Recommended Hitch and Tongue Weight Capacity for a 2020 Subaru Forester

Updated 04/26/2023 | Published 04/25/2023

Question:

You have been so helpful and I am close to buying the hitch you recommended etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver item # e83ZR. I am confused about the tongue weight. The Subaru says it should be no more than 176.00. I could put as many as 4 bikes on the rack. Too much? I don t want to ruin the car or have a safety issue from carrying the bikes.

asked by: Libby S

Expert Reply:

Happy to help! Your dilemma is a common one. The etrailer Hitch item # e83ZR has a tongue weight that is rated higher than your 2020 Subaru Forester's. Hitch manufacturers do this because of the hitch fitting other models or even vehicles with a higher capacity. You always want to refer to your vehicle's capacity though. The easiest way to confirm what your Forester's capacity is is to have a local dealership run your VIN.

expert reply by: Jerred H