What Hitch do You Recommend for My 2022 Subaru Forester?

Question

Question:

This is exactly what I needed. I've decided on the C13409. Now I need to pick a wiring package, and the apparent diversity is greater than with hitches. Please point me at information to help me decide

asked by: Richard H

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Definitely! The main factors that determine the hitch are hitch receiver opening size (either 1-1/4" or 2"), weight capacity offered, and how the hitch installs on your vehicle.

For example, if you are looking for a hitch that is compatible with most accessories and provides you with the most weight capacity, I recommend going with a 2" hitch like the Curt Hitch - 2" # C13409. Not only does this hitch provide you with the most weight capacity we offer for your vehicle (525 maximum tongue weight and 3,500 pounds of maximum gross towing weight), it also comes with a superior gloss outer coat over the base powder coat that provides superior protection against rust and corrosion than our other brands.

If, however, you want something that looks a bit more concealed than the visible crosstube on the Curt # C47HR. With this hitch, it comes with a concealed installation that provides a more factory look and provides the same weight capacity as the # C13409. It is important to note that since the # C47HR requires the permanent removal of the impact structure, the installation is more difficult.

The only reason why I would recommend a 1-1/4" hitch like the Curt - 1-1/4" # C12198 is if you only plan to use 1-1/4" compatible accessories. It is important to note that this hitch has less tongue weight capacity than the 2" counterparts (350 pounds compared to 500 pounds.

I went ahead and attached installation walkthroughs of all of these hitch models on a 2021 Forester. The installation process is virtually the same on your 2022 model.

Another thing to note is that you cannot exceed the weight capacity of your 2022 Forester itself. In order to make sure your vehicle can handle the weight of the cargo you wish to transport on the hitch, I recommend consulting with your vehicle's owner's manual.

expert reply by: Bob C

1

Richard H.

1/1/0001

This is exactly what I needed. I've decided on the C13409. Now I need to pick a wiring package, and the apparent diversity is greater than with hitches. Please point me at information to help me decide

Reply

Bob C.

4/13/2022

We definitely have what you need! The wiring harness you need depends on what you plan to tow or attach to the # C13409. If you just need brake light, running light, or turn signal functionality, you need the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # HM11143865. This is a simple plug-and-play harness designed specifically for your 2022 Subaru Forester. I went ahead and attached a video of the installation of this harness on a 2020 Forester. The process on your 2022 model is almost identical. If, however, you want to tow a trailer with brakes, you need an additional 7-way wiring system for the brake controller functionality. That harness is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat # ETBC7. With this harness, you will splice-in the wiring to the wiring already installed on your vehicle. Currently, we do not carry a plug-and-play option for a 7-way plug for your Forester. I went ahead and attached an install video of this harness to help you as well. To add a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 or the Curt Echo # C51180. Both of these controllers are proportional controllers which means that the controller activates the trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action. These controllers do not have the awkward time delay of other options. The Voyager is more of a traditional-style controller that requires mounting into the dashboard of your vehicle near the steering wheel. If you decide to go with the Voyger, you need the plug-in harness # 20127 to complete the install. On the other hand, the Curt Echo allows you to control the settings of your controller with the ease of your Smart device. There are no additional wiring harnesses required for the Echo. You simply plug it into the 7-way and activate it on your phone. It is important to note that the # C13409 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. If your 2022 Subaru Forester has a smaller max towing weight capacity, you must abide by whichever weight rating is lowest.

Reply

Answer 1

Hey Frank, good question. The main reason the EcoHitch #306-X7391 is rated higher than the Curt #C47HR is because each company has different standards for their hitches. The EcoHitch has extra material holding the receiver to the crosstube so it can…

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Answer 2

While both hitches look and install very similarly, I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch #306-X7391 for your 2020 Subaru Forester over the Curt Hidden Hitch #C47HR. Both have the same towing weight capacity of 3,500 lbs, but EcoHitch…

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Answer 3

I'll start with the EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7381. The price on any EcoHitch comes from the material used in the construction of the hitch. It uses a special alloy made of recycled materials and combines aluminum, steel, and…

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Answer 4

The Curt #C47HR and EcoHitch #306-X7391 receivers you found do have a lot of similarities. First they are both made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty. Both have a 2" receiver and hidden cross tube which mounts behind the rear bumper…

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Answer 5

The receiver of any hitch is going to protrude under the bumper on your 2019 Subaru Forester. So in that way, you will lose ground clearance as the receiver will be closer to the ground than the standard bumper. If that's okay, then go with the…

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Answer 6

Yes, it does. The Curt Hitch item #C13409 does fit the Wilderness model of the 2023 Subaru Forester. However, I recommend using the etrailer Hitch item #e83ZR instead. This is our house brand hitch but is manufactured to the same specifications as…

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Answer 7

Trailer hitch installs and trailer wiring installs are totally separate processes. It wouldn't be a situation where "well, you're already half way there may as well do the wiring too." So if you wanted to start with a hitch now like…

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Answer 8

You are correct that the Subaru OEM hitch will sit higher than the Curt #C13409. The OEM hitch will be much more flush with the bumper, while the Curt hitch will sit about 2"-2.5" lower, leaving space between the bumper and the receiver. We…

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Answer 9

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 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

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 12

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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What Hitch do You Recommend for My 2022 Subaru Forester?

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