Recommendations For Outfitting A 2008 Subaru Forester To Tow A Trailer

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Question:

Hello! Ive really enjoyed browsing this site. Lots of great information and videos. Ive purchased and installed the Curt T-connector Vehicle Wiring Harness order #112202949, and Id like to go ahead and get everything else I need in my next order. I used the fit guide feature on this site and Ill likely go with this C12038. However, Im hoping someone can guide me on what else I need to include in the order. Unfortunately I dont know the specs of what Ill be towing, other than it will be a camping trailer within the specs of the 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5x towing capacity. Heres what I believe is needed. Could you let me know the item numbers and any recommendations you may have? As well as anything else I am not including? - Trailer hitch ball mount - Trailer hitch ball - A wiring adapter from the 4-pin I purchased in the event the trailer has breaks Thank you so much

asked by: Timothy C

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Though the size of the ball and amount of rise or drop for the ball mount will be determined by the size of the trailer coupler and how high it is off the ground, I can definitely make a few suggestions for you.

To start with, the Curt # C12038 will be the hitch I recommend. You will need to double check your owner's manual to verify the vehicle capacities, but this will be rated up to 3,500 pounds towing and 350 pounds of tongue weight. Once installed, the top of the receiver opening will sit right at 13-1/4". I mention this as it is half of what will be needed to determine the amount of rise or drop needed for the ball mount.

Just as an example, the typical U-Haul trailer will measure 17" from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. This will mean you need just under 4" of rise to stay level when towing. You technically have plus or minus 1.5" to stay within level, but the Curt Class II Drawbar - 3-7/8" Rise - 13-1/2" Long - 3,500 lbs # C45000 would put you right where you need to be. The # F-4 pin and clip will keep the # C45000 secure in the hitch as well.,

From here you have a few options for the ball. Most of the trailers in your weight range will not use the larger 2-5/16", so I will not be including one. With that said, the Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Ball Set - 1-7/8", 2" Balls - 3/4" XL Shank - Nickel # 800B will actually include both a 1-7/8" and 2" ball making it a highly recommended part. You just need to pop the pin out of the head and they can be swapped out in seconds.

If you do end up getting a trailer with brakes, you will need to upgrade your 4 Flat to a 7 Way plug. This happens pretty often, so we do have what you need for this as well. The 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation # ETBC7L will get you the needed power to run the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180. This controller doesn't require anything run into the cab of the vehicle and is very easy to set up and use. The only downside is that it uses your smartphone for the manual override button if needed. But even this can be solved with the simple add-on of the Manual Override Button # C83HR. This can be mounted anywhere within arms reach and really does make this controller a great option.

expert reply by: Lazer S

1

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 3

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 4

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 5

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 8

We can definitely get you set up. For a 7-way wiring harness for your 2024 Honda Pilot trailsport I recommend the Curt T-Connector #C35ZV which will plug in to the existing tow package connector at the rear your vehicle. I do also recommend getting…

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Answer 9

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 10

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 11

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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