Please read. This video shows step-by-step how to install the OEM Subaru 2” trailer hitch on a 2020+ (Gen6) Outback. I ordered this for $306 from a local dealer that runs a discount parts website: the part number is L101SAN000. (EXPAND for much more essential info!)
This is on an Onyx XT. This hitch was made in the USA.
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This is an intermediate-level project and it took me 6 continuous hours (taking my time and recording), 2.5 of which I spent struggling to plan/cut the lower bumper fascia properly. I’ve seen a lot of botched installs on forums. If you’re up for it, installing this yourself at home will save hundreds of dollars and give you greater control of exactly how you want your bumper cut.
Yes, you really do need to remove the exhaust/muffler(s). Patience is important for the last steps in particular, so block off enough time to mitigate frustration.
I also ended up needing to replace the rubber trim liner around the lower bumper cutaway with the leftover segment, because part of it didn’t adhere well. The second application still isn’t quite right, and I may need to super glue it.
I chose the OEM hitch because it has the best ground clearance, has a nicely designed integrated electrical connection, and was similar in price to competitors. It replaces the bumper beam and was designed to preserve the rear crumple zone (safer). Aftermarket hitches are a bit easier to install, but aren’t designed quite as well. The ideal situation would be to get a car with a port-installed hitch, but I got a good deal on an otherwise great car during a pandemic.
To my knowledge, this is the first video showing this for the Gen6 Subaru Outback. Hope it helps, and let me know what you’d like to see more of! And one more time, please consider subscribing. 🙂
Link to Subaru instructions: https://www.subaruonlineparts.com/docs/L101SAN000.pdf
Venmo: d3natured
2020|06|10
#Subaru #Outback #OBXT
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Nice work, didn't expect it to be such a large amount of taking stuff apart and reassembly. You did a great job though
Great video very informative
Very helpful….. about 5 hours. used a cutting wheel and hole saws for corners and 60 grit sand paper. I tightened the cut around perimeter of hitch about 1/2". My hitch did not come with instructions. Eventually I found them on the internet for the pattern.
Well, that looks like an epic pain in the a$$, but at least it's doable. I have a 2023 Outback Onyx XT on order and I debated getting the hitch factory installed, but I was already spending way more than I wanted to on this car, so I opted to skip it. Now I'm fairly confident that I can install it myself. Honestly, I only want it to carry bikes, maybe tow a motorcycle trailer in the future. What is the tongue weight on this hitch? Excellent tutorial!
sadly i didnt get a 25 page manual with mine.. maybe i shld call subaru lol
Wouldn't snips work on the plastic fascia?
Great job. Thanks for documenting. It’ll help a lot of people.
What they should do is put a hitch on any car that's above the base model especially if it needs plastic cut or they should give a replacement plastic for it
Use lock tite on those hitch and bumper bolts
Hi, just wanted to say thank for making this! I was able to install this on my 2023 Outback almost exclusively pausing/playing/rewinding this guide. NOTE: if you are installing this on a 2023 Outback, you are going to have to cut the actual plastic bumper as well as the insert piece.
Have the same vehicle color and all. The hitch saved the wife when she was rear ended. Car in shop awaiting parts.
Excellent video, we purchased a Outback 2022 Black Onyx, just like yours, I have the OEM receiver in a box ready to go, as soon as I get other projects completed. One question; are there any variations especially in regards to the wiring that might be different?
Great detail, especially regarding getting those plastic fasteners off! Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much for doing this! I just did my install from your video. Took me about 4 hrs but went smooth. My only issue was getting the bolts to thread correctly on the hitch pieces. Took some patience but got it to work. Many thanks!
Looks great!
Just another viewer saying thank you, sir! This alongside the instructions made it a breeze. If you have Venmo I wouldn’t mind buying you a coffee or beer since you saved us tons of money on labor! Thanks again!
Subaru won't install a7 pin. Others won't install into the subframe?! Help!
All that headache to save about a .5-.75 inches of ground clearance? I do like the wiring harness option but it would be so much easier to just install an aftermarket hitch and route the wiring harness through a small hole and screw the 4 pin into the the aftermarket hitch. Great video but you just saved me a ton of money and time.