Recommended 1-1/4" Hitch for a 2025 Subaru Forester

Updated 10/29/2025 | Published 03/01/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(218)

$449.95

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

(139)

$191.36

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

(3407)

$39.73

etrailer Ball Mount w/ Pre-Torqued 2" Ball - 1-1/4" Hitch - 3-7/8" Rise - 3,500 lbs

(378)

$48.54

Question:

I have an e-trailer Curt 1.25 inch hitch on 2016 Subaru crosstrek, now need now for 2025 Forester. I use hitch with Thule 9042 Pro 2-bicycle carrier. The safety pin hole on the hitch seems to be about 2 inches too far to the rear to allow the Thule carrier to be fully ed. Is that true for the Forester rack also?

asked by: Erik N

Expert Reply:

Hey Erik congrats on the new SUV. The hitch pin hole on the Curt Hitch item # C12198 sits right at 4-1/2" inside the rear bumper when mounted on the 2025 Subaru Forester. The closest part of the Thule Helium Pro Bike Rack is 8" in from the hitch pin hole so you'll have plenty of room.

The Curt Hitch item # C12198 is custom fit for the 2025 Subaru Forester. This is a class II hitch with a 1-1/4" receiver. I have linked an installation video below so you can see how to get it set up.

If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # C56040 and a ball mount kit item # e47DR.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to throw them into the comment box below.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Jerred H.

10/27/2025

Hey Erik, how did the fit work out between your Thule bike rack and the Curt hitch on your new Forester? It sounds like the extra clearance should have solved the issue you had with the Crosstrek. Your update could make it easier for others moving their racks to a newer Forester.

Erik N.

10/28/2025

@JerredH I drilled a second pin hole in the Curt Hitch so the Thule bike rack could be more fully inserted into the hitch. The second hole is 1.75 inches from the original pin hole, and only goes through the right side of the hitch. This allows the Thule to be more fully inserted into the hitch. I took a picture but not sure how to send to you. Another tip is that the 2025 Forrester has a large black plastic "box" on the drivers side which is mounted at the same location as the Curt hitch mounting screws. I had to remove the box, saw off one of the box mounting tabs, and reinstall. Your hitch mounting instructions do not reference this. Note, The only purpose I find for the black plastic box seems to be to keep the rear left wheel from kicking snow and mud behind the bumper.

Jerred H.

10/29/2025

@ErikN That's interesting and thanks for that tip. It must be something new they added to the 2025 model years. I'll see if I can get that added to the website.