Installation Instructions for Subaru Forester

Part Numbers:

• 75876
• 87654
• 44705

Wiring Access Location:

• SUV8

Tools Required:

• Metal File
• Wrenches: 11/16”, 10mm

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lower Exhaust:

   • Disconnect the rubber exhaust hangers from the hanger brackets to lower the exhaust system.

2. Remove Heat Shield:

   • Remove four (4) heat shield screws from each frame rail and set aside.
   • Note: The heat shield will need to be trimmed for bolt clearance during reinstallation (refer to Figure 2).

3. Remove Plastic Plugs:

   • Remove four (4) plastic plugs from the existing holes in each frame rail. Retain only the rear access hole plug for reinstallation after the bolts are in place.

4. Install Fasteners:

   • Fishwire spacers and 7/16” carriage bolts through the access hole and down through the holes in both frame rails, ensuring the blocks span both sides of the hole and do not overlap (refer to Figures 1 and 3).

5. Reinstall Heat Shield:

   • Reinstall the trimmed heat shield using three (3) of the four (4) fasteners removed in Step 2. Leave out the rearmost fastener on the frame rail.

6. Install Hitch:

   • Raise the hitch into position carefully to avoid pushing the fasteners into the frame. Secure the hitch with conical washers and nuts.

7. Raise Exhaust:

   • Reattach the exhaust hangers disconnected in Step 1.

Hardware List:

• Qty (6): Carriage Bolt – 7/16-14 x 1.75 GR5
• Qty (6): Spacer (Square hole for 7/16” Carriage Bolt)
• Qty (6): Conical Washer – 7/16”
• Qty (6): Hex Nut – 7/16-14
• Qty (6): Pull Wire – 7/16”

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.
• Observe safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle and wear eye protection.
• Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.

Specifications:

• Hitch Type: Weight Distributing
  • Max Gross Trailer Weight: 4,000 lbs (1,816 kg)
  • Max Tongue Weight: 525 lbs (238 kg)
• Hitch Type: Weight Carrying (Ball Mount)
  • Max Gross Trailer Weight: 3,500 lbs (1,589 kg)
  • Max Tongue Weight: 525 lbs (238 kg)

Manufacturer Notes:

• Tighten all 7/16-14 GR5 fasteners to 50 lb-ft (68 N*m).
• 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 Vehicle

Part Numbers:

• 75876
• 87654
• 44705

Wiring Access Location:

• SUV8

Tools Required:

• Metal File
• Wrenches: 11/16”, 10mm

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lower Exhaust:

   • Disconnect the rubber exhaust hangers from the hanger brackets to lower the exhaust system.

2. Remove Heat Shield:

   • Remove four (4) heat shield screws from each frame rail and set aside.
   • Note: The heat shield will need to be trimmed for bolt clearance during reinstallation (refer to Figure 2).

3. Remove Plastic Plugs:

   • Remove four (4) plastic plugs from the existing holes in each frame rail. Retain only the rear access hole plug for reinstallation after the bolts are in place.

4. Install Fasteners:

   • Fishwire spacers and 7/16” carriage bolts through the access hole and down through the holes in both frame rails, ensuring the blocks span both sides of the hole and do not overlap (refer to Figures 1 and 3).

5. Reinstall Heat Shield:

   • Reinstall the trimmed heat shield using three (3) of the four (4) fasteners removed in Step 2. Leave out the rearmost fastener on the frame rail.

6. Install Hitch:

   • Raise the hitch into position carefully to avoid pushing the fasteners into the frame. Secure the hitch with conical washers and nuts.

7. Raise Exhaust:

   • Reattach the exhaust hangers disconnected in Step 1.

Hardware List:

• Qty (6): Carriage Bolt – 7/16-14 x 1.75 GR5
• Qty (6): Spacer (Square hole for 7/16” Carriage Bolt)
• Qty (6): Conical Washer – 7/16”
• Qty (6): Hex Nut – 7/16-14
• Qty (6): Pull Wire – 7/16”

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.
• Observe safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle and wear eye protection.
• Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.

Specifications:

• Hitch Type: Weight Distributing
  • Max Gross Trailer Weight: 4,000 lbs (1,816 kg)
  • Max Tongue Weight: 525 lbs (238 kg)
• Hitch Type: Weight Carrying (Ball Mount)
  • Max Gross Trailer Weight: 3,500 lbs (1,589 kg)
  • Max Tongue Weight: 525 lbs (238 kg)

Manufacturer Notes:

• Tighten all 7/16-14 GR5 fasteners to 50 lb-ft (68 N*m).
• 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.

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.

Warranty Information:

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