Installation Instructions for Subaru Forester

Part Numbers:

• 87493
• 75650
• 44607

Tools Required:

• Wrenches: 3/4", 10mm
• Drill Bits: 1/2", 3/8"
• Metal File
• Pull Wires (provided)

Wiring Access Location:

• SUV8

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lower the Exhaust:

   • Disconnect five (5) rubber exhaust hangers from the hanger brackets to lower the exhaust.

2. Remove Heat Shield Screws:

   • Remove the forwardmost heat shield screw from each frame rail and discard it.
   • Note: The heat shield will be sandwiched between the frame rail and the hitch when installed.

3. Remove Plastic Plugs:

   • Remove two (2) plastic plugs from the existing holes in each frame rail and discard them.

4. Modify Frame Rail Holes:

   • Use a 3/8" drill and metal file to enlarge the forwardmost hole in each frame rail. This allows the spacers and carriage bolts to be fish-wired.

5. Fishwire Fasteners:

   • Insert spacers and 7/16" carriage bolts through the modified access hole in the frame rail and down through the center hole.
   • Insert remaining blocks and 1/2" carriage bolts into the access holes, ensuring the blocks span both sides of the hole.

6. Raise Hitch into Position:

   • Carefully raise the hitch into place, ensuring not to push fasteners back into the frame.
   • Secure with conical washers and nuts.

7. Torque Fasteners:

   • Tighten all 1/2"-13 GR5 fasteners to 75 lb-ft (102 N·m).
   • Tighten all 7/16"-14 GR5 fasteners to 50 lb-ft (68 N·m).

8. Reinstall Exhaust:

   • Raise the exhaust back into position and reattach the hangers removed in Step 1.

Hardware List:

• (2) 1/2"-13 x 1.75" GR5 Carriage Bolts
• (2) 7/16"-14 x 1.75" GR5 Carriage Bolts
• (2) 1/4" x 1" x 3" Spacers (for 1/2" Carriage Bolts)
• (2) 1/4" x 1" x 3" Spacers (for 7/16" Carriage Bolts)
• (2) 1/2" Conical Washers
• (2) 7/16" Conical Washers
• (2) 1/2"-13 Hex Nuts
• (2) 7/16"-14 Hex Nuts
• (2) Pull Wires (for 1/2" Bolts)
• (2) Pull Wires (for 7/16" Bolts)

Safety Notes:

• Check the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened.
• If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or body panels to prevent water and exhaust fumes from entering.
• Replace any damaged hitch or ball immediately.
• Follow safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle, and wear eye protection.
• Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.

Specifications:

• Hitch Type and Weight Ratings:
  • Weight Distributing: Not for use with spring bars.
  • Weight Carrying (Ball Mount): Max Trailer Weight 4,000 lbs (1,815 kg), Max Tongue Weight 600 lbs (272 kg).
• Complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the State of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5, and SAE J684.

Installation Instructions for Vehicles (Generic)

Part Numbers:

• 87493
• 75650
• 44607

Tools Required:

• Wrenches: 3/4", 10mm
• Drill Bits: 1/2", 3/8"
• Metal File
• Pull Wires (provided)

Wiring Access Location:

• SUV8

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lower the Exhaust:

   • Disconnect five (5) rubber exhaust hangers from the hanger brackets to lower the exhaust.

2. Remove Heat Shield Screws:

   • Remove the forwardmost heat shield screw from each frame rail and discard it.
   • Note: The heat shield will be sandwiched between the frame rail and the hitch when installed.

3. Remove Plastic Plugs:

   • Remove two (2) plastic plugs from the existing holes in each frame rail and discard them.

4. Modify Frame Rail Holes:

   • Use a 3/8" drill and metal file to enlarge the forwardmost hole in each frame rail. This allows the spacers and carriage bolts to be fish-wired.

5. Fishwire Fasteners:

   • Insert spacers and 7/16" carriage bolts through the modified access hole in the frame rail and down through the center hole.
   • Insert remaining blocks and 1/2" carriage bolts into the access holes, ensuring the blocks span both sides of the hole.

6. Raise Hitch into Position:

   • Carefully raise the hitch into place, ensuring not to push fasteners back into the frame.
   • Secure with conical washers and nuts.

7. Torque Fasteners:

   • Tighten all 1/2"-13 GR5 fasteners to 75 lb-ft (102 N·m).
   • Tighten all 7/16"-14 GR5 fasteners to 50 lb-ft (68 N·m).

8. Reinstall Exhaust:

   • Raise the exhaust back into position and reattach the hangers removed in Step 1.

Hardware List:

• (2) 1/2"-13 x 1.75" GR5 Carriage Bolts
• (2) 7/16"-14 x 1.75" GR5 Carriage Bolts
• (2) 1/4" x 1" x 3" Spacers (for 1/2" Carriage Bolts)
• (2) 1/4" x 1" x 3" Spacers (for 7/16" Carriage Bolts)
• (2) 1/2" Conical Washers
• (2) 7/16" Conical Washers
• (2) 1/2"-13 Hex Nuts
• (2) 7/16"-14 Hex Nuts
• (2) Pull Wires (for 1/2" Bolts)
• (2) Pull Wires (for 7/16" Bolts)

Safety Notes:

• Check the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened.
• If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or body panels to prevent water and exhaust fumes from entering.
• Replace any damaged hitch or ball immediately.
• Follow safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle, and wear eye protection.
• Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.

Warranty Information:

• For complete warranty instructions, please download the full installation PDF.

Specifications:

• Hitch Type and Weight Ratings:
  • Weight Carrying (Ball Mount): Max Trailer Weight 4,000 lbs (1,815 kg), Max Tongue Weight 600 lbs (272 kg).
  • Weight Distributing: Not for use with spring bars.
• Complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems.

Attention:

This is a summary of the installation procedure. For complete installation instructions, including diagrams and detailed information from the manufacturer, please download the full installation PDF.

Technical Support:

For technical support and assistance, our team of experts is available to help. You can reach our tech support by visiting www.trailerjacks.com or calling 877-869-6690.