Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations/Comparisons for a 2006 Subaru Forester
Published 08/11/2016
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Question:
I am interested in a trailer hitch for a 2006 Subaru Forester. A draw-tite was recommended. However, it uses a 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 ball mount and I thought a 2 x 2 ball mount would be better. Is that true. I would be towing a 14 foot boat and other light weight items on a trailer. I will need to use a 2 inch ball. Other than price is the draw-tite, what are the benefits of going with the draw-tite rather than Curt or Reese.?
asked by: Gil
Expert Reply:
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 trailer weight and up to 200 pounds tongue weight. If the trailer does not have brakes the maximum is 1,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 200 pounds tongue weight. Since the vehicle is rated lower you must go by the lower rating.
The only other difference is that if you ever wanted to use the hitch for a bike rack or cargo carrier Curt requires you to use stabilization strap # 18050 per their warranty requirements. Draw-Tite does not have this requirement.
The original recommendation for the Draw-Tite hitch # 36311 is still a good one. The recommended ball mount for this hitch is # 36051. For a 1-7/8 inch ball use # 19256 and for a 2 inch ball use # 19258. And for trailer wiring you can use # 118461 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle.
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