Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2013 Subaru Forester that Doesn't Require Stabilizer Strap

Updated 05/21/2019 | Published 05/20/2019

Question:

Hi, It says that in order to use this hitch with a bike rack that you need to add stabilizing straps to the car. Have you ever heard of a customer actually damaging their hitch or the car mounting points when using tray style bike racks with this particular hitch without the straps? If this is actually a problem, it seems like a design flaw which should be addressed by a product revision. Thanks for your help.

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

For your 2013 Subaru Forester I'd actually recommend the Draw Tite hitch part # 75650 over the Curt you mentioned as it does not require the use of the stabilizer strap when carrying a non-supported load like a bike rack. Curt seems a bit overly cautious with the strap recommendation, especially with a 2 inch hitch like the # 13147, but we have to recommend you follow their guidelines with their hitches otherwise the warranty will be voided. To answer your other question we have not personally seen an issue with a Curt hitch failing due to failure to use the strap.

I attached an install video for the Draw Tite hitch # 75650 for you to check out as well on a similar 2013 Forester.

expert reply by: Jameson C