Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations/Comparisons for a 2006 Subaru Forester
Published 08/11/2016
Products Featured in This Question
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Search Results: 40003
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball
- Shop: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Curt Class II Drawbar - 3/4" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 6-3/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Video: DIY 2004 Subaru Forester Installation for the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Video: Installing the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2007 Subaru Forester
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories
- Video: Mount: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2008 Subaru Forester
- Video: Best 2005 Subaru Forester Hitch Options
- Shop: Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Shop: Replacement Air Spring for Firestone Coil-Rite Rear-Axle Kits 4108 and 4121 - Qty 1
- Shop: Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Q&A: Is There 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2003 Subaru Outback
- Shop: Floor Mats
- Shop: Windshield Covers
- Video: Install: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector on a 2007 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Recommended Small Utility Trailer for Highway Use
- Shop: Performance Chip Tuners
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Recommendation 2005 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Hitch Recommendation for a 2006 Subaru Forester
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
on Trailer Hitch
