Installation begins in the rear cargo area, where interior trim covers are carefully removed to reach the taillight mounting hardware.

Removed trim and fasteners are retained and organized for factory-quality reassembly.

Both taillights are carefully disconnected and removed so the rear bumper fascia can be released without damaging the surrounding trim, wiring, or alignment tabs.

Plastic rivets and fasteners are removed from underneath the vehicle, inside the wheel wells, and around the rear hatch area.

The fascia is then separated carefully while any rear parking-sensor wiring or bumper electronics are disconnected and protected.

With the fascia out of the way, the factory rear bumper beam is unbolted from the frame rails and removed.

This exposes the Forester’s factory mounting locations for the hidden hitch.

The hitch is positioned behind the bumper structure and secured directly to the factory mounting locations using high-grade hardware.

Fasteners are tightened with calibrated torque tools to the manufacturer’s specifications, keeping the receiver higher and more discreet beneath the bumper.

The bumper fascia, taillights, parking-sensor wiring, trim panels, and factory fasteners are carefully reinstalled.

Final checks verify bumper alignment, secure mounting, sensor and lighting operation, and a clean factory-style appearance.