Reddit mentions: The best towing hitch accessories

First off as a reminder for everybody: if you guys could make suggestion posts self-posts, that would be great! I'll leave this here since you've already got some comments already and are off road in the picture. :)

Now...

Here is my wagon currently.

There's a pretty good amount of stuff you can do for your wagon. :)

Starting with protection, Primitive makes excellent quality plates that will keep your car safe from rocks and branches from stabbing into your under-body driving or if you bottom out. I highly recommend Primitive. They're excellent to work with.

Let's talk about lifts, now! :) There's multiple ways to lift an Outback. Subtle Solutions and Gorilla Off-Road Company both make 1" Spacers that allow you to lift without much (if any) correction to the suspension.

After lifting, getting an alignment is definitely recommended. Also note that 2" is pretty much the max for lifting our cars unless you're wanting to getting into dropping the subframe. SJR makes a lift that goes 4" and 6", but they increase in price significantly from the 2" model.

If you're looking for a lift that has some more on the road benefits, King Springs are another viable option as they have ~20% stiffer progressive spring rate that keeps the car stiffer on corners and keeps you from bouncing around off-road. They're usually put on new shocks and the most commonly used ones are KYB GR2s. There's a little discrepancy on how much they lift, but it's usually 1"-1.5". The King Spring + KYB GR2 combo will run you ~$900, which is a little pricey, but worth it if you're looking for an improved ride.

One last route to go (which I think I'm going to do these and regular height King Springs) is an SJR lift which uses metal lifting blocks found here. They provide a 2" lift and are angled to keep stock strut geometry which is definitely nice.

Lights are a place you can mix it up a bit. Hella 500s are tried and true and have a more "rally" look to them, but I recently bought this front LED light bar and absolutely love it. It's light output is ridiculous and it's great for the price. So far, no complaints. Just remember for bulb lights, circle lights generally put out more. :) Her's my top LED light bar as well if you're interested.

I got this roof rack and am very happy with it. It's solid and great for the money. They make an extension piece as well and a cargo net

Rally Armor Mud Flaps are useful for keeping the mud on your car down and also defecting rocks from your paint. :)

And last but not least, tires! I highly recommend General Grabber AT2s. You can go about one more tire size bigger than stock and still not rub. :) Tires are one of the best upgrades you can get for going off-road. :)

I hope this helps! :)

So the hitch that I found sits comfortably behind the number and actually affects the exit angle very little if at all. I'll also be getting a 1 1/4 to 2 inch adapter that is technically only meant for class II hitches, but for only holding a spare tire, it will be fine. It's also fine for holding a bike rack or something. I'll edit this comment when I'm at my computer and show you what I'm getting

EDIT:

1. This is the hitch that I will be using. If you look at the pictures, it seems very discrete without much taken away from exit angle.
   
   
2. This is the best one that I can find for your car. There aren't any pictures form reviews, but it sounds like in the comments that it is also discrete, although there's no guarantee. If that one doesn't work, something custom is probably your only option.
   
   
3. This is the adapter that you can use. Just remember that as a general rule of thumb, your towing capacity is cut in half if you use one of these, just as a safety precaution. Towing with an adapter also depends on how strong the pin is that you're using to hold it into the base hitch.
   
   
4. This is the tire holder that I am probably going to get. It seems a little short, but I measured on my car and it should be alright. If it is way too short, you can get a hitch riser like this
   
   
5. THIS is the tire carrier that I want, because it is very very strong and the cheaper one folds to the side, which is really nice. I don't know if I'll be able to afford it, though, so I'll see
   If all this metal that's bolted to your car is rattling around way too much because of the couple millimeters of play in the hitches, pick yourself up a couple of these and it's problem solved.
   
   Hope this helps! If you want to know anything else, let me know
   
   
   Edit 2: formatting

I bought 2015 mirrors for my red 07.5 dmax and it looked great, the wide angle was far superior to the kind you are looking at (stock ~40degrees, 2015 ~170 degrees) off amazon for around $270. I don't remember the brand but they were plug and play except for the work lights. I highly recommend them, you'll get a nice clean look and the wide angle really is astounding compared to 2012 tow mirrors. I posted a review also.

07-13 Silverado Towing Power Heated Chrome Mirrors LED Signal & Clearance Lamps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018M8JBPQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Bi2EybY3RHRES
Edit- looks like the price dropped

/u/mjbehrendt is my rock. He's there for me everyday through thick and thin. He's smart and funny and handsome and has the most awesome beard. I love him more than I could ever imagine. Everyday were together makes each day better.

Item from his default list

Tyara, I'm not used to this username yet

Beautiful work, OP. It seriously looks like a real product.

For hams with a 2" hitch receiver, this works WONDERS as a base. Works great with the SOTA Beams telescoping pole, and I'm pretty sure the Jackite pole would fit as well (2.3" ID).

Hahaha. Dogs in shoes are hilarious to watch try and walk. I would have clicked on it too. But thank you!

And yes it is. Got it on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MM1JT4/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_sSy1Db9H4XD23

I highly recommend the very cheap kind that just straps to your roof. 30 seconds to put on, 30 seconds to take off. I have been using this one, and I'm super happy with it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015D19SS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I transport 2 17 foot yaks on the roof of my pickup truck in conjunction with one of these at roof level coming from the rear tow hitch
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HDL2DX6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Get one that goes into your hitch. It'll be centered and easily removed.
https://discountflagoutlet.com/index.php/tow-hitch-mount-flagpole-holder.html If you don't want to buy one, you could probably make one pretty easily using an old ball mount.

Here's another one I just found:
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-51611-Hitch-Flagpole-Holder/dp/B004IVGA0G
I like stuff that'll fit into a hitch because its not a permanent modification. I'm not drilling holes in my vehicle. If I don't like the look of something I can simply remove it from the hitch and sell it.

Tow is a Mazda CX-5, max tow limit of 2000lbs, while the trailer is about 950lbs empty. I can easily lift the trailer when loaded to get it on the ball, so tongue weight is around 120lbs. The ball and hitch should be both 1 7/8" but now you are making me paranoid (I don't have trailer or ball with me, it's in storage a few hr away), but I did not feel any play after attached and locked. I did use an anti-rattle pin lock like this...same concept at least.

But that is why I was thinking it was just the leaf springs being open on one end (slipper leaf) to allow compression lengthening. I also did NOT know this when traveling!

Good to know that they DO bounce like monkeys though.

Trailer harness plugs
You can find two pin plugs as well. I used one for a simple fan in an old computer.
Best yet is they are made to seal well, and rated for several amps at 12 volts.


http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-47965-2-Pole-Flat-Extension/dp/B0002Q80RW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453147049&sr=8-1&keywords=2+pin+trailer+extension

http://www.amazon.com/ABN-Trailer-Wiring-Harness-Extension/dp/B00YNF8SSE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1453146756&sr=8-5&keywords=Trailer+Plug+Wiring

My father has on his Pathfinder This Hitch which is a step and looks really nice. It doesn't expand too much, so it doesn't look exaggerated but can protect on a direct rear impact. Theres also a Blacked out version which should look badass on a TRD 4Runner and theres the variants with led light on black and chromed.

+1 for ditch the running boards. The trailer hitch as well unless you plan to use it or need a strapping point. If so then one of these https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-29312B-Receiver-Shackle-Receivers/dp/B001CF1A7O and an actual recovery strap which is different than a tow strap. The best thing you can ever get for 4x4ing is a FRIEND to go with vs alone.

Oh cool! I'm interested to know if the 50 VIP also has the unused green and black wire connector in the handlebars that I use for accessories on my 150. If so, it has an impossible-for-me-to-find molex connector so I snipped it off and cut one of these in half and crimped it on as a replacement.

Your scooter might actually be able to run on those batteries ;-)

We actually bought a 13 pin and 7 blade housing and did it ourselves because nobody makes a harness like that.

docooler Tirol 13-Pin Trailer Plug 13-Pole Connector 12V Towbar Towing Caravan Truck Plug N Type Trailer End Plastic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S97S56C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_S-juzb7EFQ4D8

Hopkins 47185 Multi-Tow Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Q80GS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MakuzbBPYZNTN

We didn't use the 4 pin on the second link. Just cut it off. Assuming you haven't already wired up the brake controller, you need to tap into the red and black wire for the brake pedal and recommend a posi tap for that.

Good luck!

Hindsight is 20/20 but if anyone else is reading this, I purchased one of these for peace of mind.

REESE Towpower 72783 Universal Coupler Lock, Adjustable Storage Security, Heavy-Duty Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008FUH46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MhxBCbZNVCRKZ

As in shoving something in the gap around the square tubing? No. The ball mount did bounce around on my old 1 1/4" hitch, but I didn't feel/hear anything with this one (though with the trailer off, I can jiggle it around some). Maybe after a few trips it'll start wearing away, but I probably wouldn't do anything about it.

Looks like you can use something like this, but I like the ability to quickly connect/disconnect.

https://www.amazon.com/StowAway-Tightener-Anti-Rattle-Stabilizer-Hitches/dp/B0001CMUV4

Trailer thefts happen all over the damn place. Here is an article of one in Orange, CA. One of the safest cities in the country. Many years ago, I used to deliver products to several cities around the west. I always took precaution s in securing the trailer I was towing. Every trailer I hauled had one of these, as well as one of these. Never had a problem. Point is, take precautions in securing your valuable, no matter where you are.

Here you go https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IVGA0G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AHUhAb22Y48TF

I used this flag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FA6BLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_PIUhAbFC0RBT8


For the actual pole I bought a 4-5 foot fencing pole from Lowe's drilled some holes into it and bolted on some mounting clips for the flag then I spray painted the whole thing black... Oh and at the bottom there's a bolt that they give you to "secure the pole" but it's flimsy so I just went to Lowe's and bought a black hex key bolt and used that to actually secure it. Last thing I needed is the flag flying into the ocean lol

This kind of thing already exists, and in my opinion is being done better. The “hitch vault” logo is a giveaway. For the model I’m comparing to, the at least have a cover to help conceal the fact that it’s a safe.

HitchSafe HS7000 Key Vault https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I66JEM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GecdBb3HAHEZH

Going to go with /u/scoopspoop here. I installed the 2" Curt hitch ($120). You don't have to do it from the inside. It's actually a really easy install, especially if you have someone to give you a hand getting the hitch into position. I used this video to get me through the process. I used a grinding stone in my drill to enlarge two frame holes to fit bolts and spacers. You could use a file, too, but it would just take longer.

If you're going to be using it to tow (vs just using it for a cargo carrier or bike rack) it's also simple to install a wiring harness. I got the Curt harness for less than $30 and installed it in about 15-20 minutes using this walkthrough video. Note that this install has the cable go out the hatch. It's possible to route it out the underside. I would've gone that way if I planned on towing frequently, but since I'm not going to be towing often, I like not having the wiring exposed when it's not needed.

I do a lot of surfing and canyoneering; both of which require me to stash my key due to water. I can't lock the key in the car because it won't lock. I've been clipping it to a carabiner on the rear passenger side behind the wheel, but this has downsides (someone seeing me, and I'm always afraid it's still close enough to detect presense and unlock). After burning my hand on the exhaust pipe by not being careful, I decided to find something new.

I found this, but the reviews weren't convincing me of its quality, the drawer looked small, I wasn't sure it would fit the 3rd gen, and it was more than I wanted to spend. I ended up welding this box and pairing it with a combination lock receiver lock. I hope this gives other people ideas if they're in a similar predicament.

That's what I thought and everyone else said, but this one works perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-72783-Universal-Coupler/dp/B0008FUH46

Get a hitch tightener. It will alleviate much of the "normal" noises a hitch can make. But yes, like everyone else says, make sure your hitch etc is correct.

https://www.amazon.com/StowAway-Cargo-Carriers-20-6-Tightener/dp/B0001CMUV4

This for the hitch: https://www.amazon.com/Tricam-SLE-1-Extender-350-Pound-Capacity/dp/B00HDL2DX6/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3E858HYADOOWC&keywords=truck+extender+for+kayak&qid=1558458747&s=gateway&sprefix=truck+exten%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-4

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This for the roof bar: https://www.amazon.com/Darby-Industries-968-Black-Turbo/dp/B0015D19SS/ref=pd_bxgy_469_img_3/143-5320052-1184969?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0015D19SS&pd_rd_r=9fc290b5-7beb-11e9-aae6-5da153af3a65&pd_rd_w=na8ZS&pd_rd_wg=Q9G0k&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=J1E5WC3JM9Q1Y7CE17WE&psc=1&refRID=J1E5WC3JM9Q1Y7CE17WE

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Works pretty well, I also use it for hauling long pieces of lumber or ladders.

If you have some slop between the hitch rack and receiver, you can use a "hitch tightener" or "hitch anti-sway clamp" to get rid of it.

I think this is the one I use with my hitch rack:

https://www.amazon.com/StowAway-Tightener-Anti-Rattle-Stabilizer-Hitches/dp/B0001CMUV4

It's worked well with my XR650L, which is close to 350 lbf with a full tank of gas. I can just about stand on one edge of the rack without any twist between the rack and receiver. It eliminated a lot of bounce and sway of the rack with respect to my SUV.

I have been using the curt wiring harness for a few years. Works great, plugs into the factory plug in the trunk. CURT 56040 Wiring T-Connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031G8GME?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Wonderful information.

Do you have any links to the products you mention?

Edit: NVM, found a few.

Window: https://www.amazon.com/KeyGuard-SL-591-Window-Punch-Button/dp/B01FWYKGBQ
Hitch: https://www.amazon.com/HitchSafe-HS7000T-HS7000-Key-Vault/dp/B000I66JEM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=hitch+lock+box&qid=1554846851&s=automotive&sr=1-1

I would recommend a flag pole hitch mount like this one: Camco 51611 Hitch Mount Flagpole Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IVGA0G and then get a flagpole in whatever length you need.

If you have a trailer hitch, these are fantastic.

don't use the straps over a ball. its 32 bucks to do it safely

http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-29312B-Receiver-Shackle-Receivers/dp/B001CF1A7O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453630343&sr=8-1&keywords=shackle+receiver

If you want to buy a flagpole mount, here's a good one on Amazon

Here's what I used on my 2015. CURT 56040 Custom Wiring Connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031G8GME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_cV1QokYoMupLk

It took about 15 minutes to install. Really easy.

Doesn't help you now but next time get a trailer coupler lock.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Towpower-72783-Universal-Adjustable-Heavy-Duty/dp/B0008FUH46?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2

this is for Trucks...super sweet if you have a hitch

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001CF1A7O/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1425270317&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=d+ring+tow+shackle&dpPl=1&dpID=4105SPxSOQL&ref=plSrch

Something like this?

I have two of these i installed to prevent bouncing and such. One on the car bike rack and one on the hitch on the rv the car is attatched to. Not sure about the one on the rv doing much but i am sure the one the car for the bike rack reduced the amount of moving around the bike rack does. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001CMUV4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A hitch stabilizer will help keep the hitch basket from wobbling as much as normal.

https://www.amazon.com/StowAway-Tightener-Anti-Rattle-Stabilizer-Hitches/dp/B0001CMUV4

It's up out of the way to prevent it from scraping on rocks.

It's angled downward to let any water drain out of it instead of corroding the terminals.

Seems like one of those things that is sound engineering, but ruined by real-world actualities.

Any deficiencies are easily solved though

Home made, here’s the link to the flagpole holder:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IVGA0G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9OVhDb4SM16VD

Also need the post, the flag, the cap to the post, and a three o-ring clamps. Two of the o-rings are are for the flag and one I put about midway up so I can lock down the post with ratchet straps to prevent swaying (makes it stable even on the highway)

One of these would work well in the trailer hitch.

Bully BBS-1104L Black Bull Series Heavy-Duty Truck SUV LED Hitch Step on amazon

I cant recall where I got mine, it might have been Rockauto.com, but here is an amazon link

I own the same carrier and ended up getting one of these to tighten things up a bit. Mine was a bit loose in the receiver and this did the trick. Welcome to the club and as my father used to say, "If you don't fall down you aren't going fast enough!"

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0001CMUV4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is the amazon link for the roof rack and extension

CURT 18115 Roof Rack Cargo Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O844DS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_abVQlXXLpvsva

CURT 18117 Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Extension https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O844EM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_98O8EexwyeZvt

All Amazon dude.

Curt Roof Rack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004O844DS/

Curt Rack Extension: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004O844EM/

Crown Auto Jerry Cans: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E0OSDPQ/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IVGA0G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_7jAMtCbb1stX6

This might be your best bet. I've had it for a couple on months now and not too bad. Got up go 80 MPH multiple times with no problem. Use a 2" PVC pipe from Home Depot and spray paint it black then get two eyehook screws and call it a day!

I copied and pasted this from a different comment, I wanted you to know about this as well!

You might want to look into a hitch tightener or other anti-rattle device.

http://www.amazon.com/StowAway-Cargo-Carriers-20-6-Tightener/dp/B0001CMUV4/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1465239011&sr=1-1&keywords=hitch+tightener

> It seems like the connection has more than 4 pins - but it's in pretty rough shape. Anyone know what kind of connection this is?

Looks like a 7/8 flat trailer connector, the 8th socket is likely dead as it's not used in North America. The 4 with the 3 sockets and 1 pin will likely be your standard 4 wire trailer connection. The other 4 are most likely for reverse, brake and +12 VDC with the 8th one being dead.

 

With how beat up this connector looks, dragged and corroded, I would have it replaced with a sealed 4 and 7 pin housing, EX https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-Towing-Solutions-47185-Multi-Tow/dp/B0002Q80GS, the flat 4 and round 7 are the North American standards used.

 

Since this the first time pulling any major weight have the receiver inspected to make sure that none of the bolts or supports are rusted out.

Do you have a hitch?

Hitch Safe

One security-through-obscurity option if you have a trailer hitch. Also a 4-digit combo, but whatever.

Here's what you need for a DIY install using a Curt hitch/harness:

• $108 Curt Class 3 2" trailer hitch -- (YouTube install video)
  
• $26 Curt wiring harness -- (YouTube install video) -- (Alternate install video)
  
  Double check at the Curt website to see if these are compatible with your Forester trim.

If you have a trailer hitch, just get one of these.

http://www.amazon.com/HitchSafe-HS7000T-HS7000-Key-Vault/dp/B000I66JEM

Can't fix it being heavy, but you can use this to address the wobble: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001CMUV4/?coliid=I27GJD1GE71WLC&colid=3IEN4PCTO7GYG&psc=0

Start Here
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-51611-Hitch-Flagpole-Holder/dp/B004IVGA0G

I used this from Amazon. Made it really simple. Camco 51611 Hitch Mount Flagpole Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IVGA0G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JleIxb0T3VG59

http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-29312B-Receiver-Shackle-Receivers/dp/B001CF1A7O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463111234&sr=8-1&keywords=hitch+receiver+shackle

Here's a non-ghetto way: http://www.amazon.com/Camco-51611-Hitch-Flagpole-Holder/dp/B004IVGA0G

-http://www.amazon.com/Camco-51611-Hitch-Flagpole-Holder/dp/B004IVGA0G

-http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Hitch-Flag-Holder-Made/dp/B00KXDFGMQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1404638839&sr=1-2&keywords=flagpole+hitch

One's angled the other's not, i prefer the angled but up to you.

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-29312B-Receiver-Shackle-Receivers/dp/B001CF1A7O

I use one of these little guys

HitchSafe HS7000 Key Vault https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I66JEM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SluqzbTBPH13A

For the front and rear as long as you have a tow hitch in the rear.

Or this if you don’t have time to make one.

How does a bolt cutter work on this

If you have a trailer hitch, I can't recommend this enough.

Yeah...clean out everything from it before you go, and leave an itinerary under the driver’s seat.

Side note, if you have a trailer hitch and don’t want to risk losing your keys, there are mini combination safes for leaving your keys with the vehicle that lock into the trailer hitch with a cap to hide the combo lock like this one: HitchSafe HS7000 Key Vault https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I66JEM/ (~$45)

I was going to buy this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031G8GME/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

and take the connector off I just saw that as a waste.

Another ME chiming in here.

My prediction on FMA is you're gonna snap that flag pole right where those eyebolts pass through it. No fancy ass metal base would stop that.


I agree, get something proper: http://smile.amazon.com/Camco-51611-Hitch-Flagpole-Holder/dp/B004IVGA0G (plus is someone rear ends you, they can be tried for treason)