherwise modify the Trailer Hitch.

4. Do not lubricate the bolts and nuts with oil or grease.

5. If Trailer Hitch is removed, a bumper beam MUST be reinstalled. Failure to reinstall a bumper beam after removal of the trailer hitch will negatively affect vehicle rear crash performance. Please contact your SUBARUeBay dealer.

6. When a Trailer Hitch is installed, it is not possible to install the rear towing hook.

7. Never exceed the maximum towing capacity and maximum tongue load. It could cause personal injury and/or vehicle damage.

8. When towing, total vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also the load distribution on each axle must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GVWR and GAWR for your vehicle can be found on the “Certification label” which is located on the left side center pillar of the vehicle.

9. For models equipped with RAB, refer to the part which indicated [RAB].

10. Ensure all recyclable discarded vehicle accessory components and packaging are recycled following local recycling regulations.

11. It is always recommended that this accessory is fitted by a qualified SUBARUeBay technician.

12. In the engine bay, disconnect the negative battery terminal.

13. Safely store and protect any removed vehicle components.

14. Ensure all bare metal surfaces are protected using Automotive Bare Metal Primer and touch-up paint.

15. Remove all metal swarf and dust from all vehicle surfaces if surface is used for accessory installation.

16. Tow hitch to be used with SubarueBay ball mount L101SSJ205 & L101SSJ207. Ball mount is sold separately.

 

Warranty is granted only when installation is done correctly by your SUBARUeBay dealer.

SUBARUeBay reserves the right to change the design of accessories and/or construction, illustration, and text of this manual at anytime without prior notice.

Please put installation instruction in glove box once installation is complete.

 

ACCESS TRUNK WELL AND REMOVE SPARE TIRE

Raise and remove the carpeted spare tire compartment cover.

Remove tool tray

Unscrew and remove tire thumbscrew.

Remove spare tire.

Remove (4) push pin fasteners from side foam trays.

Remove (2) push pin fasteners to remove the rear inside trunk panel.

Remove rear tailgate trim.

 

REMOVE REAR TAIL LIGHT COVERS

Using a small Phillips head screwdriver, remove (2) screws from the rear tail light cover assembly on each side

Using a rachet with 10mm socket, remove the LH and RH tail light housing by removing 2 bolts on each side. Disconnect the connector when removing the housing.

 

REMOVE REAR BUMPER FASCIA

With a screwdriver, release (1) small push pin fastener per side on the LH/RH fascia wheel well. Use the tip of the screwdriver to push the center of the pin.

With a small flat head screwdriver, remove (8) large push pin fasteners across the length of the bumper. Save push pins for later use.

Starting at the LH side wheel well, using both hands, pull one side of the fascia out from the vehicle.

Continue around the rear LH side. At the rear corner, begin to pull rearward and work across the vehicle from left to right to remove the entire bumper.

Disconnect the RAB sensor harness.

Fully release the bumper from the vehicle body.

Lay fascia aside where it will not be damaged during hitch installation.

 

REMOVE REAR BUMPER BEAM

Using 14 mm deep socket, remove (2) bolts and (1) nut from each side of the bumper beam

Discard (2) nuts and (4) bolts.

Remove the bumper beam and apply touch-up paint in the areas shown.

 

REMOVE MUFFLER AND HEAT SHIELD AND PREPARE FRAME

Unbolt the muffler from the exhaust pipe by disconnecting 2 bolts at the flange.

Discard the exhaust gasket and (2) lock nuts

Remove the muffler by first disengaging the rearmost exhaust hanger, then disengaging the forwardmost exhaust hanger.

Put the muffler aside for later reinstallation.

 

Remove (4) heat shield bolts and then remove the heat shield. Retain bolts and heat shield for reinstallation.

 

Remove (2) rubber grommets per side from the bottom of the side frame.

Remove (2) rubber grommet per side from the inside of the frame rail.

 

INSTALL LH / RH FRAME BRACKET ASSEMBLIES – PART “B”

Place LH and RH welded bracket subassembly “B” into side frame hole opening.

Align the bracket holes with the holes in the frame rail.

Loosely install and hand tighten (2) M12 bolt “C” and washer “D” through the bottom of the frame into the (2) frame holes and (2) into the side frame hole. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.

 

INSTALL MAIN HITCH MEMBER – PART “A”

Install the main hitch “A” between the LH and RH frame bracket subassemblies.

Loosely install (3) M12 bolt “C” on each side of the hitch tube into the bracket weld nuts

 

TORQUE FASTENERS

Torque all fasteners in the order and to the torque values as shown in the table

 

MODIFYING REAR BUMPER FASCIA

Move the fascia to a flat area in order to cut the “U” shape for the trailer hitch.

Choose the correct paper termplate from the following pages for vehicle trim and prepare as shown on that page.

Align the edges in the template to the features on the inside of the bumper fascia.

With the template in place, mark the opening shape.

Move the fascia to a flat area in order to cut the opening shape for the trailer hitch.

Remove all burrs and rough edges after the cut is made.

 

INSTALLING RUBBER BUMPER TRIM GASKET “M”

Make sure the starting end of the gasket has a 90° square cut end.

Starting at one end of the bumper opening, carefully slide the gasket “L” along the edge.

Continue to wrap around the opening, being sure to create a smooth joint as you go.

Once the gasket is in place, trim the excess length so that it is even with the edge.

 

WIRING HARNESS INSTALLATION

Locate vehicle side connector and remove/cut tape to uncoil

Mate trailer harness connector “H” to vehicle connector and wrap in foam tape “K”.

 

Remove plug from trunk floor panel as shown.

Route the 4-pin connector end of the trailer harness from the inside of the trunk, through the hole to the underside of the vehicle

Fully seat the rubber grommet into the hole.

 

Remove the adhesive line from the fuse and controller module (ECU) and secure to trunk well in locations shown in picture. (Be sure to thoroughly clean the surface before applying tape)

Route the tube as shown below and then apply adhesive cable tie mounts “J” in the locations shown. (Be sure to thoroughly clean the surface before applying mounts) Use a cable tie “I” to secure the wiring harness to the mounts using the white tape marks on the harness tube as a guide.

 

USE THESE DIMENSIONS TO REFERENCE MOUNTING LOCATIONS FOR STEPS 6 & 7

(A) cable tie mount to tape mark ~ 2 1/8″ (~55mm)
(B) rear truck panel to cable tie mount ~3 3/8″ (~85mm)
(C) rear truck panel to middle of ECU ~2 3/8″ (~60mm)
(D) distance between ECU and fuse holder ~1 1/2″ (~40mm)
(E) edge of grommet to cable tie mount ~5 1/2″ 2″(~140mm)
(F) rear trunk panel to cable tie mount ~3 1/2″ (~90mm)

 

Install the 4-pin flat connector into the clam shell mounting connector.

Using hardware provided, install to trailer hitch wiring mounting bracket.

 

Install (1) adhesive back cable tie mounts “J” in the locations shown. (Be sure to thoroughly clean the surface before applying cable tie mount). Use a cable tie “I” to secure the wiring harness to the mounts using the white tape marks on the harness tube as a guide.

 

REINSTALLATION OF COMPONENTS

Reinstall heat shield. Torque to 10 Nm (90 in-lb)

Reinstall the muffler using self locking nut “N” and exhaust gasket “O” supplied in kit. Torque the exhaust nuts to 45±5 Nm (35•±4 ft-lb)

Reconnect RAB harness

Reinstall rear bumper fascia.

Reinstall rear tail lights and covers.

Reinstall spare tire and related components.

Replace rear compartment cover.

Place receiver plug “M” into tow hitch receiver neck.

 

WIRING HARNESS FUNCTION CHECK

With the ignition on but without starting the engine, perform the following checks sequentially on both the vehicle and trailer lights.

(Turn signals will not work without ignition on the ON position)

Turn on headlamps → Tail lights and marker lights are lit

Turn on Left Turn signal → Left turn signal is flashing.

Turn on Right Turn Signal → Right turn signal is flashing.

Apply foot brake → Stop lights are lit.

 

With the ignition in the “ON” position (not “START”, the engine would not be running) AND the parking brake applied, perform the following checks on both the vehicle and trailer lights.

 

Push “START”

Press the push-button ignition twice without depressing the brake pedal

 

Perform the following at the same time.

Apply foot brake → Stop lights are lit.

Turn on headlamps → Tail lights and marker lights are lit

Shift into reverse → Backup lights are lit.

Turn on Hazards → Left and right turn signals are flashing.

 

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions are an official document and an integral part of the trailer hitch. It should be stored in a glove box all the time and handed over with the vehicle if sold.

 

SAFETY CHAIN HOOK

Always use safety chains when towing.

 

CAUTION

For further information, read vehicle’s owners manual or consult your dealer or dealer’s service department.

SUBARUeBay accepts no liability for product defects caused by the vehicle owner or other persons and/or incorrect use.

After the first 600 miles (966 km), please consult with SUBARUeBay dealer to re-check the tightness of Trailer Hitch bolts and/or nuts.

For models equipped with BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) driving support systems, when towing a trailer, press BSD/RCTA OFF switch to deactivate the systems. The system may not operate properly due to the blocked radar waves. For details about BSD/RCTA OFF switch, refer to the owners manual “BSD/RCTA OFF switch”.

For models equipped with RAB (Reverse Automatic Braking) system, please consult with SUBARUeBay dealer when towing a trailer.

 


2022MY Forester Trailer Hitch

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.33 MB]

 


2022MY Forester Trailer Hitch – (French)

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.44 MB]

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
CURT 13382 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Subaru Crosstrek, GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
  • VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
  • FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
  • RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
  • EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the SubarueBay Crosstrek
SaleBestseller No. 2
Draw-Tite 76227 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2 Inch Square Receiver, Compatible with 2010-2019 Subaru Outback, Wagon Except Sport
  • CUSTOM DESIGNS: Draw-Tite Class 3 trailer hitch tow packages are custom built according to manufacturer specifications to ensure a perfect fit.
  • MAXIMUM STRENGTH: Made of solid, all-welded steel for maximum strength and safety, each hitch is put through rigorous fatigue and stress testing to withstand road abuse. Protected by a two-part black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion.
  • TESTED: Draw-Tite tow hitch receivers are tested to meet and exceed V-5 and SAE J684 standards.
  • CAPACITY: Tow hitch package rated for up to 4,000 lbs. GTW and up to 600 lbs. TW. NOT suitable for use with Weight Distribution systems.
  • VEHICLE APPLICATION: 2010-2019 SubarueBay Outback.
Bestseller No. 3
Draw-Tite 75876 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2 Inch Square Receiver, Compatible with 2014-2018 Subaru Forester.
  • VEHICLE APPLICTION: 2014-2018 SubarueBay Forester.
  • MAXIMUM STRENGTH: Made of solid, all-welded steel for maximum strength and safety, each hitch is put through rigorous fatigue and stress testing to withstand road abuse. Protected by a two-part black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion.
  • TESTED: Draw-Tite tow hitch receivers are tested to meet and exceed V-5 and SAE J684 standards.
  • CAPACITY: Tow hitch package rated for up to 3,500 lbs. GTW and up to 525 lbs. TW. Also suitable for use with Weight Distribution systems of up to 4,000 lbs. WD and 525 lbs. WDTW.
  • CUSTOM DESIGNS: DRAW-TITE Class 3 trailer hitches are custom built according to manufacturer specifications to ensure a perfect fit.
Bestseller No. 4
CURT 13409 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Subaru Forester, GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
  • VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
  • FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
  • RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
  • EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the SubarueBay Forester
Bestseller No. 5
CURT 13494 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Subaru Outback, Legacy
  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
  • VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
  • FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
  • RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
  • EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the SubarueBay Outback and SubarueBay Legacy
Bestseller No. 6
CURT 13448 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Compatible with Select Subaru Ascent , Black
  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 750 lbs. tongue weight, 5,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 750 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
  • VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
  • FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
  • RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
  • EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the SubarueBay Ascent
Bestseller No. 7
CURT 13135 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Subaru Crosstrek, XV
  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
  • VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
  • FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
  • RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
  • EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the SubarueBay Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek
Bestseller No. 8
DRAW TITE 76332 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2 Inch Square Receiver, Compatible with 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy Sedan, 2020-2025 Subaru Outback Wagon.
  • VEHICLE APPLICATION: 2020-2025 SubarueBay Legacy Sedan, 2020-2025 SubarueBay Outback Wagon.
  • CUSTOM DESIGNS: DRAW-TITE Class 3 trailer hitches are custom built according to manufacturer specifications to ensure a perfect fit.
  • STRENGTH: Made of solid, all-welded steel for maximum strength and safety, each hitch is put through rigorous fatigue and stress testing to withstand road abuse (within specified capacities). Protected by a two-part black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion.
  • TESTED: DRAW-TITE hitches are tested to meet and exceed V-5 and SAE J684 standards.
  • CAPACITY: Rated for up to 4,500 lbs. GTW and up to 675 lbs. TW. NOT suitable for use with Weight Distribution systems.
Bestseller No. 9
CURT 13570 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Subaru Outback
  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH - This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
  • VERSATILE DESIGN - This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
  • FULLY TESTED - Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
  • RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT - This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
  • EASY TO INSTALL - This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the SubarueBay Outback
Bestseller No. 10
DRAW TITE 76271Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2 Inch Square Receiver, Compatible with 2019-2025 Subaru Forester and 2022-2024 Subaru WRX.
  • VEHICLE APPLIATION: 2019-2025 SubarueBay Forester and 2022-2024 SubarueBay WRXeBay.
  • CUSTOM DESIGNS: DRAW-TITE Class 3 trailer hitches are custom built according to manufacturer specifications to ensure a perfect fit.
  • STRENGTH: Made of solid, all-welded steel for maximum strength and safety, each hitch is put through rigorous fatigue and stress testing to withstand road abuse (within specified capacities). Protected by a two-part black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion.
  • TESTED: DRAW-TITE hitches are tested to meet and exceed V-5 and SAE J684 standards.
  • CAPACITY: Rated for up to 3,500 lbs. GTW and up to 525 lbs. TW. Also suitable for use with Weight Distribution systems of up to 3,500 lbs. WD and 525 lbs. WDTW.

 


Last update on 2025-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Leave a Comment

Share to...