Comparing Curt Trailer Hitches C13409 and C47HR For 2021 Subaru Forester

Updated 07/06/2024 | Published 09/10/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(722)

$192.82

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(112)

$285.37

Question:

Why are there 2 different Class III Curt trailer hitches for my 2021 Subaru Forester? Which one do you recommend?

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Expert Reply:

I would be happy to clarify!

You are correct that for your 2021 Subaru Forester there are two different Class III trailer hitch receivers available, the Curt # C13409 and the Curt # C47HR.

The main difference between these two hitches is the # C13409 has a visible crosstube which means you can see pretty much the entire hitch once installed, where the # C47HR has a hidden crosstube so once installed you will only see the receiver itself as you can see in the two included pictures.

Other differences are the # C47HR is a bit more difficult to install due to having to remove the rear bumper, and has a slightly lower tongue weight rating at 350lbs compared to the 525lb rating of the # C13409.

With all of that in mind I still recommend the Curt # C47HR as its 350lb tongue weight/3500lb trailer weight rating is still viable for many uses like carrying a bike rack or cargo carrier, or using a ball mount to tow a small trailer.

If you are planning on towing a trailer you will need a vehicle wiring harness # 118467, and a ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip which can all be found in the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900.

I included installation videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13409 and Curt # C47HR Installed On 2021 Subaru Forester
(click to enlarge)

Nushka

7/5/2024

By how much does the 13409 reduce the vehicle clearance? And is e height of the receiver the same on both models? Thank you.

Samuel C.

7/6/2024

@Nushka The # C13409 will reduce ground clearance by about 3-1/2". The hitch height is not the same for the two hitches available. The # C13409 measures 14-1/2" from the ground to the top inside edge of the receiver, where the # C47HR measures 15-1/2" from the same spot, so it will tuck up 1" closer to the bumper.