Do I Need to Use Weight Distribution When Towing with my 2020 Subaru Forester

Updated 09/15/2020 | Published 09/14/2020

Question:

Hi, I have a 2020 Subaru Forester Sport with a Max Tow Capacity of 1500lb and Max Tongue Weight of 176lb. I want the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2inch C13409. BUT... 1 I am concerned about its INCOMPATIBILITY with a weight distribution hitch. Given my tow vehicles low tongue weight capacity of 176lb, do you think I will ever need a weight distribution hitch - especially if my tongue weight and vehicle trunk load get closer to that 176lb Tongue threshold? The most Id probably be towing is a single axle 5X8 trailer with dry weight of 1200lb. 2 What about the need for a Sway Bar, do you think Ill ever need that and is the CURT C13409 compatible with Sway Bars? 3 Finally, I will be towing quite a few bike Racks. Does the J-Pin Anti Rattle Device slot that the Draw Tite 76271 has but the Curt doesnt make that much of a difference, or does the Curt already address any Rattling issues. I really want the Curt because of the install process and you alls previous recommendation on its longer lasting thicker powder coating, so I dont want to get caught up on other hitchesfoot specs that I will probably never need, but at same time, dont want to need something my hitch wont have down the road. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

asked by: Ari

Expert Reply:

Because your 2020 Forester only has a maximum towing capacity of 1500-lbs, using a weight distribution hitch really probably isn't necessary since any trailer you would be towing would be under that 50%. We typically don't recommend using weight distribution hitches until the trailer is over 50% of the vehicle's GVWR, so you're probably still better served by going with the Curt # C13409. Your tongue weight won't include anything inside the vehicle and is strictly limited to the weight on the hitch with the trailer tongue, so you'll just want to make sure that your tongue weight stays below the 176-lbs.

Instead of a weight distribution hitch, what you can do to help improve your trailer towing experience is use a sway bar like the Draw-Tite # 83660, which also requires the Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV # RP26003. This will give you sway control on your trailer without the need for a weight distribution hitch.

When it comes to anti-rattle for the ball mount,most bike racks will come with an anti-rattle hitch pin that has threads specific to that bike rack. If you can tell me what type of bike rack you're using I can help you locate a hitch pin that would work with that rack.

expert reply by: Erik B