How To Extend A 1 1/4" Hitch On A 2021 Subaru Forester  

Question:

Expert Reply:

In order to reduce the risk of your hitch ball coming in contact with the rear bumper on you 2021 Subaru Forester, you first need to take a measurement from the receiver pin hole to the outside of your bumper. This will determine exactly how long of a ball mount you will need, and if you will need a hitch extender or not.

I recommend looking into the Curt Towing Starter Kit # C45147. This hitch kit comes with a 2" ball and fits 1- 1/4" receiver. It has a length of 9 3/4" from the center of the pin hole to center of ball. The maximum weight capacity is 3500lbs and tongue weight of 350lbs. If the measurement you took was less than 9 3/4", then this will work.

If your measurement tells you that you need more than 9 3/4" to clear the bumper, then the other option would be to purchase a hitch extender, such as the Curt Hitch Extender # D189. This has a length of 7" from pin hole to pin hole and you could use this in combination with a 1 1/4" ball mount that you already have. If the length of your 1 1/4" ball mount (ball to pin hole length) combined with this 7" extender is greater than your measurement, then this will work.

The only drawback for going with the extender is that you will reduce your maximum receiver capacity by 50%. For example; on a hitch that normally has a max weight of 3500lbs and tongue weight of 300lbs, you would have a new max weight of 1750lbs and tongue weight of 150lbs with this extender.

I have attached demonstration videos.

expert reply by: Andrew N

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