Does this hang below the bumper? If so, how much ground clearance will I lose? (2014 Forester)
228528
Yes, it doe hang below the bumper, you don't lose much clearance, just about the thickness of the hitch, 2".I don't know what you will use it for but please note that if you are going to use with a foldable bicycle rack, the trays may hit the bumper when the rack is in folded position. I have the Thule T2 and the plastic trays for the front wheels hit the bumper. This issue does not happen with older Forester models. I had to buy a 2" hitch extension and it works fine. The hitch sticks out back a little bit more, maybe 2", but it is not an issue. The rack is firm and sound. Yes, it doe hang below the bumper, you don't lose much clearance, just about the thickness of the hitch, 2".I don't know what you will use it for but please note that if you are going to use with a foldable bicycle rack, the trays may hit the bumper when the rack is in folded position. I have the Thule T2 and the plastic trays for the front wheels hit the bumper. This issue does not happen with older Forester models. I had to buy a 2" hitch extension and it works fine. The hitch sticks out back a little bit more, maybe 2", but it is not an issue. The rack is firm and... » Read More Yes, it doe hang below the bumper, you don't lose much clearance, just about the thickness of the hitch, 2".I don't know what you will use it for but please note that if you are going to use with a foldable bicycle rack, the trays may hit the bumper when the rack is in folded position. I have the Thule T2 and the plastic trays for the front wheels hit the bumper. This issue does not happen with older Forester models. I had to buy a 2" hitch extension and it works fine. The hitch sticks out back a little bit more, maybe 2", but it is not an issue. The rack is firm and sound. « Show Less
228529
Hangs right below and tight to the back bumper. Higher than the stated minimum ground clearance of 8.7". It measures 11.25" from the ground to the very bottom of the hitch.
228530
It hangs no lower than the exhaust system. The hitch is heavy duty well made. I would remove the muffler as it helps with the install
228531
It fits up close the bumper and should not be any lower than what the exhaust is.
1222535
Should be now problem. Does not attach to bumper. May be slight gap between bumber and skid plate. Love mine.
1494221
My Forester is a 2010, so not sure if it will fit your 2014. My advice would be to compare a 2010 with your 2014 to check and see if the bracket rails are of the same design and configuration. If they are, then you have your answer.
1733939
Yea just make sure u measure it right. I had to make two holes on my bumper. Don't make the same mistake. Don't use the pre marked spots. Go a little under. Don't make my same mistake
273623
The legs will rest on the bumper a little, so make sure you put a towel under the legs to prevent scratching. Tie the trunk down tight so it doesn't bounce around. It's a little pain in the ass, but worth it. I love this trap, glad I chose it!
1894518
The hitch fits about 3/4 inch below my bumper and is about 10.5 inches above ground measured from the bottom of the hitch.
775170
The rear of my '97 now appears a little higher than the front, though I wouldn't say 4 inches. With the airbag suspension the rear would "kneel" when you park for ease of loading, but with the kit it is up where it can take a cargo load on the road. The tops of my bumpers measure close to the same height from the ground now. Did you get the front shocks installed at the time the rear springs were installed? Even if the existing shocks were still good, that is a good idea and will affect the stance. Did you put a 4x2 kit on a 4x4 truck? That would definitely mess up the stance. Possibly you got so used to seeing it sitting down on it's haunches that the rear just looks too high now? Folks on the Ford forums might have more info, some of them are techs with a lot of experience. Just a note, I got mine last April and still like them even if my truck rides like a truck now instead of a car.
478703
the hangers are angled. depending on what bumper you have and if you have a wrx or STi, the stock rubber hangers wont be long enough to fit the exhaust without melting your bumper. I used the KartBoy XL rubber hangers.
1154091
For my camper's bumper, this was too wide. I think it's meant to attach under the camper. However, I used plumber's tape [the metal ribbon tape] and wrapped it around the Valterra and the bumper then used bolts with nuts to hold it on. It didn't come loose in over two years. Best of luck.
2149796
I installed these brackets on my 2014 Standard Rubicon but I seem to remember the installation instructions stating that these brackets cannot be used on a "custom" bumper. I can tell you that they do mount to the under side of the stock bumper, in addition to the chassis.
687291
Hi Dave, I plan to place/pull my part directly from above. The black rubber hold down will over hang the four bolt base 1/2" if screwed all the way in. There is plenty of adjustment to create the clearance at the full range of clamp thicknesses on the one I bought.
737449
I think that really depends on your vehicle. We put it on our little Ford Focus and it doesn't sit that high. If your bumper is higher it will be a higher lift.
2206258
No. The rack doesn't actually put any weight on the bumper. There are steel brackets that bolt to the frame and provides a flat support just above the factory bumper. You can't see it in the picture but it works well although it is a little tricky to get them in place.. Each bracket requires 3 bolts two of which use existing holes in the frame. You do need to drill one hole in the frame on each side. This is underneath where you won't see it should you decide to remove the roof rack. I have this on mine with the factory bumper and it works great.
1369928
I own a 2014 forester and it works fine with the factory side bars. I don't think you'll need to cut them down. There really isn't much overhang at all.
1357647
i really do not know, as i used a small bracket though the frame end that was bolted horizontally, and vertically. i just needed to cut one small hole in the lower rear plastic.i am now changing to the same bumper as pictured. i will remove the other one. i dont need it hanging down.
821506
I'm not sure. I have a hatchback and its shifts a little under the weight so I just had a tow hitch installed
1017123
Sorry, it does not move so you might have clearance issues with a hatchback. The trunk on my sedan clears with less than an inch to spare!Jae