hi folks. my sop ex is on order, and i want to get a trailer hitch for it. i have a draw-tite on my subaru, and it scrapes every time i go into a driveway. this is getting old, and i don't want the same problem w/ my e.

so, does anyone have this problem w/ the honda (oem) hitch? anyone have this problem w/ the hidden hitch? does one hang lower than the other? any recommendations?

your help would be greatly appreciated. pics, too. i've seen pics of the honda hitch, but nothing up close of the hidden.

thanks!

I just installed a Hidden Hitch Friday afternoon. It is tucked up so close to the rear bumper (you can hardly see it) and the distance from the rear tires to the hitch is so short, I can't imagine it would ever drag. But, this is just an opinion since I haven't actually tried it out yet.

Jim

I have installed the Hidden Hitch and had no issue with scraping or ground contact of any kind.

Most Subarus have a longer rear overhang than the Element, so are more likely to scrape when a hitch is added. The Element has pretty short tail.

still haven't heard from folks with the honda hitch? any scrapers out there? also, you hidden hitch people... are there any warranty issues with an aftermarket hitch?

thanks again...

All the hitch receivers fit close under the rear bumper. They all bolt to the towloop just behind the bumper. So none should project more than 2" below the bumper. The exhaust hangs 4 1/2" below the bumper.

Now a draw bar might project out far enough to scrape on some steep drive way entrances. You didn't say whether your Subaru hitch included the draw bar or not.

Check on the new 'racks and hitches' section for a list of hitch installation instructions.

paulj

A further look at the pictures of the Honda hitch and its instructions shows that it does hang about as low as the tailpipe. The Hidden Hitch however is snug against the bumper.

paulj

[quote:239bced85a=" "]A further look at the pictures of the Honda hitch and its instructions shows that it does hang about as low as the tailpipe. The Hidden Hitch however is snug against the bumper.[/quote:239bced85a]

Granted, the tail pipe can give way a bit upwards, should your E encounter the local badly-graded 7-11 parking lot! :)

-brendan