Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Subaru Forester to Tow a Boat

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Question:

I am going to tow a 16 foot boat weighing 1100 lbs including the trailer and would like to have your recommendation for which class of hitch to use. I have been using a Class 3 hitch on my 2007 Forester but wanted to know if a Class 2 would be adequate. Thanks

asked by: Gene C

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Expert Reply:

A Class II Hitch for your 2007 Forester would have more than enough strength to tow your 1,100 lb. boat. We only offer one Class II hitch for your vehicle and it is the Curt Class II Hitch # C12100. This hitch has a GTW capacity of 3500 lbs. and a TW capacity of 350 lbs., however, your 2017 Subaru Forester has a GTW capacity of 1,500 lbs. so you will be limited by the towing capacity of your vehicle and the Class II hitch will be adequate.

However, if you are interested in using your hitch for a bike rack or cargo rack, I do not recommend the Curt Hitch for your vehicle. This is because Curt requires the use of stabilizing straps # 18050 when carrying all non trailer loads (cargo racks, bike racks etc.) to stay within their warranty requirements. However, the Draw-Tite Class III Hitch # 75876 does not require stabilizing straps when carrying non trailer loads and it is still capable to tow your boat. Also, more accessories are offered for a Class III Hitch compared to a Class II Hitch.

To complete your towing package, you will need a wiring harness, hitch ball, ball mount and pin and clip, if you do not already have these.

For a wiring harness I recommend the Curt Wiring Harness # C56040. For a ball mount, hitch ball and pin and clip, I recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches # 989900. this kit comes with two ball mounts, a 1-7/8" Ball and 2" Ball and pin and clip.

I attached an installation video for the Draw-Tite Hitch on a 2016 Subaru Forester which is the same installation process for your 2017 Forester. I also attached a review video of the ball mount kit and a help article on how to choose the right trailer hitch class.

expert reply by: Sarah H

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Answer 1

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 2

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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Answer 3

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 4

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 8

Hey Andrew! Yes, Furrion does have a Chill Cube model with a heat pump. This was actually just released for aftermarket sale. You will need a complete system to make the switch, new R32 units aren't backwards compatible with old R410A systems.…

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Answer 9

Hey Lawrence, thanks for reaching out. The Curt T-Connector #C56040 is correct for the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. The factory harness plug should be in the rear cargo area behind the driver side access panel. If you remove the trunk floor covering…

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Answer 10

Hey Jerit, congrats on the new car. We've got a couple of hitches that fit the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. The etrailer Trailer Hitch item #e98912 is going to be the most affordable option. This custom fit class III hitch has a 2"…

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Answer 11

Hey Ricardo! Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C82RJ is the hitch Curt is working on for the new 2027 Telluride. This is a pre-order since Curt hasn't finished the design. It does not include wiring. The wiring harness for the 2027 is also up…

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Answer 12

Congrats on the new motorhome Edward! SnapPad doesn't have the 2026 Allego Red 38 KA in their system so I don't know what size your jack feet are. However, we have a few options that will work with the HWH leveling systems. What you'll…

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Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Subaru Forester to Tow a Boat

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