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FITS 2021 Subaru Forester
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
CURT

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

Part Number: C47HR
In Stock
$259.66
Retail:$405.95
You Save: $146.29
Trailer Hitch
Confirmed to Fit
2021 Subaru Forester

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Call etrailer.com at 1-800-940-8924 for expert service. We are your Subaru trailer hitch experts, and offer a great price. etrailer.com carries a complete line of CURT products for your Subaru Forester 2021. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" part C47HR from CURT can be ordered online at etrailer.com. Complete trailer hitch installation instructions and technical support.
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2021 Subaru Forester - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

Highlights

  • Concealed design: The Curt hitch maintains a sleek look with only the receiver showing.
  • Custom fit: Tailored to fit your specific vehicle for seamless integration.
  • Class III rating: Supports up to 3,500 lbs GTW and 350 lbs TW for versatile towing.
  • Strong construction: Precision robotic welding enhances strength and fit.
  • Rust-resistant finish: High-gloss powder coat over Bonderite base for durability.
  • Tested safety: Meets SAE J684 standards for reliable towing performance.

Features to know about

Seamless Vehicle Integration: Concealed Main Body Design

If you're looking to add a hitch without disrupting the sleek look of your vehicle, the concealed main body design is perfect. It integrates seamlessly with your vehicle, providing a clean, OE appearance. You only see the 2-inch receiver, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal with improved ground clearance.

Hassle-Free Installation: Bolt-On Without Welding

No one likes a complicated installation, and with this fully welded trailer hitch receiver, you have a straightforward bolt-on solution. There's no need for any welding, and it comes complete with an installation kit. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts, this setup lets you enhance your vehicle's utility without daunting tasks.

Enduring Durability: Powder Coated Steel

The robust, square-tube construction ensures long-lasting durability, and the powder coated steel protects against corrosion. This means you can enjoy your hitch for years to come, taking on various weather conditions while maintaining its structural integrity.

Impressive Towing Capacity: Class III Specifications

Rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight, this Class III hitch is reliable for most towing needs. From small trailers to bike racks, this hitch is a capable addition for handling your gear and adventures, fitting perfectly within your vehicle's capacity limits.

Precision and Safety: Robotic Welding and SAE Testing

Maximize your peace of mind with precision robotic welding that promises superior strength and fit. Tested in accordance with SAE J684 safety standards, this hitch delivers premium safety and reliability, so you can focus on the road and your journey without worry.

Adaptable and Clean: Open-Back Receiver Design

The open-back receiver design is a thoughtful touch, especially handy for easy cleaning and maintenance. It ensures that you can keep your hitch in top condition effortlessly, letting you focus on enjoying your vehicle's enhanced capability without unnecessary hassle.

Specs

Receiver Specifications

  • Receiver opening: 2" x 2"

Rating

  • Class: III
  • Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
  • Maximum tongue weight: 350 lbs
  • Not rated for use with weight-distribution systems

Warranty

  • Limited lifetime warranty

Install Summary

  • 120 minutes install time
  • No Drilling Required
  • Heat shield will need to be temporarily removed and trimmed before reinstalling. Fascia trimming is required for installation. No drilling through vehicle frame required for installation, Requires temporary removal of bumper/fascia during installation

13459 Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver

Installation Details C47HR Installation instructions
Weight Carrying Capacity
Gross Towing Weight (GTW):
3,500 lbs.

Tongue Weight (TW):
350 lbs.


Weight Distribution Capacity
Hitch does not allow
use of weight distribution



No drilling required Manufacturer Estimated Installation Time

Tech Tip

Heat shield will need to be temporarily removed and trimmed before reinstalling. Fascia trimming is required for installation. No drilling through vehicle frame required for installation , Requires temporary removal of bumper/fascia during installation , Exhaust must be temporarily lowered for installation , Installation requires permanent removal of the impact structure; hitch replaces the impact structure for support and safety





Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.2

76 reviews
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Powder coated steel is sturdy and corrosion resistant.

by:

I am very happy w this hitch. It was a great value and the video was very helpful and accurate. The cutout of the body trim turned out to be WAY large (see photo).

Jim profile picture

Jim

2/23/2025

Still good. i usually just use it for a bike rack. A month ago I used it to pull a friends small car out of the sand without a problem.

JerredH profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jerred H.

2/23/2025

@Jim That's great! Happy it's working out so well for you and is also being versatile. What kind of bike rack do you have?


by:

Read the reviews and here’s my experience.
Packaging
- considering the only thing you see is the receiver it doesn’t matter. Hit it with a rattle can if you’re concerned. The frame that goes into the rear sticks out of the box and is wrapped. Eco-friendly as a ton of styrofoam would be needed to protect something you don’t see.

Instructions-be careful with the cutout on the bumper, one person said the opening was too big. That will happen if you follow the instructions. Cut the 3in section about 1.5
Vs 2.5 or to the bend in the bumper.

Time-plan for 3 hours

Tools-just use hand tools. You risk stripping a bolt, even on removal.



by:
2024 SubaruForester

Very easy install as long as you have the right tools. Some socket extensions, a breaker bar (for removing the rear bumper reinforcement beam), and an impact made life very easy.

Would've been great to get a true-to-size template for cutting the bumper that folded up with the instructions.

I love the look of this receiver, however I would've preferred it to be one or two inches taller into the bumper for a more conspicuous, OEM look, but for the price point, pretty darn happy with it.



by:
2023 SubaruForester

Perfect fit and almost flawless installation. MUCH thanks to Ryan and the eTrailer team for the installation video!

One point - in the installation video at about 14:53, Ryan threads the bolt and spacer block on to the fish wire and feeds it through a passthrough into the hitch / vehicle frame. Unfortunately, neither of the spacer blocks fit into the passthrough. The spacer block was just a hair too big. It took us only a few minutes to figure out the workaround. We loosened the attachment bolts and fed the bolt & block assembly straight into the vehicle frame behind the hitch and it worked like a champ!

The cutting instructions for the rear bumper were spot-on and the installed hitch looks perfect!



by:

The box was not in good condition but luckily, you guys taped the bag of instructions and the nuts and bolts to the product. Thanks



by:
2022 SubaruForester

Item came with damage and rust. It was just placed in a plastic bag no card board.

Brooke M. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Brooke M.

7/22/2024

Shipping can be very rough on the heavy hitches. I will see about getting some paint sent your way. Be on the look out for an email!



by:
2020 SubaruForester

Installation went well after viewing several install videos.



by:
2021SubaruForester

Hitch wad very well built. Only 2 issues that I ran into. One of the holes where the hitch mounts to the old bumper area had to be drilled out just a little larger. There was a burr or the hole just wasnt stamped out perfectly causing the new bumper bolt to becone cross threaded. I just had to "egg" out the hitch hole and than retap the threads. Second slight issue is the hitch receiver seems to be welded slightly crooked. Not nothing seriois, but definitly can tell. Overall I am very pleased with the hitch.



by:
Subaru

Technically installation was easy for, me anyway. The only hiccup was cracking the panel attachment clip on one side of the bumper cover. I think it was about $10 from Subaru to replace the piece. Aside from that all went well.



by:

This part arrived quickly and in great shape. It is very well built with all the necessary hardware. My only complaint is that the pictures on the included instructions are very blurry, but there was a video on etrailer to make up for that.



by:
Subaru

This etrailer hitch is a very well built and strong trailer hitch which is used to carry two heavy electric mountain bikes and the bike rack. This etrailer hitch replaced an existing Subaru trailer hitch that was inadequate to handle the weight our bikes. Customer service from etrailer was excellent and I plan to purchase another etrailer hitch for our other car.



by:
SubaruForester

Ordered this hitch fro my 2021 Subaru Forester. I liked it because it was hidden behind the bumper. A little tough removing the bumper by myself but the hitch installation was very straight forward. Very happy with the purchase.



by:

Fantastic hitch. Heavy duty construction. Installation time took 1hr45min. Looks great!!



by:
2022 SubaruForester

I have yet to install it and try it out so this review is currently for the look and delivery. I will update once I install and test the hitch.

Delivery was super fast and the hitch looks overall good. However, the delivery caused many chips and scratches all over the hitch which I’m not happy about. That’s why I gave it a 4 star.



by:

The box was destroyed during shipping and the hitch was sticking out of the box. It did scratch off some of the paint.

Installation wasn’t that difficult. Took less than two hours. I would recommend having a second set of hands when removing the bumper cover so it doesn’t get scratched. Followed the installation video and it was straight forward. I would’ve cut a little less of the bumper cover if I did it again and had it a little s’more snug on the look.



by:

I am very satisfied with this hitch. The installation instructions were very detailed, and I would buy from etrailer again. Thanks!



by:
2023 SubaruForester

Great hitch. I love that most of it can be hidden. Looks awesome on mu 2023 subaru forester sport!



by:

Very easy to install, looks like OEM especially when you don’t see the bar under the car.



by:
2021SubaruForester

prompt delivery and excellent detailed installation instructions



by:
2022 SubaruForester

Perfect fit and easy to install following the video on the product page. A little difficult getting the torque wrench in on top of the exhaust system. Don't pull on the wires when disconnecting the wires, release the lock and pry with a small screw driver.



by:

Fits very well. I recommend professional installation. I took the 2020 Subaru Forester to the local body shop. It took about three hours to install and reset sensors,etc.



by:

Wrong thread pitch on the grade 5 connect bolts connecting to the face of the vehicle, had to reuse the old non grade 5 bumper bolts.



by:

Great hitch but very difficult to insta ll.



by:
2023 SubaruForester

Well built; reasonably priced.
However,
paper diagram instructions to cut bumper indicated to cut more than necessary!
Thank goodness I caught that!



by:

Product is well made and works great. The install video was incredibly helpful and detailed. If you have a bit of space and time it's a great way to save some money - would buy again.


25
76
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Hitch

  • Why Does EcoHitch 306-X7391 Have A Higher Tongue Weight Rating Than Curt C47HR?
    Hey Frank, good question. The main reason the EcoHitch # 306-X7391 is rated higher than the Curt # C47HR is because each company has different standards for their hitches. The EcoHitch has extra material holding the receiver to the crosstube so it can be tested to higher standards to get the higher 525 lb weight rating. EcoHitch also uses a stainless steel receiver which can help with the higher ratings. Nothing against the Curt hitches at all, but if your goal is to get the strongest hidden...
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    The hitch with the highest tongue weight capacity for a 2024 Subaru Forester will be the etrailer Class 3 Hitch # e83ZR. This hitch has a TW capacity of 525 lbs and can tow up to 3,500 lbs. As far as installation, I would call this a medium difficulty. You will not have to drill any new holes in the frame, although some of the existing holes may need to be enlarged with a drill or file. You will need to temporarily lower the exhaust and the plastic underbody panel. You will also permanently...
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  • Comparing Curt Trailer Hitches C13409 and C47HR For 2021 Subaru Forester
    I would be happy to clarify! You are correct that for your 2021 Subaru Forester there are two different Class III trailer hitch receivers available, the Curt # C13409 and the Curt # C47HR. The main difference between these two hitches is the # C13409 has a visible crosstube which means you can see pretty much the entire hitch once installed, where the # C47HR has a hidden crosstube so once installed you will only see the receiver itself as you can see in the two included pictures. Other...
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  • What Hitch do You Recommend for My 2022 Subaru Forester?
    Definitely! The main factors that determine the hitch are hitch receiver opening size (either 1-1/4" or 2"), weight capacity offered, and how the hitch installs on your vehicle. For example, if you are looking for a hitch that is compatible with most accessories and provides you with the most weight capacity, I recommend going with a 2" hitch like the Curt Hitch - 2" # C13409. Not only does this hitch provide you with the most weight capacity we offer for your vehicle (525 maximum tongue...
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  • Best Curt Trailer Hitch For 2024 Subaru Forester
    Best is somewhat objective when it comes to the pair of Curt trailer hitches on your 2024 Subaru Forester as it can be different depending on your application, so I'll go over some differences to help you make an informed decision. - Best Ground & Bumper Clearance/Concealed Crosstube/More Difficult Install/Lower Tongue Weight Rating: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C47HR - Less Ground & Bumper Clearance/Visible Crosstube/Easier Install/Higher Tongue Weight Rating: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver...
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  • Best Hitch for Ground Clearance for 2021 Subaru Forester
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  • EcoHitch vs Curt Hidden Trailer Hitch for 2020 Subaru Forester
    While both hitches look and install very similarly, I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch # 306-X7391 for your 2020 Subaru Forester over the Curt Hidden Hitch # C47HR. Both have the same towing weight capacity of 3,500 lbs, but EcoHitch outperforms with a tongue weight capacity of 525 lbs compared to Curt's 350 lbs capacity. That means with the EcoHitch, you can carry heavier accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers. EcoHitch is also known for their unique hitches where they...
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  • Will Curt Trailer Hitch C47HR Or EcoHitch 306-X7391 Void Warranty Of 2021 Subaru Forester?
    Installing either the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C47HR or EcoHitch # 306-X7391 will not void the warranty of your 2021 Subaru Forester Premium as you are protected by the Federal Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act which states that unless the aftermarket part installed causes the problem, they must still honor your warranty. Both of these hitches replace the factory bumper impact structure, and were both built and tested to provide the safety and support of the factory structure. Between these...
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  • Best Hidden Trailer Hitch Style for a 2024 Subaru Forester
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  • What is Towing Capacity of 2 inch Curt Hitch that Fits 2021 Subaru Forester
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  • Best Trailer Hitch for a 2024 Subaru Forester
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  • Most Concealed Hitch for a 2020 Subaru Forester
    The hitch that will be hidden the most on your 2020 Subaru Forester is going to be the Curt Trailer Hitch item # C47HR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. The crosstube part of this hitch installs behind your Forester's rear bumper cover. This leaves only the 2" receiver visible below your car. I have linked a couple of pictures below along with an installation video so you can see what this hitch looks like once installed. The Curt Trailer Hitch...
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  • Which Class III Hitch is Recommended for 2021 Subaru Forester
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  • Best Hidden Hitch for a 2022 Subaru Forester
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  • Which Hitch for 2021 Subaru Forester Is Most Hidden
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  • Does Curt Hitch for 2024 Subaru Forester Void Warranty
    The Curt hitch part # C47HR that fits your 2024 Subaru Forester would not void the warranty. With aftermarket products like this hitch you are protected by the Magnuson Moss Act which basically says that Subaru would have to prove the hitch voided the warranty and couldn't claim the hitch by itself automatically voids it.
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  • 2024 Subaru Forester Parts Needed to Properly Carry Thule Epos Bike Rack w/ LEDs
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    Image 1 for
  • Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2022 Subaru Forester
    I would be happy to help you. The best hitch for your 2022 Subaru Forester is going to be the Curt Trailer Hitch item # C47HR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. I really like this hitch because the crosstube mounts behind your rear bumper so the only part of the hitch that is visible is the 2" x 2" receiver. This gives you a higher ground clearance so you don't have to worry about bottoming out when going up or down step inclines. It also helps...
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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Lindsey S
Edited 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 Kathleen M
Updated by:
Kathleen M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee David F
Test Fit:
David F
Employee Ryan G
Test Fit:
Ryan G
Employee Scott A
Test Fit:
Scott A
Employee Aidan B
Video by:
Aidan B
Employee Eric H
Written by:
Eric H

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