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1996 - 1999 Subaru Forester
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These dependable custom hitches are manufactured for 2014-2018 Subaru Forester and attach to your vehicle?s frame or bumper for a sleek, clean appearance. Each hitch also has a 1-1/4 inch square receiver tube opening so you can easily attach accessories like a bike rack or cargo carrier, or a utility trailer. DRAW-TITE Class 2 custom trailer hitches come complete with all the mounting hardware needed for installation and are backed by a nationwide lifetime limited warranty. So, whether you are headed out to the campground and need a place for the cooler, taking the bikes to hit the trails in the park, or you are tackling a DIY project (maybe some landscaping or a home repair), choose DRAW-TITE and travel with confidence knowing your setup is connected with the security only DRAW-TITE can provide. DRAW-TITE: North America?s Favorite Hitch.
Draw-Tite has designed custom-fit trailer hitches since 1946 and is one of North America's most widely fitted hitch brands. Receiver hitches use solid all-welded construction and low-profile designs that follow modern vehicle contours, install with minimal bumper cutting or drilling, meet or exceed V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards, and carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Draw-Tite has been leading custom-fit trailer hitch design and engineering since its founding in 1946, and it remains one of the most widely fitted hitch brands in North America. The company's stated approach is straightforward: every hitch is tested rigorously so that it performs well beyond published industry standards, a philosophy it markets as Tested Tough. It sits within the Horizon Global towing group alongside Reese, Fulton, Bulldog, Tekonsha, Bargman and Wesbar.
Custom fit is the defining characteristic. Rather than adapting a universal design, Draw-Tite engineers a trailer hitch for a specific make, model and model year, so it bolts to existing frame locations with minimal bumper cutting or drilling. Low-profile designs follow the rear contours and aerodynamic styling of modern vehicles, which matters more than it once did now that rear fascias are shaped and sensor-equipped. Construction is solid all-welded steel for maximum strength, and every hitch meets or exceeds V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards and is backed by a nationwide limited lifetime warranty.
The range spans receiver sizes and classes to suit different loads, from 1-1/4 inch receivers for bike racks, cargo carriers and light trailers up through 2 inch receivers for heavier towing. Front mount hitches add a receiver at the front of the vehicle for winch mounts, snow plows, spare carriers and precise trailer positioning.
The Hidden Hitch series takes concealment further by mounting behind the vehicle's rear fascia, so the vehicle keeps its factory appearance until a removable receiver is fitted. Each is custom designed per make and model for a no-drill installation that does not compromise ground clearance, rated for up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight. Matching plug-and-play wiring completes the towing system.
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Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 - 1999 | Subaru Forester | — |
Yes, the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness (Part #DTB36523-118467) is designed to fit the 1996-1999 Subaru Forester.
The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness (Part #DTB36523-118467) fits the following vehicles: 1996-1999 Subaru Forester. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness (Part #DTB36523-118467) fits 1996-1999 Subaru Forester models. The 1999 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness (Part #DTB36523-118467) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, part number 36523 is designed for the Subaru Forester. The manual covers installation for this vehicle. However, the manual specifically references 2013 and 2015 model years. If you have a different model year, contact the manufacturer to confirm fitment.
The maximum gross trailer weight is 3500 lb (1589 kg) and the maximum tongue weight is 300 lb (136 kg). However, you must not exceed the lower of this rating or your vehicle manufacturer's towing rating.
You will need: a ¾" wrench, a 10mm wrench, a 3/8" drill bit, and a metal file. The manual lists these as required equipment.
The kit includes: 6 carriage bolts (½-13 x 1.75 GR5), 6 hex nuts (½-13), 6 spacers (¼ x 1 x 3 with square hole for ½" carriage bolt), 6 pull wires (½"), and 6 conical washers (½"). All fasteners are Grade 5 and must be torqued to 75 lb-ft.
The manual does not specify whether the battery must be disconnected. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified installer for guidance on this step.
No. Step 1 of the installation requires you to lower the exhaust by disconnecting the rubber exhaust hanger(s) from the hanger bracket(s). This must be done before proceeding with hitch installation.
The heat shield must be removed in Step 2 (4 screws from the frame rail). The manual notes that once the hitch is installed, the heat shield will need to be discarded or trimmed to fit in position. It is then reinstalled in Step 7.
Yes. Step 4 requires you to use a 3/8" drill bit and metal file to modify the center hole in each frame rail to allow fishwiring of spacers and carriage bolts. The modification is shown in Figure 2 of the manual.
A 3/8" drill bit is required. This is used in Step 4 to modify the center hole in each frame rail to allow fishwiring of the spacers and carriage bolts.
No. The manual explicitly states: "Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch." Use a drill and file as specified in the installation steps.
Fishwiring is used to position the spacers and carriage bolts through the frame rails. Step 5 describes the process: insert the bolt and block into the frame through the modified access hole (Figure 4A), align the block on the access hole (Figure 4B), then pull the bolt through the block (Figure 4C). The pull wire should be kinked to keep the spacer independent of the bolt (Figure 3). Ensure blocks span both sides of the hole and do not overlap.
Six of each are included: 6 carriage bolts (½-13 x 1.75 GR5) and 6 spacers (¼ x 1 x 3). These are fishwired through the modified access holes and existing holes in both frame rails.
All ½-13 GR5 fasteners must be tightened to 75 lb-ft (102 N·m). This applies to both sides of the hitch installation.
The carriage bolts are ½-13 x 1.75 inches, Grade 5 (GR5). Six bolts are included in the kit.
Each spacer is ¼ x 1 x 3 inches with a square hole designed for the ½" carriage bolt. Six spacers are included.
Observe safety precautions when working beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch. After installation, 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 other body panels to prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes.
After installation, verify that all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened. The manual recommends checking the hitch frequently during use to ensure fasteners remain tight.
The manual recommends checking the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened. No specific interval is provided; regular visual inspection before towing is advisable.
If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or other body panels to prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes.
A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Do not attempt to repair a damaged hitch.
Yes, hitch 36523 is designed for the Subaru Forester (2013, 2015 model years confirmed). Verify your specific model year with the manufacturer.
Maximum gross trailer weight is 3500 lb (1589 kg) and maximum tongue weight is 300 lb (136 kg). Do not exceed the lower of this rating or your vehicle manufacturer's rating.
You need: ¾" wrench, 10mm wrench, 3/8" drill bit, and metal file.
All ½-13 GR5 fasteners must be tightened to 75 lb-ft (102 N·m).
Yes. Step 1 requires disconnecting the rubber exhaust hanger(s) from the hanger bracket(s) and lowering the exhaust before proceeding.
Wear eye protection, observe safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle, and do not cut access holes with a torch. Check the hitch frequently after installation to ensure all fasteners are tight.
The T-Connector (part 118467-037) is designed for 2009-2013 Forester, 2010-2019 Outback, 2014-Current Forester, XV Crosstrek, and 2020-Current Outback models. Locate your vehicle model and year in the installation instructions to confirm fitment and identify the location of your vehicle's tow plug housing.
The T-Connector is a harness that connects to your vehicle's factory tow plug to provide trailer lighting connections. It includes a black box mounted on the driver's side and a 4-Flat connector that can be stored in the spare tire compartment when not in use.
You will need a Trim Panel Remover and a Test-probe. The Trim Panel Remover is used to access the tow plug housing behind trim panels on certain models, and the Test-probe is used to verify the installation after completion.
Open the vehicle's rear tailgate and remove cargo nets and cargo floor hatch to access the spare tire area. Remove the driver's side and center foam cargo trays to locate the tow plug housing under the driver's side foam tray.
Open the vehicle's rear tailgate and remove cargo nets and cargo floor hatch. Locate the vehicle's tow plug housing behind the driver's side trim panel. It will be taped to the wire harness with blue tape. Use a Trim Panel Remover to access it.
Open the vehicle's rear tailgate and remove cargo nets and cargo floor hatch. Locate the vehicle's tow plug housing behind the driver's side trim panel. It will be taped to the wire harness with tape. Use a Trim Panel Remover to access it.
Open the vehicle's rear tailgate and remove cargo nets and cargo floor hatch. Temporarily remove the rear threshold plate. Locate the vehicle's tow plug on the passenger side under the rear threshold plate. It will be taped to the harness with tape.
Insert the T-Connector harness into the vehicle's Tow-Plug harness and lock into place. Ensure that the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place. All connections must be complete for the T-Connector to function properly.
On the driver's side, mount the T-Connector black box using the double-sided tape provided. Secure the remainder of the T-Connector harness with the cable ties provided to prevent damage or rattling, being careful to avoid any areas that would cut or pinch the wire.
Store the 4-Flat connector in the spare tire compartment when not in use.
Do not exceed the lower of your vehicle manufacturer's rating or these limits: maximum stop/turn light is 1 per side (2.1 amps), and maximum tail lights are 5.6 amps. Overloading the circuit can cause fires. Read your vehicle's owner's manual and instruction sheet for additional information.
Test and verify the installation with a test light or trailer once installed. For the initial test, reset the vehicle electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition and reinserting it. All connections must be complete for the T-Connector to function properly.
The T-Connector (118467-037) fits 2009-2013 Forester, 2010-2019 Outback, 2014-Current Forester, XV Crosstrek, and 2020-Current Outback.
You need a Trim Panel Remover and a Test-probe.
Do not exceed 2.1 amps per stop/turn light (1 per side) or 5.6 amps for tail lights, whichever is lower than your vehicle manufacturer's rating. Overloading can cause fires.
No drilling or permanent modifications are required. The T-Connector connects to your vehicle's factory tow plug and is mounted using provided double-sided tape and cable ties.
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