DIY towbar installation? 2007 Forester (SG)

Random Twitch

Forum Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2021
Messages
15
Location
Australia
Car Year
2007
Car Model
Forester X
Transmission
Manual
I am in my usual position of having lots of wants for my Subi but a severe allergic reaction to the prices of things, and a migraine-trigger in the way one expenditure points to another.

I'd really like to build a rear set of drawers / sleeping platform /etc, but the spare wheel is a serious impediment. So I'd like to get it out.

The weight on the roof would require a $$$ roofrack, and I don't like the weight/space up there. That leaves rear-mounted options.

Anything hitchmounted seems to need a 50mm receiver on a heavy (class 4) towbar with a 100kg+ ballweight. BTA sells one (maybe the only one left for this model in Australia) for ~$580.

Has anyone mounted a towbar on their own? What's it like - straightforward or is it a 'don't attempt unless you're a mechanic with a lift' kinda thing? I have hand tools, and would buy a set of driveway ramps if needed (might also help with a sump guard installation).

Not wanting to end up as one of those idiots on a 'captured on dashcam' TV shows, trailer, wheel and bumper skittering along the highway, sparks showering everywhere...
 
My 2006 SG had a Liberty/Outback OEM bar fitted from new.

The hardest part is deciphering the electrics, which are hidden under the carpet in the boot on the driver's side.

My bar has two side bars that bolt through the sides of the wheel well. It's rated at 1,900 kgs, far above the maximum towing weight of the vehicle, with or without brakes!
 
I fitted the rear tow bumper bar to my Triton which I am sure would be a lot heavier than a Foz tow bar. I would think a trolley floor jack would be useful for fitting the Foz bar.
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I've also removed and re-fitted the TJM bull-bar but I used an engine crane for that job.
 
I DIYed my 40mm towbar solo on my driveway, the wiring diagram is on this forum somewhere for the SG Foz. No ramps , hand tools only. I don't know if the 50mm is any different.
 
Wiring for the OEM towbar is here:

OEM Subaru trailer wiring

Gidday Folks I cannot believe this, but here it is ... Roo2 has a "genuine" Subaru towbar. It has "SUBARU" and the compliance information stamped on it. It was fitted prior to delivery. This afternoon, I spent over 2 hours investigating the non-standard wiring in my attempts to install the...
www.offroadsubarus.com www.offroadsubarus.com
 
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