Deciding Between The Curt And Draw-Tite Hitches For My 2021 Subaru Forester
Published 10/21/2021
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I recently got a 2021 Subaru Forester that I want to use to carry my bike rack. The rack fits a 2 inch hitch and carries 4 bikes every now and then, but 2 bikes most of the time. I saw quite a few different hitches available and got a little overwhelmed. Im looking at the Curt C13409 and Draw-Tite 76271, but am curious to see which you recommend as I didnt see any real differences between them. Though I do not currently have one, we have been considering a small camper as well, so the hitch may need to be able to pull a camper at some point. I already have the Tekonsha 118467 harness in my cart as that had the best reviews. Figured it wouldn't be bad to get both installed at once.
asked by: Ted
Expert Reply:
Though the Curt # C13409 and Draw-Tite # 76271 are nearly identical to each other, there are a few subtle differences. First being where they sit once installed.
The will both have the exact same height of 14-1/2 inches, but the Draw-Tite # 76271 will be recessed 5 inches from the edge of the bumper to the center of the pin hole. The Curt # C13409 will only be 4 inches. This is a pretty small difference, but with you using a bike rack, you will want to make sure the center of the pin hole on the shank to the closest edge of the rack will be more than 5 inches if you decide to go with the Draw-Tite.
A less subtle difference between them is that the Draw-Tite # 76271 can be used with a weight distribution system if needed. Both hitches carry the same weight ratings, but since you mentioned possibly looking at towing a small camper at some point, this will be a big plus for the Draw-Tite.
The only otther difference between them is where they are made. Draw-Tite hitches are produced in Mexico, whereas Curt hitches are made in America, but the mounting hardware can also be imported.
And just to confirm your wiring choice, the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat # 118467 would have been the one I recommended. This is a plug and play harness and will be very easy to install and get working.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: tongue weight scale
- Search Results: 76227
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier
- Search Results: cargo rack net cargo nets
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Shop: B&W Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"
- Q&A: Curt Trailer Hitch vs. Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch on 2020 Ford Escape
- Shop: Vehicle Brakes
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Shop: Shocker Max Black Air 2-Ball Mount for 2" Hitch - 4-1/2" Drop - 14K
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Video: Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Installation Guide - 2026 Mazda CX-50
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: Installing the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness on a 2025 Mazda CX-50
- Q&A: Will Draw-Tite Hitch Reduce Clearance on Volkswagen ID-Buzz
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For A 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
- Video: Best 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Trailer Hitch Options
- Article: What Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?
- Video: Best 2011 Ram 3500 Hitch Options
- Video: B and W Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Receiver Spec Review
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
