Best Trailer Hitch Receiver and 4-Way Wiring Harness For a Cargo Carrier On a 2021 Subaru Forester

Published 10/22/2021

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(617)

$175.87

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(2967)

$49.18

Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span

(1735)

$43.19

etrailer Cargo Carrier Bag - Water Resistant - 20 cu. ft. - 59" x 24" x 24"

(726)

$136.53

Curt Easy Mount Bracket for 4- or 5-Way Flat Trailer Connector - 2" Hitch

(96)

$17.46

24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Tilting - Folding - 500 lbs

(590)

$205.44

etrailer License Plate and LED Tail Light Mounting Kit for Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier

(26)

$92.82

Question:

I need to set up my 2021 Subaru Forester with a receiver and 4-way. What parts do you recommend as being the best for all around use? I may need to tow a trailer occasionally but primarily it will be used with a cargo carrier.

asked by: Jed

Expert Reply:

I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch receiver # e83ZR as being the best choice for your 2021 Subaru Forester. This receiver has one of the easiest installations and does not require removing the rear bumper cover to install. Since you will primarily be using this receiver to carry a cargo carrier it carries the higher tongue weight rating of 525lbs and is capable of towing up to 3,500lbs. You will need to ensure that you do not exceed any capacities given by Subaru for your particular Forester.

For your 4-way wiring the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467 is the harness I recommend. This harness plugs into the factory connection located in the rear storage compartment on your Forester, making installation very easy. You can leave the 4-way stored inside your storage compartment until you need it or use a Curt Easy Mount Bracket # C58001 to secure it to your receiver so that it is easily accessed without having to run the wiring through the rear door when you are using the harness.

We have the 60x24 etrailer Cargo Carrier # e98874. With this you can use the etrailer Cargo Bag # 988501 which is water resistant to help protect any cargo that you may carry on the rack. A Threaded Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin Lock # 63232 will replace the standard bolt and cotter pin that comes with the carrier making it more secure on your Forester for long periods of time. And if your cargo blocks the view of your tail lights or license plate you can use the etrailer License Plate and LED Tail Light Mounting Kit # e98943-44LED to ensure that you remain legal on the roadways.