Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver and Cargo Basket for 2015 Subaru Forester

Updated 03/19/2019 | Published 03/07/2019

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(934)

$165.01

Light Kit for Draw-Tite, Tow Ready, and Rola Railed Cargo Carriers

(241)

$38.50

Reese 60x24 Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - 500 lbs Capacity - Glossy Black

(1172)

$340.62

Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span

(1774)

$43.19

etrailer Cargo Carrier Bag - Water Resistant - 20 cu. ft. - 59" x 24" x 24"

(730)

$137.28

Question:

We drive a 2015 Subaru Forester. We are currently carrying stuff on the car roof under a Rain-X cover with an area of 1225_sq.in. We're getting to old for climbing up there on a rickety step stool. We decided that we need one of the 60"x24" baskets, which has an area of 1440_sq.in. I am concerned about rust, which is why I wanted aluminum. The tongue on the aluminum doesn't seem bend down for better tailgate clearance, though that's a secondary concern. So what's your best bet in a 60"x24" basket in terms of rust resistance, tailgate clearance, ease of assembly, and ease of adding tail lights? Also, we are getting a 2" trailer hitch installed next Friday. Any comments on that?

asked by: Spencer

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the information. For your 2015 Subaru Forester, I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver # E98839 which has a 2 inch receiver and is able to support tongue weights up to 525 lbs. This hitch will have the top shank of your cargo carrier sit at 14-1/4 inches off the ground.

Then based on your desires for lighting since most carriers of this size have the powder coat finish to protect from rust and similar clearances, I recommend the 24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs # 63153. This will give you some clearance for exhaust and will allow you to stack your gear up to about 24 inches before limiting your tailgate access. I've attached a video to assist. For the lighting I recommend the Light Kit # 20174 which will be a very easy installation with this carrier into the integrated holes already present.

I recommend using the Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # 63232 to help secure the carrier and deter theft. If you want to protect your gear from weather I recommend the etrailer Cargo Bag w/ Mounting Straps - Water Resistant - 20 cu ft - 59" x 24" x 24" # 988501. I've attached some videos to assist.