Change in Hitch Receiver Tube Length on Curt Trailer Hitch for 2016 Subaru Forester

Question

Question:

Im looking for a class III trailer hitch for my new 2016 Subaru Forester. In looking at your pictures for the Curt hitch, something looks off. If you look either at the 360 degree photo or the fourth photo, it appears as if the distance between the brackets for the safety chains and the end of the hitch is 1-2inch max. In addition, in those photos, the end of the bracket is pretty much directly under the hole for the pin. However, if you look at photo 13, the side view photo, you see a totally different picture. In that photo there is quite a bit of distance between the bracket and the hole for the pin. It seems clear that the pictures are not of the same hitch. I do not want a hitch that is recessed way under the car so I would prefer one like the one shown in picture 13 but I have no way of knowing what I would be getting based on your photos. Can you please clarify what the hitch looks like? Thanks.

asked by: Bruce P

0

Expert Reply:

You are correct that there is a bit of a difference in the trailer hitch. The Curt Class III Trailer Hitch # C13144 for your 2016 Subaru Forester has undergone a change in the length of the receiver tube. This is the difference you noted in the photos. Originally when we took our photos of this hitch, the receiver length of the hitch was 8 inches, but the receiver length was later increased to 11 inches.

I went out to the warehouse to look at the # C13144 hitches that we have in stock, and I found that they have the longer hitch receiver. This is the trailer hitch featured in the photos you referenced that show the hitch on a 2016 Subaru Forester. I found that for the trailer hitches we have in stock, the center of the hitch pin hole sits approximately 2-1/2 inches from the safety chain brackets.

The hitch featured in the installation video for the 2016 Forester is the hitch with the longer receiver tube. I have attached this installation video for you. When we installed the hitch, we found that for that particular Forester, the clearance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the bumper measured 3 inches.

It is also important to keep in mind that this hitch will require the use of the # 18050 stabilization strap to comply with Curt's warranty on the hitch.

expert reply by: Victoria B

0

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

Actually, removing and leaving off the heat shields won't present a problem. Instead of the thin metal of the heat shields, there's now a hitch installed which will provide much better heat shielding than the factory heat shields did. Plus,…

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Answer 3

You could do that if you wish, you'll just want to make sure that the heat shield is NOT sandwiched between the hitch and the chassis of the vehicle at any point. We frequently hear from folks with concerns about the vehicle being harmed because…

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Answer 4

Exactly! Both hitches are very similar in design and construction. That is usually what happens when hitches are custom-fit for your vehicle. The main difference is the finish. I personally prefer the matte finish that #e98839 has. We have them on…

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Answer 5

The Draw-Tite #75876 and the Curt #C13144 are very similar hitches. Both are Class III 2 inch hitches with 3500 lbs. GTW and 525 lbs. TW; making them both excellent options for your Forester. Check out the links below for some helpful installation…

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Answer 6

As you can see in the provided photo, the etrailer brand #e98839 hitch will indeed fit a 4th Generation Subaru Forester with a single exhaust, like your 2016. Unless your vehicle has an aftermarket exhaust, the hitch will fit fine. I've also…

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Answer 7

Hey Brendan, thanks for reaching out! You're correct that it's best to keep the heat shield installed. I'm not sure why Curt doesn't recommend installing it back, but if you check out the linked installation video of the Curt Trailer…

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Answer 8

The heat shield actually has to be permanently removed to install the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e83ZR on your 2024 Subaru Forester.

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Answer 9

I can verify for you that the etrailer trailer hitch receiver for your 2017 Subaru Forester does fit the Forester 2.5I, 2.5I Limited, and 2.5I Premium; the hitch actually fits all models of '17 Forester with the correct part number being the…

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Answer 10

We don't have the items kitted, but I'd be happy to recommend a hitch, wiring harness, ball mount and trailer ball for you. For a hitch, I'd recommend either the Curt Class III #C13144 or the Class III #CU64FR. Both hitches have the same…

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Answer 11

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Change in Hitch Receiver Tube Length on Curt Trailer Hitch for 2016 Subaru Forester

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