Trailer Hitch for Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack on 2003 Subaru Forester

Updated 03/04/2020 | Published 03/02/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 7" Long - 3.5K

(2338)

$34.51

Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1962)

$139.99

Question:

Hi, I am looking at buying a Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack for my 2003 Subaru Forester. Do I need to also purchase a hitch as well or is this included in the purchase of the Swagman Xc2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack? If I need to purchase a hitch, I am looking at this one: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4inch Hitches - 5/8inch Rise, 1-1/4inch - 7inch Long - 3.5K Item # 36051 can you confirm that this will work?

asked by: Jana M

Expert Reply:

The Swagman XC 2-Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Trailer Hitches # S64650 is a great platform bike option for your 2003 Subaru Forester, so long as it is already equipped with a trailer hitch receiver, like the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 36311, designed to fit the frame of your Forester.

To use the bike rack, you do not need any extra parts. Everything you need to install it on a trailer hitch is included with part # S64650.

The only time you'll need to use a ball mount, is for trailer towing. So, if you are planning on also doing some light trailer towing, the Draw-Tite Drawbar # 36051 is the correct one to use with the Draw-Tite Hitch Receiver # 36311. You can then use either a 2 inch ball # 19258 or an 1-7/8 inch ball # 19256, depending on the coupler size on your trailer.

Towing a trailer also requires the use of a trailer wiring harness so the trailer lights can operate in sync with the lights on the Forester. For that, you'll need part # 118461.

expert reply by: Carla M