Which Class III Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Subaru Forester has the Best Ground Clearance

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Question:

I own a 2017 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5i non-turbo. I would like to get a trailer hitch for carrying a hitch-mounted bike rack such as the Yakima FullSwing, Ridgeback, or Fulltilt. When I am not carrying my bikes or bike rack, I would like to minimize the hitchs impact on the vehicles departure angle. Im guessing that the Hidden 87654 has the best departure angle, but isnt listed as being compatible with the 2017 model year. Question: which class-III 2inch hitch that will fit the 2017 Forester and accommodate a two-arm bike rack has the least impact on departure angle?

asked by: Javen

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Expert Reply:

Hidden Hitch as a brand is being phased out but the same company makes Draw-Tite hitches. So for your 2017 Subaru Forester the Draw-Tite Class III hitch is # 75876. When we installed this hitch on a 2017 Subaru Forester, see video link, it measured 13-3/4 inches from the ground to the top of the receiver opening. So to the bottom of the receiver that distance would be approximately 11-1/2 inches.

The other Class III option is Curt hitch # C13144. When we installed it the distance from the ground to the top of the receiver opening was 14-1/4 inches. So to the bottom of the receiver it would be approximately 12 inches. However, with this hitch Curt requires the use of stabilization strap # 18050 when using the hitch for any non-trailer load, such as a bike rack, to be in compliance with their warranty requirements. I have linked a video showing how the strap works.

Out of the bike racks you are looking at I recommend the FullSwing # Y02465 because it will allow the most and best access to the rear of the vehicle, including opening the rear hatch, with or without the bikes loaded.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The best hitch for your 2016 Forester will depend on what you're planning on using the hitch for. If you're only needing the hitch to serve as an attachment point for the Yakima #Y02457 Ridgeback bike rack, a Class II hitch like the Draw-Tite…

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Answer 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Answer 7

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 8

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 9

Hey Nelson, welcome back and congrats on your new SUV! We get our information directly from Curt and their item #C13409 and item #C47HR hitches fit all models of the 2025 Subaru Forester including the hybrids. This is why we don't list a hybrid…

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Answer 10

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 11

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 12

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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Which Class III Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Subaru Forester has the Best Ground Clearance

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