bing tracking image
  1. Trailer Hitch
  2. CURT
  3. 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
  4. Class II
  5. 3500 lbs GTW
  6. Concealed Cross Tube
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
2004 Nissan Xterra
CURT

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

Part Number: C12038
In Stock
$221.94
Retail:$376.95
You Save: $155.01
Trailer Hitch
Not Confirmed to Fit

2004 Nissan Xterra

Will this fit?

To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.

zoom in icon
slider vertical icon
zoom out icon
Comment field cannot be left empty.
Name field cannot be left empty.
By submitting this form, you understand and agree to our Terms of Sale, Website Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.

Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.

Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.

Product Images

In Use/Installed

Customer Photos

Perfect for light-duty towing, this custom, vehicle trailer hitch receiver features fully welded, gloss powder coated steel construction. Drawbar sold separately. Great Prices for the best trailer hitch from CURT. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" part number C12038 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
  • All Info
  • Reviews (198)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Photos

CURT Trailer Hitch - C12038

  • 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
  • Class II
  • 3500 lbs GTW
  • Concealed Cross Tube
  • 350 lbs TW
  • CURT
  • For Towing

Perfect for light-duty towing, this custom, vehicle trailer hitch receiver features fully welded, gloss powder coated steel construction. Drawbar sold separately.


Features:

  • Custom fit is designed specifically for your vehicle
  • Precision, robotic welding maximizes strength and improves fit
  • Bolt-on installation - no welding required
    • Uses existing hardware
  • Lifetime technical support from the experts at etrailer.com
  • Gloss black powder coat finish over protective base coat offers superior rust resistance
  • Sturdy, square-tube design
  • Drawbar, pin and clip sold separately
  • Hitch assembled in the USA, bolts overseas


Specs:

  • Receiver opening: 1-1/4" x 1-1/4"
  • Rating: Class II
    • Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
    • Maximum tongue weight: 350 lbs
  • Limited lifetime warranty



etrailer.com Technical Support

At etrailer.com we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.



12038 Curt Class 2 Trailer Hitch Receiver

Similar to Draw-Tite 36311

Installation Details C12038 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles



California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.7

198 reviews
Perfect for light-duty towing, this custom, vehicle trailer hitch receiver features fully welded, gloss powder coated steel construction. Drawbar sold separately.

by:

Great job to everyone!



by:

it fit good thank you



by:

Just what we needed and quickly delivered.



by:

Fit great and straight forward install about one hour. Pulling my boat to lake now, got fish to catch.



by:

As ordered and scary fast delivery. Installation video was very helpful.



by:

Product was as advertised. And the customer service was even better! Great job to everyone!



by:

Great hitch for the Forester! High quality and well hidden. Installed in about an hour with air tool.



by:

The hitch was easy to install. It would have been easier if I viewed the videos before installing it, rather then afterwards!



by:

Good hitch. Easy install! Make sure you use lots of WD40 on the bolts to free them up!



by:

Easy to install, I highly recommend air tools to loosen the existing bolts which attach hitch to the frame.



by:

Pretty easy...best to have a friend, as it's a bit awkward to hold the hitch up while trying to align and drive the bolts. Very satisfied.



by:

Made well but I havent used it yet. Did not take long to install with the proper tools. You definitely need two sets of hands.



by:

Great price. Better than the 2,500 install at a camping store for the same same product. Thanks etrailer.



by:

I'm very pleased ! Starting with the easy online ordering process... to a prompt purchase confirmation...to an unexpectedly fast delivery ! The end results was a product that was not only appealing to the eye...included all the hardware as stated.. was fabricated with quality materials and workmanship... and overall, made in USA !



by:

Very fast shipping...easy installation....the only thing I would add is to include the 12MM bolts in-case any were damaged during removal of the old brackets.



by:

Products as advertised, customer service outstanding. The online installation videos were very helpful.



by:

The whole process of reviewing products, ordering and shipping was staight forward and simple. the instalation videos were informative and encouraging.



by:
Subaru Forester

TOUGH INSTALL...THIS IS AN EXCELLENT HITCH FOR THE FORESTER, BUT UNLESS YOU HAVE AN AIR WRENCH, 2-3 GUYS TO HELP, AND A TORCH TO UN-FREEZE BOLTS, I WOULD NOT, I REPEAT NOT TRY THIS ONE BY YOURSELF. THIS PROJECT TOOK ME 3 1/2 HOURS WITH BASIC TOOLS, NOT THE SUGGESTED 50 MINUTES AS ON THE VIDEO. i AM PRETTY SKILLED AT DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECTS, BUT IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT THIS ONE, IT WOULD BE TO DEFINITELY TAKE IT TO A DEDICATED "WRENCH-MONKEY", AND SAVE YOURSELF A WHOLE LOT OF HEADACHE, AND HEARTACHE.



by:

Crazy fast shipping! Installation was very straight forward- just like the video on the website, and the quality of the hitch is excellent. Using etrailer.com saved me lots of time and money!



by:

Great product for a great price. The videos and instructions for installation made this a breeze, great company to order from. Quick shipping and good communication, will recommend to friends.



by:

Outstanding and very easy to install. I didn't have any problems at all. I think I could have been confused and taken longer without the video but using the video it was fast and smooth. The hitch is of high quality and just what we needed.



by:
Subaru Forester

Great Hitch for the ForesterXTThis hitch will work out just fine for my Subaru Forester XT.It has a nice fit you will have too look very hard to see the unit once installed.I have used the hitch more than 7 times since purchase. I hope It will work with my HKS exhaust with the design I see no problem.



by:

Trailer hitch fit very well. I was very happy to watch the instructional video for installation tips. I'm not much of a mechanic and seeing the job performed really boosted my confidance!

Thanks very much, I'll be returnig to etrailer the next time I need cargo supplies!



by:

Etrailer shipped out my order the same day & I received it in 2 days! Installed easily & the videos are a huge help!
Only 1 issue. The pin/clip don't fit on the hitch, but that's an easy fix.



by:
Subaru Forester

Nice hitch for the Forester. Straightforward install. Videos were very helpful. Start to finish about 2 hours w/out air wrench. Used plenty of penetrating oil and waited 5 min. With an 18" breaker bar the 17mm bolts backed right out. You will need another person to most easily complete the install.


25
198
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Hitch

  • Curt Class 2 Hitch C12038 - Bolts Are Too Short And Will Not Thread Into Frame
    Hello Landon, thanks for getting in touch. The Curt # C12038 hitch for the 1998 - 2008 Subaru Forester you mentioned mainly uses fasteners that are already present in the frame. It comes with one 7/16-14 grade 8 bolt for the driver side frame rail. Are you saying you removed the existing fasteners from the frame rail and now they are not threading back in? This would be the first we have ever heard of this issue, and the OEM bolts should be plenty long. If they truly are too short you...
    view full answer...
  • Comparing Curt and Draw-Tite Class II Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2006 Subaru Forester
    For the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12038 which fits your 2006 Subaru Forester, Curt no longer requires you to use the Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap # 18050 with use on hitch mounted accessories. You will be able to use your class II bike rack with up to 350lbs of total weight on the Curt # C12038 or 300lbs on the Draw-Tite # 36311. These weight capacities are given from the manufacturer and I can not say exactly why one will be rated for a higher capacity than the other.
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2005 Subaru Forester
    The difference between the Curt Hitches part # C120383 and part # C12038 is that the # C120383 comes with a ball mount that you would use for towing and the other hitch does not. Either hitch would fit your 2005 Subaru Forester. I attached an install video for you to check out as well. Then you will need to add a properly sized ball and the wiring. Those items are not included with the hitch. For a 1-7/8 inch ball use # 19256 and for a 2 inch ball use # 19258. For trailer wiring you...
    view full answer...
  • Is Using a Hitch Adapter for a Spare Tire Carrier Safe?
    You will be alright using a Hitch Adapter # 80303 as long as you do not exceed the weight ratings. This adapter will reduce the tongue weight by 50%, which on the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12038 is 350lbs. So as long as your spare tire and carrier weights do not exceed 175lbs you are within the manufacturers specifications. If your spare tire carrier is hollow you can use the Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # 63232 to secure it and limit the wobble that would normally occur....
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations/Comparisons for a 2006 Subaru Forester
    For the 2006 Subaru Forester there are only Class II hitches with 1-1/4 inch receivers available. The Draw-Tite hitch # 36311 and Curt hitch # C12038 are both rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight. The Curt hitch is rated for 350 pounds tongue weight and the Draw-Tite is rated for 300 pounds tongue weight. These capacities are greater than what the vehicle is capable of though. According to the owner's manual if the trailer has brakes then the vehicle can tow 2,400 pounds gross...
    view full answer...
  • Hitch Recommendation for a 2001 Subaru Forester
    For your 2001 Subaru Forester there are only hitches with 1-1/4 inch openings available for you. 2 inch hitches are usually reserved for larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs. I attached a help article on hitch sizes for you to check out as well. The most popular hitch we offer with other owners of 2001 Subaru Foresters is the Curt Hitch part # C12038. This is a 1-1/4 inch hitch but it should work just fine for you.
    view full answer...
  • Does Curt Trailer Hitch 12038 Come with Lock Washers for Installation on a 2003 Subaru Forester
    Curt Trailer hitch # C12038 does not include lock washers. So it wasn't that you didn't get them it is that the hitch doesn't come with them. Using Loctite would be a great idea. Blue Loctite is should be all you need, # LT37614. Because the red Loctite is pretty much permanent. So should the hitch need to be removed for any reason, it would take pneumatic tools if you used red Loctite. Also, make sure the bolts are torqued to the specifications in the instructions. If they are too loose...
    view full answer...
  • Which Vehicles Will Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch 75560 Fit
    Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" Item # 75560 fits the following vehicles: 2008 - 2009 Subaru Legacy 2005 - 2007 Subaru Outback Sedan excluding Sport 2005 - 2009 Subaru Outback Wagon excluding Sport 2005 - 2007 Subaru Legacy Sedan 2005 - 2007 Subaru Legacy Wagon The hitch is not a fit for a 2005 Subaru Forester. It will take Draw-Tite hitch # 36311 or Curt hitch # C12038.
    view full answer...
  • Recommendation For Trailer Hitch For 2003 Subaru Forester
    Both the Curt Class II Hitch, Item # C12038, and the Draw-Tite Class II Hitch, Item # 36311, are confirmed fits for your 2003 Subaru Forester. The Curt Hitch requires stabilizing straps to be used when using hitch for non-trailer loads like a bike rack. When stabilizing straps are not used, your warranty from Curt is voided. Draw-Tite hitches do not require stabilizing straps to be used on non-trailer loads. The Curt and Draw-Tite Hitches have the same maximum gross trailer weight of...
    view full answer...
  • Recommendations For Outfitting A 2008 Subaru Forester To Tow A Trailer
    Though the size of the ball and amount of rise or drop for the ball mount will be determined by the size of the trailer coupler and how high it is off the ground, I can definitely make a few suggestions for you. To start with, the Curt # C12038 will be the hitch I recommend. You will need to double check your owner's manual to verify the vehicle capacities, but this will be rated up to 3,500 pounds towing and 350 pounds of tongue weight. Once installed, the top of the receiver opening...
    view full answer...
  • Will a Yakima Hangover On a Subaru Forester 2008?
    I have a great solution. Unfortunately, the Yakima HangOver 4 Bike Rack for Mountain Bikes #Y02484 will only fit on an installed 2-inch hitch. After extensive research, I could not find a 2-inch hitch receiver for a 2008 Subaru Forester. However, I recommend the Malone Runway Max Bike Rack for 4-Bikes # MAL72VR to fit on your vehicle's 1-1/4 hitch. There are no vertical mount available that is compatible with 1-1/4 receivers. The Malone Runway Max is great because it is a more economic...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Class II Trailer Hitch for Towing Small Utility Trailer w/ 2008 Subaru Forester
    The Curt Class II trailer hitch you referenced, part # C12038 has a 3500 lb towing/350 lb tongue weight capacity. If you'll only be using the hitch for towing a trailer, it should work just fine for you. However, if you're wanting to use the hitch as an attachment point for other hitch mounted accessories like a cargo carrier or a bike rack, it wouldn't be the best choice. Curt's warranty requirement state that all non-trailer loads need to use a stabilizing strap, like part # 18050. The...
    view full answer...
  • Class II Hitch and Cargo Carrier Recommendation for a 2004 Subaru Forester
    The biggest difference between the Class I hitches and the Class II ones are the capacities. Both are a 1-1/4 inch hitch so it wouldn't make a huge difference either way. For your 2004 Subaru Forester we only carry Class II hitches like the Curt Hitch # C12038. All that means is that the hitch has more capacity than your vehicle. But since a towing setup is only as strong as it's weakest component you are still limited to the Class I capacities of your vehicle. Some 1-1/4 inch accessories...
    view full answer...
  • Subaru 2003 Forester Hitch Installation and Platform Style 4-Bike Rack Recommendation
    It's not necessary to use a lift to install a hitch on your Forester, but if you have or can borrow ramps or jack stands from somebody, it will make the installation much easier. If that's not an option, we offer some fairly inexpensive ramps as part # FT11909MI or jack stands as part # PTW41021. Either the Curt # C12038 or the Draw-Tite # 36311 would work fine for you. They install in the same manner, and have identical capacities. Both install with standard metric wrenches or sockets...
    view full answer...
  • What Size are the Bolts Used to Install Curt Trailer Hitch on a 2002 Subaru Forester
    The bolts used on your 2002 Subaru Forester to install Curt trailer hitch # C12038 are 12mm bolts. They are likely coarse threaded. You will need to use grade 5 bolts or better. They should be available at a local hardware store. Pinch bolts are usually used to hold two round things together with some sort of clamp bracket. A good example of this is a bike handlebars where you would loosen it to make vertical and alignment adjustments. I am not sure why the bolts are not long enough....
    view full answer...
  • Will Installation of Trailer Hitch Receiver on 2008 Subaru Forester Require Drilling
    We have two trailer hitch receivers for the 2008 Subaru Forester. The Curt # C12038 and Draw-Tite # 36311 and they both install without any drilling. I've linked install videos for both of them for you. If you're going to be towing a trailer with your Subaru use # 118461 for wiring. This harness installs by plugging into a connector that is located either behind the driver's side tail light or in the spare tire compartment. Once installed you'll have a fully functioning 4-way trailer...
    view full answer...
  • What is Included with Curt Trailer Hitch 12038 for a 2008 Subaru Forester
    For Curt trailer hitch # C12038 you will get the trailer hitch itself and the hardware needed to install it. The other parts you need depend on what you're going to use the htich for. If you're going to be carrying a cargo carrier or bike rack you also need a support strap # 18050 per Curt's warranty. If you plan on towing a trailer you need to add ball mount # C45503 along with the properly sized ball and the wiring. Those items are not included with the hitch. For a 1-7/8 inch ball...
    view full answer...
  • Where is Curt Trailer hitch 12038 for 2002 Subaru Forester Made
    The Curt hitch, part # 12038, for your Subaru Forester is made in the U.S.A.
    view full answer...
  • Torque Wrench Required for Installing Curt Hitch part # C12038
    To install the Curt hitch part # C12038 you'll need a torque wrench that is capable of at least 83 ft lbs of torque. We have the Powerbuilt Dual Drive Torque Wrench # ALL944001 which has a range up to 150 ft lbs so it would be a great option.
    view full answer...
  • Will the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Fit on a 2004 Subaru Forester
    Yes, the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider, part # HR200Z, will work with a 2004 Subaru Forester if you have a hitch. I've included a link to a review video that has a segment on attaching it to the hitch. If you don't have a hitch already, then I recommend getting the Curt Trailer Hitch, part # C12038. It's relatively easy to install and will be able to accommodate your Hollywood Rack. I've included a link to an installation video for a 2003 Subaru Forester for you to look at.
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch Fit for 1997 Subaru Forester
    Subaru began manufacturing the Forester in 1997 as a 1998 model. Curt doesn't list the # C11497 Class I hitch as a fit for your Subaru Forester, nor have they (or we) tested the fit, so I couldn't speak to the fit. I'd recommend using a confirmed fit for your Forester, like the Curt Class II hitch, part # C12038. If you'll be towing with the hitch you'll also need a trailer wiring harness like # 118461, a ball mount like # C45503, a hitch pin like # PC2 and a trailer ball like # 19256...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2008 Subaru Forester
    I do have a great option for you, however the Curt Class I Trailer Hitch # C11497 that you referenced will not fit your 2008 Subaru Forester. This particular hitch is designed for certain model years of the Subaru Impreza and Outback Wagon and it will not line up correctly to the frame rails of your Forester. For your Forester I instead recommend the Curt Class II Receiver Hitch # C12038, which will match existing holes in the frame of the vehicle for a no-drill installation, features...
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch Recommendations for 2003 Subaru Forester
    The vehicle and the structure under the car where the hitch attaches wouldn't be strong enough to withstand towing a Class III rated trailer, which is why a Class III hitch isn't available for your vehicle. None of our hitch manufacturers offer a Class III option for your 2003 Forester. The Draw-Tite Class II hitch, part # 36311 is a reasonably priced solution. For a trailer wiring harness, use part # 118461. You'll also need a ball mount like # 36051, but you will want to measure your...
    view full answer...
  • What is the Height and Width of Cross Tube on Curt Trailer Hitch C12038 for a 2005 Subaru Forester
    I went out to the warehouse to measure Curt trailer hitch # C12038 for your 2005 Subaru Forester. The cross tube is 2-1/2 inches front to back and 1-1/2 inches tall. I have included a picture illustrating these measurements for you. I have also linked a video showing an example installation.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for


< Previous
12



Do you have a question about this Trailer Hitch?


Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Patrick B
Expert Research:
Patrick B
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Adam R
Expert Research:
Adam R
Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Joshua S
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Employee Jacob T
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Employee Dustin K
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Amanda M
Updated by:
Amanda M
Employee Jenny M
Updated by:
Jenny M
Employee Kristina F
Updated by:
Kristina F
Employee Michael B
Updated by:
Michael B
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Employee Kathleen M
Video by:
Kathleen M
Employee Randy B
Test Fit:
Randy B

At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.


Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924