Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2025 Subaru Forester

Question

Question:

I am a longtime etrailer customer. I just bought a 2025 Subaru Forester and would like to add a trailer hitch for light towing. I see several options but the removal/modification of the heat shield is a concern. The notes also mention that etrailer is working to produce a new hitch for this vehicle. Fortunately, I am not in a big hurry. What is your best advice?

asked by: David L

0

Expert Reply:

Hello David.

Thanks for the longtime loyalty to etrailer, we definitely do appreciate you. Also, congrats on the new Forester!

After looking through all of the different hitches for the 2025 Subaru Foresters, your best option would be the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 76271. On this hitch it states that the heat shield just needs to be modified. If you look at the install video (its on a 2023 but the frame is still the same on the 2025) that I attached, at 7 minutes and 16 seconds is where you will see Ryan start the modification, it is just 2 holes that need to be cut out so the bolts can go through.

As far as the one that is being made, since the frame work did not change between the 2024 to 2025 the install would still be the same.

expert reply by: Kate F

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David L.

11/5/2024

Thanks very much for the information above regarding my 2025 Forester. It is excellent and clear, which is what I like about etrailer! Three questions: 1)You had mentioned that the frame has not changed between the 2023 and 2025 models. I trust you on that, but can you double-check just to be 100% sure? 2)I recall seeing a list of local installers approved by etrailer, but i can't seem to find it now. Could you send a link? Also, will an approved installer understand about modifying the heat shield and know what to do? 3)Which wiring package would you recommend? Thanks so much for your excellent assistance! David Long

Kate F.

11/5/2024

@DavidL Thanks for the positive feedback, it is always much appreciated. 1-For the car fitment, we have an entire team here at etrailer that only focuses on the new vehicles that come out and if the frame or body style has changed in order to know if the current parts we offer will work, or if the manufacturers are going to need to come out with a different design. Our fitguide team works on this all year. So with that being said, I have complete confidence when I tell you that this will work on your 2025 Subaru Forester. 2- We do have a list of installers. This list is made up of shops in your area that have a dealer account with us. We do a thorough check on these businesses to make sure they are who they say they are, which is why we recommend them for installs. Here is the link so you can find an installer near you: https://www.etrailer.com/installer/near-me 3- For wiring on your 2025 Subaru Forester you want the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56040, with the 4 flat wiring this will control your brake lights and blinkers. You will also want to add the Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat # 18144 to hold it in place on the hitch. Now if you are going to be pulling a trailer with brakes you would want to add the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7 on top of the 4 flat wiring. The # ETBC7 would give you the ability to use a brake controller, and would put a 7 way connector on the back of the Subaru.

David L.

11/5/2024

Thanks Kate! Excellent customer service!

Answer 1

The main difference between these three hitches is going to be the looks and install time. EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #306-X7391. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C13409.…

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Answer 2

Hey Jeff! The Curt #C13409 will not completely block the kick sensor on your 2025 Subaru Forester Limited. However, I would expect to have to place your foot on either side of the receiver to activate it. The same is true for any hitch you choose to…

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Answer 3

There's a really good chance you could install the Curt hitch #C13409 the same way that the Draw Tite part #76271 installs but we have to recommend you stick with the manufacturers recommended method so that you don't void the warranty of the…

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Answer 4

There is only one main difference between the Curt Hitch #C13409 and the Draw-Tite Hitch #76271 for the 2021 Subaru Forester. That difference involves the bumper clearance measurement of the shanks. While the Curt measures 4 inches from the center of…

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Answer 5

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver item #306-X7391 is a more premium hitch than the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch item #76271. While both are confirmed to fit the 2020 Subaru Forester they have completely different installation methods which is…

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Answer 6

The best hitch for you is going to depend on how you plan on using it. The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76271 is the best option if your goal is to tow a trailer behind your Forester. This hitch has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and…

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Answer 7

The etrailer #e83ZR, Curt #C13409, and Draw-Tite #76271 are all incredibly similar and have the same capacity. In fact, the etrailer hitch and the Curt are exactly the same with the exception of the finish. The etrailer hitch has a matte black powder…

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Answer 8

Because they're manufactured in the US, I'd personally go with a Curt hitch. Curt offers both the #C13409 and #C47HR Class III hitches. Both hitches have a higher weight capacity than the vehicle does, so any additional capacity would be a…

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Answer 9

The heat shield actually has to be permanently removed to install the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e83ZR on your 2024 Subaru Forester.

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Answer 10

I agree that while it is up to the consumer and either way is the correct way to do it in the end that when installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13409 that the heat shield should be re installed. If for no other reason just to add a…

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Answer 11

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…

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Answer 12

When installing the Curt hitch part #C13409 on your 2020 Subaru Forester you'll need a 5/8 inch drill for the install of the heat shield. You'll need to use a grinder to enlarge a couple holes in the frame as well. I attached an install video…

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Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2025 Subaru Forester

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