Hitch Mount Bike Rack on my 2011 SWP WRX

[jdubya]

Just addded a hitch to my WRX, it was a PAIN to say the least. If you install one, you'll probably need a metal file or bit to widen two of the holes (saves a trip to Home Depot mid install)!

But happy I finally did it.

[carnevino]

Did you peel some bikes off your roof before? haha jk . Curious as to why not go the roof route where's it's just plug and play for an install. Car looks good man, I looked for the white but couldn't find a Limited one in my area for months.

[JayBee09]

I am looking to put a hitch on my 09 and am wondering the best ay to do this. U-hal says they can do it but the nearest place is an hour away and I also don't know how much i trust them. I hear it is a giant paint to put one on but think I can do it. What was so hard?

[jdubya]

I am looking to put a hitch on my 09 and am wondering the best ay to do this. U-hal says they can do it but the nearest place is an hour away and I also don't know how much i trust them. I hear it is a giant paint to put one on but think I can do it. What was so hard?

You can do it, just be sure to have a metal file on hand. The front holes used for mounting aren't large enough to insert the metal pieces used to secure the mount. You also have to fish 2 (1 on each side) pieces about 12 inches for the rear most mounting bracket.
Also - you'll need to remove the mufflers 1st to even get to the part where you have to file the holes.
I didn't use a lift, so it was very tight and hard to maneuver. Besides that, it was a piece a cake (no really it sucked). I would have paid the $50.00 to have some else install it had I known, but I'm cheap like that sometimes. Lesson learned.

If you have all the right tools, it wouldn't be that bad probably (for an 09 WRX sedan).

Check this link for instructions on the PDF on the right of the page:
CURT Manufacturing | CURT Manufacturing - Hitch Lookup

[jdubya]

Did you peel some bikes off your roof before? haha jk . Curious as to why not go the roof route where's it's just plug and play for an install. Car looks good man, I looked for the white but couldn't find a Limited one in my area for months.

Thanks!!

"Did you peel some bikes off your roof before?" Huh?

I did the hitch for versatility, so I can add a cargo basket to use for coolers etc or so I can pull a small trailer for my Home Depot trips when I buys junk that I don't want in my car (grass, shrubs, small trees etc).

I have 3 girls, so I need all the extra space I can get when we all load up in my car!!!

Also wanted to be able to switch the rack from my car to my wifes when we take family trips.

[jgardiner]

You could also use a OEM Forester hitch. This replaces the bumper beam, so I think it is much stronger.

[JayBee09]

I just ordered a Curt Hitch so we will see how tough it is. I do have access to a lift as well as a wide variety of tools including many different sizes of files. I didn't shop around for prices however U haul said it would be 48 for the install and another 48 for the wiring install. Id definitely like to save the 100 bucks.