Trailer Hitch for a 2009 Subaru Forester to Tow a Small Yard Waste Trailer

Updated 05/02/2016 | Published 04/29/2016

Question:

Hey yall, I wanted to ask just to get the expert opinion. I have a subaru 2009 forester and just need a trailer hitch that will be able to tow a yard waste trailer I have yet to buy... say 4x8 ft. Any recommendations? The reason I wanted to verify with you guys was to verify if there was a difference between the a hitch for bike racks or a hitch for hauling a utility trailer. thank you for your time,

asked by: Justin

Expert Reply:

Whether you are towing a trailer or carrying a bike rack the trailer hitch used will be the same. For your 2009 Subaru Forester I recommend Curt hitch # 13147. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver so it is great for towing. I checked the owner's manual for a 2009 Forester and if the trailer does not have brakes then the capacity the vehicle can tow is 1,000 pounds. With brakes the capacity is 2,400 pounds. Check your owner's manual to verify.

Since you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring you can use # 118467 to add a 4-Way flat to the rear of the vehicle. I have linked videos showing example installations of the hitch and wiring for you.

expert reply by: Michael H