2020+ Subaru Outback OEM Hitch Install

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.
Did this video help save you time or money? Please please PLEASE consider subscribing: it helps small channels like me so much and I REALLY appreciate it. Less than 1% of the viewers of this video are subscribed to my channel, and I make other Subaru videos too. Thank you!
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: www.subaruonlineparts.com/doc...
Venmo: d3natured
2020|06|10
#Subaru #Outback #OBXT

[@miguelp4812]

Subscribed and venmoing you now. Thank you!!!

[@buckman72]

Finally a non professional install video. So nice to hear someone express their fears and concerns and dislikes with the process. Thank you for taking the time.

[@bruszka8274]

Thanks for posting the video. You did a terrific job. I can appreciate the attention to detail you put into your work. 👍

[@juliosanchez1549]

Awesome job dude, way better than dealership work that I’ve seen as well.

[@bruszka8274]

Thanks for posting, you did a terrific job, I can appreciate the attention to detail you put into your work.👍

[@chrispappalardo6694]

You, sir, have incredible finger strength. Great video, thanks for posting this, incredibly helpful for my OEM trailer hitch installation on a 2021 Outback Onyx XT. A couple of things I discovered during my installation that you may want to note or could help others with their installation: 1) make sure to tape the cut-out template *inside* the bottom fascia, it fits as intended and is a lot more forgiving of scratches while scoring and cutting, although I did have to cut on both sides eventually ; 2) as others have noted, a jigsaw with a 20 TPI laminate/PVC blade works well when cutting - I paired that with a hand drill and used a large bit to make guide holes on turns after scoring with the fascia resting on a cardboard box while cutting/drilling ; 3) not all blades/bits are created equal, I noticed that some drill bits melted the fascia plastic but others didn't at the same speed, try out multiple blades/bits if you have them ; 4) the *upper* fascia (bumper) is also meant to be cut per the instructions, which took me a while to figure out (pg. 25) - I did this after the upper fascia was re-installed on the car (as you did), using a drill and a box cutter, which worked fine because it's a small cut and mostly hidden - doing this gives extra clearance above the receiver as I believe was intended, otherwise the upper fascia butts up against the top of the receiver ; 5) removing the bottom fascia sucks and was the worst part of the process for me - it helps to apply gentle prying force along the bottom fascia as you release the clips in order ; 6) be careful when removing the bumper at the back, I noticed bumper clip material was sheared off by the mounts ; 7) take your time with the bumper gasket and hold it in place in the corners with as much finger pressure as you can stand, eventually the glue holds ; 8) there are errors in the instructions - you don't need a 19MM socket and you don't need to remove the panel and foam to the right of the spare tire compartment. Hope this helps!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome, thanks for commenting with all this great info. A real community effort!

[@waliagovind]

Lesson learned. For me it means to order a Subaru with the hitch. Cutting bumper on a new car needs some courage. I would not mind if this was a 10 year old car but for a 40k car this stuff should be standard.

[@michaelking42]

Nice addition to the video, thank you.

[@TCPUDPATM]

Wow that looks GREAT! I'm so glad I saw this because this install is a lot more involved than the last car I did. Thanks for taking the time to record this and publish it for all of us. Cheers!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!

[@RyanCrase1]

I just bought a 2021 Outback Limited and am looking forward to taking this journey!! Thanks for posting the road map, it turned out looking great. Nice work!!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thanks! Good luck with yours: it takes time but it’s really not that bad. Congrats on the new car!!

[@MrPuciek]

Thank you for your video it helped me a lot! I just finished installing it on my '21 outback.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

That’s awesome, I’m happy it helped!

[@pjcd7016]

I have installed tow hitches on two previous Subarus, I used a sheet rock knife to cut the plastic, its little time consuming, but it does a nice clean job.

[@giliant]

Thanks dude, saved me a lot of time! Oscillating multi tool (Fein saw) with fine teeth, low speed cuts great for cutting the fascia.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Hey thanks so much for commenting! That saw looks nice, and possibly a good excuse to buy a new tool, haha. Thanks for that tip.

[@chrismoden15]

this is a very good video and follows the correct Subaru instructions, thank you! (this is also nearly identical to the prior year OEM installation steps, for those needing it)

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!!

[@GraniteRoll]

Thanks for the detailed installation of each component, I need to do this to my Outback.

[@johndoneth7118]

Thank you for the instruction link. I didn’t realize they don’t come with the hitch. I appreciate the video and the link. Very similar to my 5th gen but a few more things to do now. Anyway wanted you to know that your video is still helping people.

[@markp9109]

thank you for making this video , very helpful and you did a awesome job on the install

[@ChryslerAndrew]

Superb video. Helped me a ton. Took me ~8 hours. I had good luck scoring the lower facia from behind with a razor knife, then cutting from behind with an oscillating multitool. Oscillator really stays in the scoring, so it wasn't too bad. I didn't even use a fancy Oscillator blade, just the one out of the Harbor Freight box. Then I did another pass with the razor knife to clean up. And I used a heat gun to get the edge trim to mold a bit better.

[@fuquantify]

Great detail, especially regarding getting those plastic fasteners off! Thanks for the video.

[@1949rgs]

Your video caught my eye after the bad experience I had with the facia cutout on the dealer-installed trailer hitch for my 2023 Outback. First, I had no idea how complicated this installation is. I had installed aftermarket hitches on several previous Subarus and none was nearly as complicated as this. Second, based on your video, I'm now certain that the dealer didn't clearly understand how to use the template for the facia cutout. Mine was noticeably off center, and I didn't realize it until I had left the dealer. In the end, I used my Dremel tool with a small sanding drum (MUCH more effective than a metal burr) to slightly increase the width of the cutout in order to make it properly centered. Thanks for taking the time to document your installation.

[@bobnelson9059]

Just installed my hitch on my Outback this past weekend. Your video was so inclusive that I didn't even have to refer to Subaru's instructions. Many thanks for your post, it certainly made my install easier than I ever dreamed.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome! Nice work and thanks for commenting.

[@stevereed9013]

Great video! The instructions were thorough and the pace of the editing kept things flowing.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!

[@TheDflipd]

Thank you for sharing. I just bought a 2020 Onyx XT as well and I want to do the trailer hitch myself. I want everything from LP Aventure one day!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Nice! Yeah the LP Adventure stuff certainly looks great. Thank you for watching!

[@wess7831]

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!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Nice!

[@bruceyarbro9986]

One of the best instructional videos I've ever seen. I'm doing it!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Really appreciate the comment, seriously. Enjoy your hitch! :-)

[@gohangan]

Thank you for the amazing video! I did this install on a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. It’s very much the same process but slightly different. I didn’t have to remove the exhaust and the bumper is one whole piece. Screws and plastic tabs were almost in the same place. Don’t worry, fellow Crosstrekies, this was quite simple. I just had to invest in a torque wrench but it was well worth it.

[@insunym]

I just got a 2022 outback and i enjoyed your video. Good to know that their are options for u to do it yourself!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!

[@gregchiropolos9885]

Thank so much, just completed my trailer hitch install. Took me about four hours to complete and turn out great. Your video really helped me, the downloadable instructions leave a lot of the little things out. The dealer wanted $950 for them to install this saved me some large. I only have the single exhaust so I saved a step there and you’re right the bumper valence Triming is the toughest part of the job. I just used a utility knife to do the trimming and did it from the back side looks like factory.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome!! So glad it helped. Thank you for commenting!

[@dublinmarkGA]

I did this today. the video was a great help, watch it twice. it took me however long Pink Floyd The Wall is, with a few pauses and maybe a couple songs tacked on the end. did it on the garage floor. No issues! Thanks for the help!!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome!!

[@buellman2000]

That was a really great video!! I think you did a freaking awesome job!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Hey thanks, I appreciate that!!

[@sparkyas2]

I just purchased the same car (Onyx XT) and thank you for this informative video. I’ll be sure to use a mini hacksaw blade designed for pvc and light coarse sandpaper for the rear facia. Thanks again and keep rolling in the Onyx! That was tough to do one-handed, kudos to the camera crew.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome, thanks for watching and I’m glad it helped a bit. Enjoy your new Onyx!

[@David-jb7ho]

Only slight changes with the 2021 model. Which include, removing the factory mud-flaps prior to removing the bumper. Thanks for the walkthrough. Great video!

[@Jaetea88]

Very well done. Thanks for walking through each step and giving pointers for the trickier pieces.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!!

[@eman3082000]

Life saver vid! 31 onyx is done. Thanks for the hard work.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thanks for your comment!

[@andrewolsen1965]

Thank you so much! I just installed mine and couldn’t of done it without you! A+ Video! Hardest part for me was the cutting and the black plastic clips. I ended up using a Dremel to cut and just worked through the “melting”. Also unhappy with mine as it’s a little off to the right, but happy enough not to replace/try again

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

That’s awesome to hear!! Safe travels! 🙂

[@bradleygraber9985]

Just used this video for a 2021 Forester Sport oem hitch. Different bolting pattern on hitch and different bumper plastic styling but basically the same process . His bumper looked complicated to cut but the forester sport was easier. Also, I used a cordless jig saw with a semi aggressive thin blade no issues. Once again thank you for taking the time to make this video. I was able to save a lot of head aches, time, and money!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome. That’s great to hear, thanks for sharing your experience with the Forester! Good to know; thank you for your comment!

[@goodmandiad2713]

Great video well done. I just did the whole install after viewing your video. It helped. I do have one suggestion for this of us in the rust belt. Instead of putting the 4 pin plug through the hole and mount it pemanantly outside the vehicle I have been putting them inside the car and running the wires through the hatch when needed. On this particular install what I did was remove a section of the hard plastic wire protector and then you are only feeding 4 flat wires throughout the weather strip when you actually tow something. I did not come up with this idea myself. A hitch installer told me this 12 years ago and I have never had a problem doing it.

[@minagaragozlo]

This was the most helpful instructional video I've ever watched for anything! Thank you for making installation far less intimidating and so clear. With very little car knowledge, it took me about 4.5 hours on my 2021 Outback Premium so this gave me a ton of confidence to do this on my own. Highly recommend using a multitool for the fascia cutting and then sanding it tdown. The template is definitely a little off and I cut too much off the top so be weary of that. Also highly recommend having someone nearby if you don't have the finger or arm strength it takes to undo some of the clips and screws. That was by far the hardest part was unscrewing things that wouldn't budge and I had to call in backup😂

[@seandowling4070]

Thanks so much for taking the time to do this Burnt OnBothEnds. This is a tremendous help.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@dowtube1]

Great video, great DIY skills. Clearly a deterrent to even allow the dealership to install this complicated a task

[@17patriot76]

Great install video...you should be proud of the job you did...also the help you have given to many!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thanks, that means a lot, especially coming from Abe Lincoln! 😂 Appreciate it man.

[@DrewPeabawls]

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!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

You’re welcome. I’m @d3natured on Venmo but just happy to help.

[@todivetoday]

Great video, thank you. I will do it soon. Cheers to all for the additional and valuable info.

[@NearlyFromAfar]

Thanks a ton for documenting every step of the process and taking the time to edit it all down.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@TCPUDPATM]

I feel empowered to install the hitch on my own thanks to this video. Thank you!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome; you can do it!

[@parsley0120]

I appreciate you doing this video! I just installed my hitch on my 2022 Outback Touring with your help. It would have been much easier had the previous owner of my car not driven down a dirt road daily! The clips were so clogged up with dirt I ended up breaking a handful of them. Definitely would have been an easier job had it been done when it was brand new! Anyway, 5 hours later it was in and although I wasn’t happy with my cutting of the rear facia, it looks a lot better than several dealer installs I’ve seen.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome, nice work!

[@compasscamper5730]

Glad to see this video and reinforce my confidence in paying the dealer to do this.

[@sportsflicvideo]

I'm really glad that you made this video available to your other 2020 Outback owners. My wife and I just purchased a Limited XT and added the hitch and Thule two-bike rack. Just waiting for the dealer to let us know when we can bring it in. I've spent 2/3rd's of my life doing these things myself (I own a '46 Willys CJ2A) but I wanted to have the ability for dealer intervention should anything happen with it. The one thing that is not clear from the accessory handbook is what truly comes with the kit. Knowing that the harness and trim around the hitch cut out is included is a relief. Thanks again and great job!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome, congrats on the new Outback! I agree, I think they only added the template a few months ago, so that should really help consistency with dealer (and owner) cutaways, which were all over the place early on. And the electrical harness is excellent. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it.

[@sportsflicvideo]

@@BurntOnBothEnds Thanks, we love it already. One more thought; I'm going to guess that the dealers might have pre-cut lower bumper aprons from Subaru that they just exchange for the uncut ones. I can't imagine them doing what you had to do with yours.

[@jboyers1]

Great job. Thanks for documenting. It’ll help a lot of people.

[@BruceTimothy]

Thanks brother! Your video saved me $650! I really appreciate your step by step.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome! Enjoy whatever else you spend that hard-earned money on!

[@johnmeier270]

Nice work, didn't expect it to be such a large amount of taking stuff apart and reassembly. You did a great job though

[@snick111]

Thank you! well done...will be referencing this in the Fall.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you, have fun and enjoy your OB!

[@johnnewell5025]

Terrific video. I installed this last weekend - the Subaru instructions are really opaque in places and arguably just plain wrong in others. If you didn't read the directions through from end to end before you started, you might not get the exhaust components reinstalled at the right time. (!!!) I especially liked your suggestion to think about how the fasciae cutout is sized and placed. Tool suggestion - I thought about what would work best for me and used a combination of an oscillating multi-tool with "Japanese" teeth and a jigsaw with relatively fine teeth. These worked beautifully. In particular, the OMT blade is more or less self-directional because of the amount of the blade that's stabilized by the kerf. Thanks again for our work.

[@michaelnelson3469]

Excellent. I bought one of these today for my 2020 Onyx XT and it had no instructions at all with it. Luckily after watching your great video I did some searching and found a .pdf of the OEM installation manual, so I'm covered. I am going to install it by myself, and then take that plastic facia piece that needs to be cut over to my buddy's house ... he is a cabinet maker and has every saw and cutting tool known to man.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

That’s awesome! 😊

[@fotomaniacs]

Thanks for making the step by step. Great info and prepping to see what I'm getting into.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

You’re welcome, thank you for watching!!

[@Berzrk-Z]

Thank you SOOO much for this highly detailed install video! I've got a 2022 Outback Wilderness that I'll be attempting this install on tomorrow (Aug 20), so fingers crossed. The install on the Wilderness is a bit different, so I was thinking of filming some of those differences to help others that may be in the same boat.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Nice! Do it! Good luck and congrats on the Wilderness!

[@jos241]

How did it turn out?

[@debitsandcredits228]

Awesome job with both the video and the installation - really good stuff. After watching your fight with the rear bumper fascia, I think I'll spend the $25 and order a new one with the receiver cutout already there. Thanks again!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!! Where can you buy a pre-cut piece? I definitely would have done that, and I think it would be a popular purchase.

[@debitsandcredits228]

@@BurntOnBothEnds Yeah, I spoke too soon on that. I thought you mentioned something to that effect in your video but I was mistaken. I was only able to locate a solid panel sans cutout.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

I hope someone starts doing this, if Subaru doesn’t.

[@jimmccorison]

I completed my hitch install a couple of days ago. Your video was very helpful, even with the official instructions in hand. My car is a 2024 Outback Touring XT. For the most part, everything was the same. A few differences: 1) The rear bumper valance must be cut before it can be remounted. 2) Despite the instructions, you do not need to remove the spare tire, unless of course you drop something into the well and have to remove the tire to remove the said dropped item. 3) I had to move the car before I had the rear valances back in place, but the error codes reset themselves automatically once it was back without having to disconnect the battery. Cutting the lower valance turned out to be quite easy. I used a Fein MultiMaster with a cut-off blade, running at the slowest speed, for the straight cuts and to cut inside the corners to get the bulk out of the way. The sweeps were done as you did, multiple passes with a sharp razor knife. The small radiuses were done with a Forstner bit in the drill press. Cutting the lower section of the bumper valances was easy with a jigsaw. All in all, it took only a 1/2 hour using this method. Thank you for the time you spent making the video. (A correction to my prior comment: The kit does not come with a new lower valance. I think that is only the Wilderness Edition.)

[@trekforecast6135]

Just wanted to say thanks for the video! I wouldn’t have attempted the task without this video. Just got hitched today!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome!! Nice work, and thank you for your comment. :-)

[@trekforecast6135]

As I was making my comment I realized I should have read other’s comments about cutting the fascia. I used a Dremel and a rasp to file it down. Wish it would have gone better but it is one of those things only I will notice. Thanks again! I also plan to adjust my annoying headlights by watching your other video

[@bryanclark1899]

Great Video! The U-haul after-market hitch installation uses new holes drilled into the frame in order to avoid the bumper removal and trimming. I feel much better using attachment holes designed into the frame and avoiding any source for rust-causing moisture getting inside the box frame.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Absolutely. Plus, you have to imagine it’s safer to go with Subaru, since it’s specifically engineered to work with the crumple zones. Safer, longer lasting, better looking. Thanks for watching!

[@mrhounddog8271]

Great video! Very well done and thorough. I have subscribed and look forward to checking out the other upgrades and changes you made to your Outback.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!

[@rubeng1281]

Thank you! Your video helped me get the install done myself.... I did destroy the lower facia in my opinion... everyone else says it looks great but I KNOW IT'S NOT EVEN! LOL I ordered a replacement facia and will replace it eventually.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Haha awesome, good work!!

[@sammydadz]

Nothing but net! I agree with Bruce...one of the best instructional videos I’ve seen.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thanks man!!

[@arnelarson2849]

Thanks for a very complete, well done video on the installation of the factory hitch for the Outback. I just purchased an Outback Limited 2.5L and am having the dealership install the hitch (it's actually being completed as I type this!). I hope they do as good of a job as you did.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome, thank you! Enjoy the nice new hitch!

[@m1oberon]

Hi, What is the cost from the dealership?

[@Ecto1dx]

@@m1oberon I had one installed at my local dealership and it was $715. I had a terrible experience and they damaged my bumper, fascia, and the hitch itself during installation. If you have any DIY skill, do yourself a favor and avoid having this completed at the dealership.

[@kevin3434343434]

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.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Happy to hear it!

[@letsgo_inc]

I have recently seen someone do this and leave the lower fascia off thus completely avoiding the bumper cut. It looks good enough to me.

[@SubaruAmbassadorRobert]

Great vid!!! I'll share it to my How To playlist to hopefully get more people to it!

[@sn2gg941]

Just finished the installation and wanted to share some thoughts. First, I would not have attempted this installation without this excellent video by @Burnt OnBothEnds. Big thanks for taking the extra time/effort to record and share your installation. - 8 Hours start to finish, would rate it's difficulty a 7 out of 10 ( I'm overly cautious ) - Print and staple the installation document (is not included with the Subaru hitch) - Be sure to print the template to scale, use the 1" scaled box icons on the template to verify - Found it easier to tape and score the template on the inside surface ( hides my mistakes! ) - Assemble all the tools before starting ( goes without saying ) - Handle (extraction/insertion) the plastic fasteners with care, they break easily - Remove rear splash guards if equipped - Reinstall the 4 bolts and 2 nuts that were removed from the original bumper bar ( I don't like empty holes ) - Use silicon spray on rubber grommets for exhaust system. Makes removing/installing the heavy mufflers much easier. I found it easier to remove the mufflers completely - Use drive on ramps (and jack stands for safety) to gain ~8 inches additional clearance, your back/arms will thank you! - Soak flexible edge treatment in hot water (or use hair dryer), makes insertion on fascia cut much easier - Follow the tightening sequence for the fasteners exactly - Pay special attention to the placement of the fuse box if you have a full size spare, install the the spare and do a dry run for proper clearance - Heed the warning in the video about cutting the fascia, it is as stated, the MOST difficult step. And don't fret if you destroy the fascia, write it off as a $20 learning experience! - Pre cut large waste areas, provides better maneuverability and precision I tried two different methods to cut the fascia, hot knife and jig saw ( I used both methods on different areas ). If using a jig saw, use "no melt" blades ( Home Depot or Lowe's ). I used a propane torch to repeatedly heat the box cutter blade. Clean, smooth edges and very maneuverable. The jig saw worked well also ( especially the straight cuts ). Drilled holes at start and end of curves. If using the jig saw, use clamps to stabilize the fascia during the cutting. Use a box cutter and straight edge to score the cut lines, then remove the template. The template gets in the way during cutting. And if Subaru listens to it's customers, please create a separate part number for a pre cut fascia! ( may be dreaming, Subaru probably wants to discourage DIYers ) Enjoy and good luck.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing!!

[@edvisme]

I just bought a 2021 Outback and worked the hitch into the deal. I'm somewhat mechanically inclined so I figured I'd install it myself. I picked up the hitch today from the dealer, it appears someone has been into the box because there are NO instructions on how to install it. Going over the parts and such I called the dealer back. I spoke with the service writer about them installing it. 120.00 to install it. I figure why the hell not. Well, now that I watched this video and "learned" how to do the job, I think I will do it myself. I have a gut feeling that whomever it is at the dealer that handles this job they will hack up my brand new bumper. Plus I want the bar that was removed. Thanks for the video. It was very helpful. I can do this.

[@goodmandiad2713]

The instructions do not come in the box. Only a stupid paper that says keep with car and watch out is you have RAB and cross traffic system .

[@wanglee21]

Good Job! I hate dealerships! I has a basic oil change and replacement of a bad factory cladding. Somehow they ended up scratching two areas of the body in areas away from where they were suppose to work. An other time they damaged my PPF hood

[@dherz0983]

Good video with clear instructions! Considering to get one for my wife. For the cutout maybe using a little cutting wheel/ disc might do the trick better.

[@banindustrialvermont4970]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Will refer to your video this summer. 1 more subscriber, AMAZING JOB!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

That means a lot, thanks so much. 😸

[@jimmccorison]

Wonderful video. Thank you. We just bought a 2024 Outback and were thinking of having the hitch installed for us, but after watching your video it is obvious that the job is straightforward. One change, either for the Outback or for later years, is that the hitch comes with a new facia instead of having to modify the existing one. That will be a nice change.

[@arizona5253]

How much is the factory hitch?

[@traviscarlson3836]

This tutorial is amazing Just installed the Subaru factory hitch on a 2023 Wilderness edition and this video made it ten times easier and more enjoyable. Second the OP's opinion that it's much more pleasant to work on new vehicles (I am accustomed to 40 yo Land Cruisers). A couple notes on the 2023 - or maybe it's just the Wilderness edition: - the little plastic tabs that hold the bumper fascia on at the wheel wells are all the same type (pry the center bit out and then remove the whole unit) as opposed to a single one at the top of the wheel well that is push-pull). - the cut-out is different. For some reason the wilderness gets part number L101SAN620 that spruces up the bumper where the cut has been made for the receiver. I didn't note that cutting template Part Number SOA554002 was available so just spent a lot of time trimming a bit and getting the receiver surround piece to fit properly. As with OP, took me about 6 hours, and most of that time was trimming the bumper cover - that is scary cutting into!! Thanks again for this great tutorial. Liked and subscribed.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome, glad it went well. And I appreciate the support!

[@dougcarter8924]

Use sharp tin snips to cut out for the hitch. Used them on my second install instead of a saw. Very easy to use and much cleaner cuts.

[@mattsheets]

I used aviation snips and am shocked I had to scroll so far down before anyone mentioned them or tin snips. They worked perfectly.

[@luandoan9893]

You gotta be the first one on KZbin that made this video for 2020 outback hitch. Good video, thank you. Do you have the sport grille on yours, should do that video next.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Hey thanks for watching! 😊 I don’t have the sport grille, but could think about adding it and making a video. I like the look but don’t know if it’s worth the money for me right now: expecting a baby in a couple weeks. I appreciate the comment and suggestion!

[@luandoan9893]

Burnt OnBothEnds Congratulations. I was planning to do the hitch and the grille but I hate taking the plastic bumper off, always afraid that the plastic locking tab gonna snap and break on me. And I don’t trust dealership to do it.

[@Beket_ca]

very good video, thank you so much. it helps a lot with miserable subaru manual.

[@JohnHernandez-vn6wp]

I just bought a 2021 onyx and was curious to what the process was to install this. I am nervous about the plastic cutting, but feel pretty good about the rest of the install.Thanks for a great video.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Congrats on your new car! And thank you for the comment. 😀

[@brianclark4973]

Great job. The only thing I saw that I can give feedback on is the use of the template. You mounted it on the outside. It says in the instructions to mount it inside the fascia. I'm going to dremel is and see how that turns out. I think if you do multiple passes with the cutting tool, it won't heat up as much to "melt" it, but we'll see. Great video as it cleared up a lot for me.

[@MotoEnLoCo]

Nice work. So many steps, I'm getting anxiety just thinking about doing it myself, haha!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you, you can do it too!

[@goodmandiad2713]

Another set of hands is not a bad idea. Use a bit of lube onto muffler rubber brackets it will help them slide off easier.

[@bickfordwings]

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.

[@tresopple]

Thank you for this video, literally wouldn’t of been able to do this without it, especially since mine didn’t come with an instruction manual lol

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome, happy to help.

[@thomasfitzpatrick4059]

Wow. What an exceptional instructional video. Thank you.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!

[@TheBullseye53537]

Just finished installing on my 2021. Thank you. Very good. In hindsight probably would have gone aftermarket. Removing the rear support feels wrong. Didn't like the way the rear body tube where you slide in the brkts is left wide open to salt and debris. Thanks again!

[@goodmandiad2713]

The factory one is way better than aftermarket one. If you get hit in the rear the aftermarket one will destroy the rear frame rails. The other thing the aftermarket one would have involved is cutting one of the openings in the frame rails large enough to hold the nut plate that is needed to go into the frame rail. Another problem that will come later is aftermarket ones tend to run too close to the muffler and may hit. Subaru designed and crash tested this on the outback. One of the reasons we buy Subarus is safety and the factory hitch keeps us there. The reason I can say this is I have installed factory and aftermarket hitches on outbacks and will never put aftermarket one on again.

[@jeremypang7984]

First off, amazing video, super clear instructions on the installation. For anyone scared about cutting the plastic, I have a few tips for you; use a stepper drill bit to hog out most of the round edges, a hole saw might actually work better. I used a jigsaw, effectively a hand held band saw, to cut the straight edges and it worked great!

[@WontSeeReplies]

Impressive video. More than helpful.

[@fido530]

Great video. Now I know why the dealer wants so much money to install the hitch.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!

[@kennybunker2081]

Very detailed installation. Thanks.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you for watching!

[@LW_Black4]

Great vid, thanks. I've got to do one on a '17 outback and it will be similar

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you! Good luck on your install!

[@erichurst2496]

Great video and very thorough . I just installed a Curt hitch on my 2018. The aftermarket on the 2020 may be easier. You just have to remove the bumper and sandwich the hitch frame on the existing bolts and reinstall the bumper. I'm not a fan of disturbing the exhaust system. When I installed an under frame hitch on my 2010 Outback, which made you remove the mufflers, I had a little rattle till the day I sold it. That's why I went with the concealed hitch this time. Also the concealed version has 200 more lbs of tongue weight capacity. I thought my wife was going to divorce me when she walked into the garage and the bumper cover was removed.

[@PD-iu9bn]

How are you liking the curt hitch? I’m looking into doing one on my 2022 outback. The Curt did not require full bumper removal or fascia modification, correct?

[@TucsonDude]

Not as strong, tho. It's just a clamp-on unit rather than a true bolt-into-frame unit like the OEM.

[@michaeljablonsmi4686]

I have a 2016 Outback and thinking about getting a tow hitch. I do not currently have a need for a hitch, but may require one in the future. This helps me better understand the work entailed for installation and if it is worth the effort. Thanks

[@lubricator]

Exceptional instruction video. Thanks!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnphillips3526]

Super good video and you did a beautiful job. I don’t have the confidence to chop into my new car though. Appointment made at the dealer.

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it! :-)

[@michaelking42]

I've installed a lot of trailer hitches in my time, but never had to cut a vehicle's plastic before - that is a terrifying prospect. Not sure I want to do this to my new 2023 Outback. You did an awesome job. Thank you for taking the time to make the video and share it.

[@25rsti15]

Fyi, I just did mine on my 2023 and the bumper cover also needs cut. Just cut a little wider on the cover then the trim and it'll be fine.

[@PD-iu9bn]

@@25rsti15how difficult was this job in your opinion?

[@25rsti15]

@PD-iu9bn I did it with a hacksaw because I didn't have a plastic cutoff wheel at the moment for my dremel, it took a while with it but not bad.

[@PD-iu9bn]

Right? On the one hand, I kinda like the “integrated look” of the OEM. On the other hand it’s going to bother me if that receiver isn’t perfectly centered in n the cutout, or if the cutout isn’t symmetrical, or when the adhesive on the lining starts to fatigue and the lining starts pulling away from the cut out. Unless it’s near perfect, I think I prefer the aftermarket “hidden” hitch designs where the bar is tucked up under the fascia and only the receiver is visible. I had to think on it for a bit but I’ve decided to go with that rather than the OEM.

[@TucsonDude]

@@PD-iu9bn Aftermarket is merely a clamp-on set-up. Bad news.

[@edwinfarr7301]

Great video. Only 2 added tips i found. 1- take the top push button thing (the tiny ones) out of the black trim around each wheel well. It holds the bumper to the fender. 2- a jig saw with sharp fine wood blade and steady hand made the cutting easy

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thanks for those tips!

[@edwinfarr7301]

Thanks for your video! It was a hundred times better than the SoA instructions!

[@dabcorn]

NICE!!!, detailed & clearly presented.... but if you build musical instruments, then that explains your attention to detail, fit and finish!

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Thank you!!

[@rogk5756]

Great video very informative

[@Thatglizzygoblin6969]

Great video, thanks!

[@joewillemkens7324]

Thanks for the video! Beyond excellent! Where did you purchase your kit?

[@Chip59]

I have the exact same car…colour and all. I wasn’t going to attempt this until I watched your video. Now I’m all hyped up..can’t wait to do it. Best instructional video ever…well done ! BTW…..the seats make my back sweat in the summer…..do yours ?

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome! Super glad to hear. I blast my AC and fortunately park in a garage most time, but I agree the seat fabric is not super breathable. At least it’s (hopefully) more durable and easier to clean vs. cloth.

[@COcraig75]

Excellent video

[@fixittony]

Thank you for posting this video. It’s wonderful whether you can share your decision-making process to use the OEM vs the Curt available on etrailer. The installation appears simpler. I am debating between the two for my ‘23 Outback.