jay25rs Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Some of you may be familiar with my 2014 EcoHitch thread located here: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/my-2014-legacy-hitch-ecohitch-226842.html?t=226842. This is a review of the 1 1/4" EcoHitch for my 2015 Legacy. The choice for a hitch was obvious when I purchased my new Legacy. I knew that I wanted one that was as hidden as possible, easy to install and of great quality. I knew I wanted to deal with a great company. I got this and more from Torkliftcentral aka EcoHitch! The installation is silly easy on the 2015 and you only have to remove the bumper beam, install the hitch and re-install the bumper beam to sort of sandwich the hitch. Using the 8 supplied lock nuts and a torque wrench, my total install was about 90 minutes with taking pictures and with my girlfriend in the front seat of the car doing our Christmas cards. I had to cut out a small section of the bumper but it was very easy. I scored it with a razor and then used a pair of aviation shears to cut into the bumper followed by a back and forth flex action to get it off clean. I didn't even have to jack up the car or put it on ramps! If anyone is worried about the sensors for the blind spot monitoring when removing the bumper, don't be, They are mounted to the car and will not be in the way or require any wiring to be disconnected at all! 1. Pulled into the garage: http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9925_zpsde12958d.jpg 2. Removing the taillights: http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9926_zps1c92ff8f.jpg http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9929_zpsa2b75236.jpg 3. Remove splashguards/mudguards if you have them. I have a SkewDriver so it was very easy to do this without lifting the car or removing the rear wheels. 4. Carefully remove the 2 screws (10mm and Phillips) behind access doors next to the tail lights. http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9934_zps7ce0c5b6.jpg 5. Remove the pop rivet type clips from the bottom of the bumper. 6. Starting in the wheel well, gently pry the bumper out from the clips. (You may want to do this on a warm day to help prevent the plastic from cracking or in a heated space). 7. Remove the rubber gasket from the bottom of the trunk opening to gain access to the bumper clips and gently pry up the bumper from the retainer. http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9933_zps4ddc9fe9.jpg 8. Trim the bumper cover per the provided instructions. http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9946_zps51d22833.jpg http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9948_zpsa2b39fff.jpg 9. Remove the styrofoam absorber and then the bumper beam by removing eight 14mm nuts. http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9938_zpsa32e77bb.jpg http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9939_zpsea814eaf.jpg 10. Step back and admire your handy work! You're halfway through! http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9939_zpsea814eaf.jpg http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9941_zpsbdbfd2b2.jpg 11. Install the hitch by placing it on the studs. You may want help to hold it while you position the bumper beam back over it and then using the 8 supplied lock nuts from EcoHitch, tighted to 45 ft-lbs of torque. http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9942_zps2c152b3b.jpg http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9943_zps7ef936ca.jpg http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9945_zpse791faf5.jpg 12. Re-install the styrofoam absorber. 13. Re-install the bumper cover, mud guards, taillights, etc... http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9952_zpsd3b0e172.jpg http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/jay25rs/Subaru/2015%20Legacy%20Limited/IMG_9954_zps4cc70170.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay25rs Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 Oh yea, here's a link to their website: http://torkliftcentral.com/ecohitch/ And to the hitch I have: https://shop.tlcentral.com/store/pc/2015+-Subaru-Legacy-1-25-Stealth-Trailer-Hitch-p3217.htm Consequently they have a $45.00 off deal for Black Friday/ Cyber Monday going on now so it is only $204.95 shipped instead of $249.95. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyGT Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Nice n sneaky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayInVA Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 The '15 really needs dual exhaust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeepincbum Posted January 17, 2015 Share Posted January 17, 2015 Nice writeup.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT2015Legacy Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 I just noticed the black boxes for the rear cross path detection sensors; those things are bigger than I though that they would be. Pretty cool to see them and what they look like though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C6Driver Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 That's quite an install. Thanks for the photos and details on the how the hitch was installed. It looks good, a nice fit. I'm impressed that it only took 90 minutes to complete the work. What is the actual towing capacity of the Legacy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay25rs Posted February 10, 2015 Author Share Posted February 10, 2015 That's quite an install. Thanks for the photos and details on the how the hitch was installed. It looks good, a nice fit. I'm impressed that it only took 90 minutes to complete the work. What is the actual towing capacity of the Legacy? You're welcome! I should note that I wasn't working intentionally fast but I used to install 12volt electronics and I'm very comfortable with disassembling cars. The Legacy is not actually rated to tow anything... but I'm not worried about that at all since I'm only using it for a bike rack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
25rsti Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Love the bow, haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conrad283 Posted April 1, 2015 Share Posted April 1, 2015 How much is it rated for weight wise? I'm interesting is getting a hitch mounted cargo tray to assist myself in carrying camping gear. It should accommodate 100lbs, correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay25rs Posted April 1, 2015 Author Share Posted April 1, 2015 How much is it rated for weight wise? I'm interesting is getting a hitch mounted cargo tray to assist myself in carrying camping gear. It should accommodate 100lbs, correct? "Rated for 200 pounds tongue weight, 2,000 pounds towing weight." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted April 1, 2015 Share Posted April 1, 2015 Nice job jay!!! I wish I would have seen that Black Friday sale back in November. GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotwww Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Thanks for all your details, really helped make this easier. I just installed mine finally (have had it two months) today and I wanted to add a couple comments about how my install went. 1) I have only hand washed the car since March and I wish I had been doing more to get underneath. The back bumper cover was literally caked with mud under the lip and all the plastic rivets were really hard to get apart. Have spares around to replace a few if you are not working on a new car. 2) I found that they recommend removing way too much more material than is needed. If you are careful you can cut in a T-shape and leave almost no space around the hitch. On the image below I marked the outer edge of what they want you to cut, and the center (hashed area) is what I actually cut: And as you can see, now there is no sign of the cut area from behind: I didn't even use the trim material they included in the kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edarroyo Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Are there any concerns around manufacture's warranty when installing the hitch? I'm looking into it and I'd really like to do it. I'm only afraid that doing this would void some kind of warranty. I only plan on using it for bike/ski rack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyc66 Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 CVT's aren't great at hauling things so you want to stay within the limits defined in your manual and avoid big climbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotwww Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Are there any concerns around manufacture's warranty when installing the hitch? The manual states (8-21) the following: Trailer towing (Legacy) Your vehicle is neither designed nor intended to be used for trailer towing. Therefore, never tow a trailer with your vehicle. SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that may result from trailer towing, from any trailer towing equipment or from any errors or omissions in the instructions accompanying such equipment. SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction caused by trailer towing. My dealer told me that as long as you are only using the hitch for the bike rack, and not installing lighting hook-up or using for towing of any kind, there should not be a problem. Note: the manual recommends you disable SRVD (Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection) when using a bicycle carrier on the rear of the vehicle. Also, even the Outback has tongue load limit... not to exceed the maximum value of 200 lbs (90 kg) so you need to consider that as well as the total load capacity of all passengers and cargo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay25rs Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 Nice job jay!!! I wish I would have seen that Black Friday sale back in November. Thanks for the kind words! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay25rs Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 Thanks for all your details, really helped make this easier. You're welcome! I'm glad I was able to contribute to the online community! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayoh1034 Posted August 8, 2015 Share Posted August 8, 2015 Does anyone know what type of ground clearance you get with this ecohitch when installed on the 2015 legacy? Jay25rs, did you happen to measure the the distance from the bottom of the installed hitch to the floor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capttris Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 Are any of you guys using your hitch for a cargo tray/basket? If so, any photos and/or recommendations on the model? I know the choices are limited for the smaller hitch size. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBossSnake Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 Nice job I would have been fine up to step 8. I would have to rethink about my installation if I had to cut out a piece from the bumper. I guess that is why the saying "measure twice cut once" is so important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_l_s Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Ordered me a 1.25" one so I can finally transport my bike. Almost bought a draw tite one which is less than half the price, but after seeing the pics on this thread I can completely justify the extra cost for such a clean setup. Lighting Mods: $10 Footwell Illumination | Tail as Turn | Fog as DRL Diode Dynamics C-Lights | RX350 Bi-Xenon Retrofit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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