What Hitch do You Recommend for My 2022 Subaru Forester?

Updated 04/13/2022 | Published 04/12/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(669)

$198.70

Replacement Brake Control Plug-In Harness for Tekonsha and Draw-Tite Brake Controller 12" Long

(731)

$15.95

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(143)

$204.91

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

(97)

$268.94

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1826)

$289.95

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3469)

$118.67

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

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

Richard H.

1/1/0001

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.