Hey all, This thread could have gone in a few places, but due to the general nature, I thought maybe off topic may be the best. After previewing and reading through it, I don't really know the point of this thread. I'm going to get more coffee. Opinions, suggestions, random thoughts? I'm looking to get a hitch for my 02 WRX. First, I wanted to see if anyone had one laying around that they watned to part with so I didn't have to buy a new one. Anyone??? The result of searching this site, I came across a couple threads who suggested E-trailer, so I logged on. The prices aren't bad, and they offer free shipping. http://www.etrailer.com/products.asp?model=Impreza&category=hitch&year=2002&make=Subaru&h= The thread suggested Draw-Tite and said that although it may not fit perfectly, a guy can get it to work. This winter, I'm looking to put on one of these: Just so I don't have this sticking out of my trunk every time I want to go ice fishing: So I'll end up with something like this:
I have been looking for one too. If I remember the draw tight one is vary hidden but is in the way of fart can exhaust. I think if I get one I will just modify it where the exhaust is. Also I know there is a thread on nasioc about this.
I think the hitch I have is draw-tite, I know it's not the OEM hitch. I had to get the extended exhaust hangers from karboy. But other than that it fit just fine, I just had some trouble because the bumper beam on my car had stripped out mounting holes, so I had to replace that before I could get the hitch bolted up solid. Also, I'm pretty sure that 1993-2007 imprezas all use the same trailer hitch, I know the one I have used to be on an 02 and my car is a 00, so that might make it a bit easier to find a used one. Anyway, I pull a small utility trailer and haul bikes with the hitch. Yeah, I know the extra tail lights on top look extremely dorky, but otherwise with the bikes on there you can't see the turn signals at all. Oh, and I think this is a valid topic for the modification/maintenance section.
Joel - did you have any issues with wiring up the auxiliary lighting? The nice thing about my car ('06 wrx wagon) and the oem hitch was that it was totally plug and play to get the trailer lights to work.
I had to get a 5 to 4 wire converter. Other than that it was simple. I just spliced into the wiring inside the taillights themselves rather than cut into the vehicle harness. I just leave the converter inside the car and made a 3 foot extension that I run out through the tailgate when I need the lights (rather that have the converter hanging outside the car all the time...).
I purchased the following from eTrailer.com http://www.etrailer.com/p-24710.htm Draw-Tite Class I Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver 1 $100.95 Combo Bar 8" with 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 1 $17.25 $17.25 Shipping: UPS Ground: $11.05 Sales Tax: $0.00 Total: $129.25 I had a welding shop in Shakopee remove the 1.25" receiver and weld on the 2" to be able to switch racks between my wagon and the Odyssey w/o messing with adapters/extenders. Guy charged me $20. Hit it with a can of Rustoleum to match the car as close as possible. Clears OE (obviously) and Maddad axlebacks TMK. Sweetness. Just be careful how much tongue weight you put on the hitch or you'll redefine understeer.
Yeah, I'm very happy with my towing setup. Just big enough for what I need, but still small enough to not be a pita. I ended up modifying my trailer a bit and added these mechanical "bike shoe" things. They work really well.
I've only ever seen class 1 for sale for imprezas. But both class 1 and 2 use the same receiver size (1 1/4"). Class 2 wouldn't help too much since the limiting factor on the weight is your car, unless maybe for bikes racks, they might be more ridgid so the bikes won't bounce as much.
Does the hitch lower the exhaust? I know driftin240 has the same muffler I have and hitch I want and that looked ok ... hmmm
No, not unless you put on the extended exhaust hangers. My hitch moved the mounting point of one of the exhaust hangers slightly, but that wasn't enough to move the exhaust.
