Bike Rack, Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendation for 2018 Subaru Forester

Updated 05/23/2018 | Published 05/22/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(144)

$188.75

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(2968)

$45.94

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$15.93

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(119)

$165.36

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Black

(588)

$759.00

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray

(588)

$759.00

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Pearl

(588)

$759.00

Question:

Good Afternoon, I am thinking of getting a hitch for my 2018 Forester. Mainly for bike carrying, occasionly towing. I see that both Curt and Draw-Tite offer same tongue weight capacity that is the key indicator for bike carriers, right?, however Draw-Tite does not require using the straps. I just want to educate myself a little bit, why? It should not be because of rattling as bike racks most of them have anti-rattle feature... Is it the testing? Does draw-tite utilizes extended/tougher bike carrier test more cycles or higher loads? If so, I will have the bug in my ears: do they test better for trailering as well? Are they better for general reliability? Because I dont want to save a couple of bucks when I sacrifice quality on the other hand... Thanks

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

To answer your first question, yes, the tongue weight capacity of a trailer hitch is what you would need to go by to determine how heavy the combined weight of your bike rack and bikes can be.

The reason is not testing, it is simply precautionary and not a statement about the quality of the Curt hitches such as the # C12100 that fits your 2018 Subaru Forester. Like you said, the use of Stabilizing Straps # 18050 is needed to maintain the warranty of this hitch but not of the Draw-Tite # 36523, though it is never a bad idea to use the straps just for the added support.

Because you said you may occasionally tow, you will need wiring to power your trailer's lights and the T-One Harness # 118467 will give you a 4-way connector and install easily by plugging into connection points in your Forester's rear cargo area.

In terms of a bike rack that will fit the 1-1/4" trailer hitch I recommend checking out the Kuat Sherpa 2.0, which comes in your choice of colors: Black # SH12B, Pearl # SH12P, or Gray # SH12G. This is a wheel-mount rack which uses ratcheting hooks to grasp your bikes by the front wheels so there is no frame contact and also has rear-wheel cradles with ratcheting straps to secure your bike's rear wheels.

The Sherpa 2.0 can be tilted down - even with the bikes loaded - with the press of a handy foot lever, and can also fold up for when the bikes are not being carried. It does not require any tools to install into your hitch as you'll only need to turn a knob to tighten the rack in the hitch; this also works as an anti-rattle device so you can get a quiet ride.

Additionally, the Sherpa 2.0 comes with a hitch lock to secure the rack to your Forester and a cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack and help protect your investments. This is a lightweight, 32 lb rack which has a weight capacity of 40 lbs per bike and fits bikes with tire widths up to 3", wheelbases up to 47" and wheels that are 25" to 29". I've added links to video reviews of this rack for you to check out as well.