[DontTreadOnJC]

First off, I'm pretty pissed that this did not come with a hitch receiver. It was a factory order so I got it equipped exactly as I want it... or so I thought. The literature implied that it is set up to tow, so I expected this to be ready to tow from day one! It wasn't until it arrived at the dealership and I saw it in person that I found out it is not, in fact, capable of towing. The receiver is an add-on accessory. It would have been fine if the literature just made that clear. Now the dealer wants to charge 4 hours of labor to install it. They can get ****.

Anyway, /rant. My question is, how do I get this done myself? I have perused this section of the forum and I see several people saying "oh it's easy" and making references to "many" instructional videos, but I have not seen anybody actually link to those videos, or a copy of the service manual, or any other instructions. (I'm surprised they're not stickied at the top of this subforum..?) My YouTube search only came up with install videos by various manufacturers of aftermarket parts. I was going to go with OEM even before I learned about how unsafe the other alternatives are.

I'm capable of wrenching on this myself, I just want to get some solid instructions rather than fumbling through it and figuring it out on my own. I don't know if the OEM part would come with a sheet of written instructions but I would doubt it.

Can anyone help me out? Thanks a bunch.


EDIT: For anybody in the future referencing this thread, POST #4 contains a link to the video instructions. POST #24 contains some useful tips to consider in addition to the instructional video.

 

[packout]

First off, I'm pretty pissed that this did not come with a hitch receiver. It was a factory order so I got it equipped exactly as I want it... or so I thought. The literature implied that it is set up to tow, so I expected this to be ready to tow from day one! It wasn't until it arrived at the dealership and I saw it in person that I found out it is not, in fact, capable of towing. The receiver is an add-on accessory. It would have been fine if the literature just made that clear. Now the dealer wants to charge 4 hours of labor to install it. They can get f*cked.

Anyway, /rant. My question is, how do I get this done myself? I have perused this section of the forum and I see several people saying "oh it's easy" and making references to "many" instructional videos, but I have not seen anybody actually link to those videos, or a copy of the service manual, or any other instructions. (I'm surprised they're not stickied at the top of this subforum..?) My YouTube search only came up with install videos by various manufacturers of aftermarket parts. I was going to go with OEM even before I learned about how unsafe the other alternatives are.

I'm capable of wrenching on this myself, I just want to get some solid instructions rather than fumbling through it and figuring it out on my own. I don't know if the OEM part would come with a sheet of written instructions but I would doubt it.

Can anyone help me out? Thanks a bunch.

The receiver should have been factory port installed. On occassion they did not come that way due to supply chain challenges. Call SOA, calmly explain and ask for them to pick up the dealer install cost. They have done that before.

 

[xydadx3]

I recommend browsing the towing section of the forum, search installation videos, etc. When my hitch arrived it was sans instructions, but I managed to find copy or link here to print. Hopefully someone will point you directly if you're unsuccessful searching.
I get what you're saying about the receiving not coming from the factory. I honestly didn't even know if I had one until AFTER delivery. Easy install though

 

[AscentWilderness]

Complete OEM hitch install documented here. Toughest part is removing so many clips and not breaking them - otherwise just take your time. If you truly specified it as part of your order, follow advice above and get Subaru to cover cost. However, it sounds like you assumed the hitch just came with the vehicle - I wish/think it should be too given that many competitors include it, but it just isn’t.

 

[DontTreadOnJC]

@AscentWilderness thanks a ton! Exactly what I'm looking for.

Yes, it was my assumption. But it was based on the verbage used by Subaru, saying things like "5000lb. tow capacity." The tow capacity is zero without a hitch receiver! It was very misleading, and when I was discussing the order with the dealer, my salesman never thought to check my order or mention it at all when the subject of towing came up. So my assumption didn't just come out of left field. I would have happily added the option and pay the extra cost if I had any indication it needed to be done!

 

[apacman316]

Complete OEM hitch install documented here. Toughest part is removing so many clips and not breaking them - otherwise just take your time. If you truly specified it as part of your order, follow advice above and get Subaru to cover cost. However, it sounds like you assumed the hitch just came with the vehicle - I wish/think it should be too given that many competitors include it, but it just isn’t.

did the install last week following this video. if you have the latest version of the tow hitch, there is a small difference and you will just skip that step in the video. took me almost 3 hours to complete the job.

 

[DontTreadOnJC]

That brings up a good point @apacman316. What are the differences in the part numbers? My "Accesories" sales booket lists P/N L101SXC004. I also see this part available on eBay. I've heard of an ...005 part number, and I've seen the ...003 for sale also.

Does it matter which one I ultimately get?

 

[Robert.Mauro]

That brings up a good point @apacman316. What are the differences in the part numbers? My "Accesories" sales booket lists P/N L101SXC004. I also see this part available on eBay. I've heard of an ...005 part number, and I've seen the ...003 for sale also.

Does it matter which one I ultimately get?

Not in the least. Any of them is fine.

 

[Ruben Marin]

The brochures have all kinds of little symbols for different small print, invariably one of those little marks indicates the hitch is needed for towing. It would be nice to see it as an option package, but maybe that is something that can be added to orders in the future.

 

[Landshark]

First off, I'm pretty pissed that this did not come with a hitch receiver. It was a factory order so I got it equipped exactly as I want it... or so I thought. The literature implied that it is set up to tow, so I expected this to be ready to tow from day one! It wasn't until it arrived at the dealership and I saw it in person that I found out it is not, in fact, capable of towing. The receiver is an add-on accessory. It would have been fine if the literature just made that clear. Now the dealer wants to charge 4 hours of labor to install it. They can get ****.

Anyway, /rant. My question is, how do I get this done myself? I have perused this section of the forum and I see several people saying "oh it's easy" and making references to "many" instructional videos, but I have not seen anybody actually link to those videos, or a copy of the service manual, or any other instructions. (I'm surprised they're not stickied at the top of this subforum..?) My YouTube search only came up with install videos by various manufacturers of aftermarket parts. I was going to go with OEM even before I learned about how unsafe the other alternatives are.

I'm capable of wrenching on this myself, I just want to get some solid instructions rather than fumbling through it and figuring it out on my own. I don't know if the OEM part would come with a sheet of written instructions but I would doubt it.

Can anyone help me out? Thanks a bunch.

EDIT: Just saw that @AscentWilderness already posted a link to that video.

This is the video you want to watch. It should apply up until the 2022 model at least.

To me, looks like something very easily doable from your home garage, no lift or any special tools needed.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

As an aside, your selling dealer should have indicated that the hitch receiver kit was required if you mentioned your intent to tow.

Lots of folks do their own install and it doesn't have a huge difficulty factor.

 

[packout]

I clearly misunderstood. I thought the OP factory ordered it with a hitch but it came for the dealer to install at a price. In fact the reality was the vehicle was ordered without the hitch and so if desired it would be installed by dealer for a price or by the OP. The OP could pay anyone to install the hitch who they thought competent to do this easy job.

My suggestions above do hold true, but only for a factory hitch order.

 

[DontTreadOnJC]

@packout Correct. The sales literature, to me, clearly implied it comes standard with a hitch receiver. Had I known it was an option, I would have added it on to my order. I'll do the work myself it looks like a very simple job.

 

[pdxeca]

@packout Correct. The sales literature, to me, clearly implied it comes standard with a hitch receiver. Had I known it was an option, I would have added it on to my order. I'll do the work myself it looks like a very simple job.

I'll be honest and say that I don't understand why the salespeople don't push this more. And push the OEM hitch. It bumps their commission (a little) and it's easy money for the dealership if it's not done at "port". Of all the stupid BS they try to increase profit, this seems like one most of us would actually be OK with. I would rather pay for the hitch receiver and installation than a stupid VIN etching or some "invisible paint protection" package.

When I bought my first Ascent, the salesman actually said "you're not going to tow anything, right? You don't need the hitch installed, do you?" Flip that script and Chip would have made a little more coin and made his parts/service guy happy too since I bought from inventory (back when that was a thing you could do).

 

[[email protected]#$]

First off, I'm pretty pissed that this did not come with a hitch receiver. It was a factory order so I got it equipped exactly as I want it... or so I thought. The literature implied that it is set up to tow, so I expected this to be ready to tow from day one! It wasn't until it arrived at the dealership and I saw it in person that I found out it is not, in fact, capable of towing. The receiver is an add-on accessory. It would have been fine if the literature just made that clear. Now the dealer wants to charge 4 hours of labor to install it. They can get ****.

Anyway, /rant. My question is, how do I get this done myself? I have perused this section of the forum and I see several people saying "oh it's easy" and making references to "many" instructional videos, but I have not seen anybody actually link to those videos, or a copy of the service manual, or any other instructions. (I'm surprised they're not stickied at the top of this subforum..?) My YouTube search only came up with install videos by various manufacturers of aftermarket parts. I was going to go with OEM even before I learned about how unsafe the other alternatives are.

I'm capable of wrenching on this myself, I just want to get some solid instructions rather than fumbling through it and figuring it out on my own. I don't know if the OEM part would come with a sheet of written instructions but I would doubt it.

Can anyone help me out? Thanks a bunch.

Were you able to procure an OEM Hitch from Subaru. My dealer in Hagerstown, MD says they are on backorder nationwide for at least several weeks to months.

 

[Cen Cal Bimat’s]

This is the YouTube video I used, and it’s very detailed and step by step! Made it easy and did the install myself in 2 hours. I’m pretty handy, but haven’t removed modern body panels before this attempt. Video was spot on! The OEM hitch is the best choice, has the wiring harness and it’s been crash tested with the hitch (you remove a rear crash bar). After those 2 bits, I got the OEM.
If you order the Subie, the install price is much lower and it’s all done in Port Hueneme, CA. Once it arrives they want a stack of dollars! Mine quoted me 1100-1200 installed. We paid $500 roughly and I guess that makes my labor worth $300 per hour!
The part numbers changed as the kit was updated, but it’s kinda the same. Mine was the current one. It no longer comes with the cover plates in the video, and also no longer comes with the hitch! It didn’t come with the ball before, but now comes with no hitch either.
Good luck, let us know how it goes!

 

[DontTreadOnJC]

Were you able to procure an OEM Hitch from Subaru. My dealer in Hagerstown, MD says they are on backorder nationwide for at least several weeks to months.

When I talked to the parts manager last week he had 4 physically in stock. So hopefully he doesn't run out of them before I get one!

 

[Jim_in_PA]

When I talked to the parts manager last week he had 4 physically in stock. So hopefully he doesn't run out of them before I get one!

Pay for it on the phone so it's there for you...

 

[DontTreadOnJC]

I have my hitch in-hand as of today. With current supply on these hitches being very short, I was worried they wouldn't have any left. Huge thanks to @packout (and any others if they said it too) for suggesting calling Subaru Of America and explaining the situation to them. The parts manager at my dealership also told me to do the same. I spoke with them, they reviewed my case and ultimately gave me $500 credit toward parts and labor! (@Jim_in_PA this is why I was taking the risk by holding off on reserving the part. Waiting to see the outcome of the case I opened.)

They turned an upset customer into a happy customer with that. A gesture of goodwill goes a long way with me, and to me, this was no small gesture.

I'll do the install on monday, and also get to work modifying the cover panel with cutouts like so many of you guys have done.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

You might consider getting an extra cover so you can have one modified and one that's pristine, unless you always have something plugged into the receiver. (I actually do since my ball mount is bolted in place with an anti-rattle device and it's a bit more effort to install/remove...so I leave it in place full time. But I still have the original cover stored in case I need it)