| Tiggyboot | 03-20-2004 06:34 PM |
Newbie here! Question about STi and trailer hitches?
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Hey there! I'm new here to the site. Looks like a great resource for information. I am wondering if anybody has ever put a trailer hitch on an 04 STi? I just got my STi and will need to be able to pull my other toys around like my snowmobile and ATV. I will use my light weight aluminum trailer and a class I hitch. Should be a total tow weight of between 700 and 800 pounds, far below the 2000 max of the car. Anyway, any help is much appreaciated! pics would be awesome.
thanks
marcel in Mississauga
thanks
marcel in Mississauga
| S.G.D | 03-20-2004 09:06 PM |
there is an STi owner around here that has one, so it has been done.
~SGD
~SGD
| willz23 | 03-20-2004 09:22 PM |
check your owners manual i remember a section all about trailer hitches
the manual is full of info. if you have time just briefly go over it, there's a lot of important stuff covered
the manual is full of info. if you have time just briefly go over it, there's a lot of important stuff covered
| Tiggyboot | 03-21-2004 08:24 AM |
Thanks for the replies. The manual does cover trailering details but it says that Subaru does not recommend trailering with sedans. They do not sell hitches as a result for the sedans. I have checked several aftermarket companies that make hitches and the only one that claims theirs will fit an STi is [url]www.curtmfg.com.[/url] I just don't want an offensive looking hitch on the back nor do I want to start cutting the rear valance. ouch!
thanks for help.
marcel
thanks for help.
marcel
| Oldirty | 03-21-2004 05:19 PM |
This isn't something out of a manual or anything, but I don't think it's such a hot idea to tow anything in your car. Sports cars generally aren't comfortable with towing around heavy loads. As far as I know, their frames aren't designed with towing capability in mind.
| pjdwrx | 03-21-2004 07:25 PM |
Welcome to the boards.
There are many words in our language that simply should not be put together.
"Trailer hitch" and "STi" are examples. :furious:
Anyway, I can understand needing to get your other toys around, but I'd go with Subaru on this one. Don't do it. Especially if it were to cause some sort of problem that Subaru could then void the warranty over.
"Sorry you busted up your differential, but we said not to trailer anything".
There are many words in our language that simply should not be put together.
"Trailer hitch" and "STi" are examples. :furious:
Anyway, I can understand needing to get your other toys around, but I'd go with Subaru on this one. Don't do it. Especially if it were to cause some sort of problem that Subaru could then void the warranty over.
"Sorry you busted up your differential, but we said not to trailer anything".
| euroauto | 03-21-2004 08:42 PM |
I couldn't help myself sorry!
So where do you buy V-Rated trailer tires?
So where do you buy V-Rated trailer tires?
| Abe Froman | 03-21-2004 08:49 PM |
Any hitch that will fit a wagon will fit a sedan. I put the hitch off my 03 wagon onto my 04 sedan.
The drivetrain of the WRX sedan(non-STi) is exactly the same as the drivetrain of the WRX wagon(given auto or manual trans) I don't see how it would damage the diffs or anything else for that matter in the sedan but not the wagon(given you follow all the weight limits). They are basically the same car.
The STi is obviously a different beast drivetrain and engine wise but the frame is the same with that being said I have a hitch on my STi to tow a garden trailer to/from Home Depot and the like. No highway speeds, just back roads, and I have no issues. DCCD in auto.
I have a drawtite that is well hidden and fits perfectly with extra long exhaust hangers from Kartboy to help my aftermarket muffler clear the hitch.
Any questions PM me, install is a piece of cake, 6 bolts.
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by pjdwrx [/i]
[B]
"Trailer hitch" and "STi" are examples. :furious:
[/B][/QUOTE]
Some people tow trailers to the track to race, they carry wheels/tires, tools and all the gear needed to race so they don't have to fit it all in the car and don't waste their race tire driving out there...just something to think about before you go off on STi drivers with hitches...
The drivetrain of the WRX sedan(non-STi) is exactly the same as the drivetrain of the WRX wagon(given auto or manual trans) I don't see how it would damage the diffs or anything else for that matter in the sedan but not the wagon(given you follow all the weight limits). They are basically the same car.
The STi is obviously a different beast drivetrain and engine wise but the frame is the same with that being said I have a hitch on my STi to tow a garden trailer to/from Home Depot and the like. No highway speeds, just back roads, and I have no issues. DCCD in auto.
I have a drawtite that is well hidden and fits perfectly with extra long exhaust hangers from Kartboy to help my aftermarket muffler clear the hitch.
Any questions PM me, install is a piece of cake, 6 bolts.
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by pjdwrx [/i]
[B]
"Trailer hitch" and "STi" are examples. :furious:
[/B][/QUOTE]
Some people tow trailers to the track to race, they carry wheels/tires, tools and all the gear needed to race so they don't have to fit it all in the car and don't waste their race tire driving out there...just something to think about before you go off on STi drivers with hitches...
| EHobron | 03-21-2004 09:28 PM |
The Draw-Tite Class I hitch on my STi carries my TireTail with AutoCross Tires. Perfect Fit!
Everything you need is available from TireTail.
Everything you need is available from TireTail.
| pjdwrx | 03-21-2004 11:29 PM |
Abe: was just trying to razz him a little. I know trailers are needed for some. I know it's not what he meant, but the image of an STi pulling a big Airstream came to mind for a moment. ;)
| Abe Froman | 03-22-2004 08:24 AM |
It's kewl, some people have an image of rednecks towing trailers behind their trucks, just trying to broaden the image to rednecks that go to the track...:lol:
| Tiggyboot | 03-22-2004 09:49 AM |
Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate it. I won't be towing a 36' Airstream. Couldn't afford one! I agree with Abe that a light tow load won't hurt anything on the car. As he said, if it's fine for the wagon, it should be fine for the STi sedan. Especially since the drivetrain on the STi is all the more beafed up. Putting a hitch on the car really isn't the most ideal thing, that I know, as some others wrote, a sports car shouldn't have a hitch on it but, despite the STi's incredible performace, it does still offer some utility aspects. IMO, a sports car doesn't have 4 doors and seating for 5 either! The STi is a perfect balance of sports car performace and versatility. But sports car in the purest sense? that is open for debate.
marcel
marcel
| newsman | 03-22-2004 11:47 AM |
For all Impreza (STI, WRX, RS) users with DrawTite hitch. How did you level mufler under the hitch? I installed one last year on my 03 WRX and on the left side (looking at the rear of the car) hitch does not clear the muffler hanger arm. As a result my mufler (stock) is scewed to the left. DrawTite at the time told me that's how it is.
I did not use hole in the DrawTite hitch do drive a bolt to which they want attach rubber hanger - it was so low, that hanger wouldn't provide any suport for the left muffler arm. Instead, I reused stock alluminum bracket with several washers to clear the hitch and to provide at least some support to the left of the muffler.
Did DrawTite fixed their hitch design?
Any ideas?
I did not use hole in the DrawTite hitch do drive a bolt to which they want attach rubber hanger - it was so low, that hanger wouldn't provide any suport for the left muffler arm. Instead, I reused stock alluminum bracket with several washers to clear the hitch and to provide at least some support to the left of the muffler.
Did DrawTite fixed their hitch design?
Any ideas?
| Abe Froman | 03-22-2004 01:36 PM |
As you did I reused the stock bracket and I bought extended urethane hanger that are about an inch longer than stock(Kartboy).
The muffler sits lower but it clears the hitch no problem and is lower on one side only by an 1/8 of than inch, not even noticable.
The muffler sits lower but it clears the hitch no problem and is lower on one side only by an 1/8 of than inch, not even noticable.
| EHobron | 03-22-2004 06:05 PM |
My version of the Draw-Tite must be newer. The stock rubber exhaust hanger bolts to the side of the hitch frame. The tip is centered but sits about 1/2" lower than stock. It's barely noticeable and clearance is good.
| Tiggyboot | 03-22-2004 07:12 PM |
Pictures anybody???
| Abe Froman | 03-22-2004 08:11 PM |
Check UR PM...
| CreoWRX | 03-22-2004 09:23 PM |
[IMG]http://www.mcnproductions.com/sti/zaino/zaino6.jpg[/IMG]
That is the Subaru hitch. Some minor trimming of the bumper skin is required on the driver's side to fit properly, but it bolts right up and has a curve to fit over the tip (hopefully my Blitz Nur Spec Touring will fit fine with longer Kartboy hangers ;)).
-Mike-
That is the Subaru hitch. Some minor trimming of the bumper skin is required on the driver's side to fit properly, but it bolts right up and has a curve to fit over the tip (hopefully my Blitz Nur Spec Touring will fit fine with longer Kartboy hangers ;)).
-Mike-
| punkrocksailor | 03-22-2004 09:29 PM |
Am I the only one digusted by the words trailer hitch and STi in the same paragraph let alone sentence???
| EHobron | 03-22-2004 09:59 PM |
The Draw-Tite hitch on my STi, I say again, "the hitch on my STi" required no trimming. It fit perfectly and is barely visible even to people who hate the phrase, "hitch on my STi."
Everyone should get a "hitch for their STi" so they have a vehicle that is as versitile as it is fun to drive, IMHO.
Everyone should get a "hitch for their STi" so they have a vehicle that is as versitile as it is fun to drive, IMHO.
| CreoWRX | 03-23-2004 12:31 AM |
And we're improving weight distribution. :lol:
-Mike-
-Mike-
| Abe Froman | 03-23-2004 07:11 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by punkrocksailor [/i]
[B]Am I the only one digusted by the words trailer hitch and STi in the same paragraph let alone sentence??? [/B][/QUOTE]
Why don't you read my post above about racing trailers and such before you start making judgements about hitches and STis...:rolleyes:
You'll probably flame me for taking the wing off too:lol:...
[B]Am I the only one digusted by the words trailer hitch and STi in the same paragraph let alone sentence??? [/B][/QUOTE]
Why don't you read my post above about racing trailers and such before you start making judgements about hitches and STis...:rolleyes:
You'll probably flame me for taking the wing off too:lol:...
| Tiggyboot | 03-23-2004 09:39 AM |
think of the hitch as a rear strut tower brace!
:cool:
:cool:
| donmei | 03-23-2004 11:45 AM |
Some of you guys really need to lighten up.
Hitch on an STI is a natural. For some of us, the STI's utility is what allowed us to buy it rather than a Volvo Wagon, or god forbid an SUV.
Some of us have domestic responsibilities too - trips to home depot, etc.
I towed a trailer with my Modded Passat. Worked great.
If you're offended by the idea, remember that the first word in the cars name:Impreza WRX STI - is IMPREZA.
By the way, I just got through going through the manual and could not find any recommendation against towing with a sedan. The manual which goes to great lengths to point out differences between the STI and other models says "MT Models, When Towing a trailer with-out brakes - 1000 lbs, When towing a trailer with brakes - 2000 lbs. It makes no differentiation between STI and others
Another stream of thought:
Wear and tear on the axels and wheel bearings - Well, the trailer I have has a 30 lb tongue weight when empty. Properly loaded, the trailer should maintain about 10% of its weight on the tongue, at least. Too little and the trailer becomes unstable. My typical load consists of 200 lbs of Home depot crap. So lets say I overload the tongue and half of the 200 lbs ends up on the tongue. Now I've got 135 lbs on the hitch.
Anybody see a problem with that?? Particularly to all the guys with 150 lbs of subwoofers and amps in their trunk.
It puts more load on the engine. Yup. At a given highway speed the car will be putting out more power than if empty. So if that worries you, slow down. By the way, a boost gauge gives you a great idea of how much power then engine is making. Generally speaking MP x RPM = Power (MP is manifold pressure. A better term than "boost" because most of the time the engine is operating unboosted) Besides, I'm talking about a weekly 20 mile round trip to home depot. I'm not hauling an Airstream camper to LA from CT.
c) It looks stupid. No argument there. But thats the price I've got to pay for having this car. I've got a house and a wife and this thing with a hitch beats the pants off of a Volvo wagon any day.
I'd welcome anyone who thinks I'm wrong to challenge me on a factual basis. To some of you, the STI is your baby. Its my baby too, but its also my CAR. A tool, for getting through my daily life.
Don
Hitch on an STI is a natural. For some of us, the STI's utility is what allowed us to buy it rather than a Volvo Wagon, or god forbid an SUV.
Some of us have domestic responsibilities too - trips to home depot, etc.
I towed a trailer with my Modded Passat. Worked great.
If you're offended by the idea, remember that the first word in the cars name:Impreza WRX STI - is IMPREZA.
By the way, I just got through going through the manual and could not find any recommendation against towing with a sedan. The manual which goes to great lengths to point out differences between the STI and other models says "MT Models, When Towing a trailer with-out brakes - 1000 lbs, When towing a trailer with brakes - 2000 lbs. It makes no differentiation between STI and others
Another stream of thought:
Wear and tear on the axels and wheel bearings - Well, the trailer I have has a 30 lb tongue weight when empty. Properly loaded, the trailer should maintain about 10% of its weight on the tongue, at least. Too little and the trailer becomes unstable. My typical load consists of 200 lbs of Home depot crap. So lets say I overload the tongue and half of the 200 lbs ends up on the tongue. Now I've got 135 lbs on the hitch.
Anybody see a problem with that?? Particularly to all the guys with 150 lbs of subwoofers and amps in their trunk.
It puts more load on the engine. Yup. At a given highway speed the car will be putting out more power than if empty. So if that worries you, slow down. By the way, a boost gauge gives you a great idea of how much power then engine is making. Generally speaking MP x RPM = Power (MP is manifold pressure. A better term than "boost" because most of the time the engine is operating unboosted) Besides, I'm talking about a weekly 20 mile round trip to home depot. I'm not hauling an Airstream camper to LA from CT.
c) It looks stupid. No argument there. But thats the price I've got to pay for having this car. I've got a house and a wife and this thing with a hitch beats the pants off of a Volvo wagon any day.
I'd welcome anyone who thinks I'm wrong to challenge me on a factual basis. To some of you, the STI is your baby. Its my baby too, but its also my CAR. A tool, for getting through my daily life.
Don
| Abe Froman | 03-23-2004 09:04 PM |
Amen brotha, your preaching to the choir...
I had to make sure the stroller fit in the trunk with the I/C spray bottle before I drove mine off the lot...talk about suspense.
Lots of people make comments about the hitch and baby seat in my car...but none of them own an STi and none of them ever want to race.:devil:
I had to make sure the stroller fit in the trunk with the I/C spray bottle before I drove mine off the lot...talk about suspense.
Lots of people make comments about the hitch and baby seat in my car...but none of them own an STi and none of them ever want to race.:devil:
| donmei | 03-24-2004 09:34 AM |
Abe,
Some may say its sacrelidge (sp?), but at least you're driving the car you want. Beats the pants of driving a Voyager just because you need room for the baby bag.
Besides, most STI owners are well over 30 anyway. It just makes sense.
Don
Some may say its sacrelidge (sp?), but at least you're driving the car you want. Beats the pants of driving a Voyager just because you need room for the baby bag.
Besides, most STI owners are well over 30 anyway. It just makes sense.
Don
| Abe Froman | 03-24-2004 11:38 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by donmei [/i]
[B]Abe,
Besides, most STI owners are well over 30 anyway. It just makes sense.
Don [/B][/QUOTE]
Ouch that hurts...:lol:...at least I still have all my hair.
I can't wait for the STi UTEC to come out...I'm gonna make a special towing map and post it here just for kicks!!:lol:
[B]Abe,
Besides, most STI owners are well over 30 anyway. It just makes sense.
Don [/B][/QUOTE]
Ouch that hurts...:lol:...at least I still have all my hair.
I can't wait for the STi UTEC to come out...I'm gonna make a special towing map and post it here just for kicks!!:lol:
| EHobron | 03-24-2004 08:05 PM |
Ouch, that hurts more..... Over 30 with NO hair! Like this guy:furious:
At least now I have the skill to drive the damn thing!!
Waiting for the map...
Eric
At least now I have the skill to drive the damn thing!!
Waiting for the map...
Eric
| GLwagon | 03-24-2004 08:51 PM |
I have had a "Rear sub-frame brace" (aka: Hitch) on my GDA body for about a year now...
Best mod EVAR!
The stop in Green Bay @ the stadium...
[IMG]http://webpages.charter.net/baraboo_halls/Hall_Camping_07-2003_022_400.jpg[/IMG]
Best mod EVAR!
The stop in Green Bay @ the stadium...
[IMG]http://webpages.charter.net/baraboo_halls/Hall_Camping_07-2003_022_400.jpg[/IMG]
| EHobron | 03-24-2004 08:55 PM |
BTW Abe, I thought you were the "Sausage King of Chicago." When did you move?
| donmei | 03-24-2004 10:06 PM |
Hey,
That looks like my $199 harbor freight trailer. OK, so naysayers aside.
What is the best hitch to get? If a standard 2002/2003 impreza will fit, I'm going with a Hiden Hitch. I got one for my Passat. It was $89 with the thingie that goes in the receiver that you attach the ball to.
Any thoughts?
Someone had the subaru one. How much is that?
Thanks,
Don
(36 - still got all my hair to, though I'm getting a couple of greys)
That looks like my $199 harbor freight trailer. OK, so naysayers aside.
What is the best hitch to get? If a standard 2002/2003 impreza will fit, I'm going with a Hiden Hitch. I got one for my Passat. It was $89 with the thingie that goes in the receiver that you attach the ball to.
Any thoughts?
Someone had the subaru one. How much is that?
Thanks,
Don
(36 - still got all my hair to, though I'm getting a couple of greys)
| Abe Froman | 03-25-2004 06:59 AM |
The draw-tite is very well hidden, I think it looks great. I have a hitch cover I leave on when the ball isn't attached and it looks like it's floating back there cuz you can't see the rest of the hitch. It's a tight fit if you have an aftermarket exhaust but you can get longer exhaust hangers.
I think hidden hitch and draw-tite are pretty similar in that respect.
Unfortunately this SKOC never lived in Chicago.:lol:
I think hidden hitch and draw-tite are pretty similar in that respect.
Unfortunately this SKOC never lived in Chicago.:lol:
| donmei | 03-25-2004 08:19 AM |
Abe,
Where did you buy your drawtite? Local or on the web somewhere?
Don
Where did you buy your drawtite? Local or on the web somewhere?
Don
| Abe Froman | 03-25-2004 09:26 AM |
[URL]http://www.etrailer.com/products.asp?model=Impreza&category=hitch&year=2004&make=Subaru&t1=&h=e[/URL]
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