Does the Curt Hitch C13409 Block the Liftgate Sensor on a 2025 Subaru Forester?

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Question:

How can I know if the hitch linked here is compatable with my Subaru automatic tailgate switch: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" Part Number: C13409

asked by: Will O

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Will thanks for the question! The Curt Hitch item # C13409 is compatible with the automatic tailgate switch on your 2025 Subaru Forester. You'll lose some of the sensors range around the 2" receiver but you're not going to want to be kicking in that area anyways once you get it installed.

What do you plan on using your hitch for?

If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # C56040 and a ball mount kit item # C45534. I recommend using the No-Drill Mount Bracket item # 18136 and the item # C42CR to secure the 4-way connector to your hitch. This will put it in an easy to reach spot and prevent the risk of it falling onto the road.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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Will O.

4/23/2025

Thanks, Jerod. Very helpful. I will not be pulling a trailer, just a rack for my e-bike. Your hint about the no-drill four-wire plug is helpful for others. BTW, one of the things I loved about the Curt I put on my previous (2015) Subaru is the clever device they include to string the bolts into the frame. It seems others may have copied that.

Jerred H.

4/23/2025

@WillO You're welcome happy to help! You may want to keep that 4-way connector in mind if you run into any issues with blocking your tail lights. We offer some lighting kits like item # C53201 that plug right into it. Certain states get a bit picky about blocking your rear lights. That's called a fishwire item # C58410 and is extremely helpful when feeding bolts through a frame. You are correct this has become a pretty standard tool for most cars and SUVs. What kind of bike rack do you have?

William

4/23/2025

I use a Thule rack designed for two regular bikes. My wife's e-bike is a type 3, not as heavy as most. I can just lift it onto the rack. And that leaves room for my Cruiser (analog) bike. Someday we will get a special e-bike rack. I think I have seen one with a ramp.

Jerred H.

4/23/2025

@William Thanks for getting back to me. When you're ready to upgrade let me know if you have any questions. If you end up wanting to upgrade sooner, the Hollywood Racks Destination E Bike Rack item # HLY66ZR is pretty versatile when it comes to different styles of bikes. It's got a 70 lbs per bike and a built in ramp. The padded clamps are really helpful if your bikes have fenders. They grip your bikes by the downtubes or top tubes. I linked a review video below that will demonstrate the features.

Helpful Links

tv-review-hollywood-racks-destination-e-bike-rack-hly66zr.aspx

Answer 1

Hey Troy! I went ahead and attached the installation instructions for the #TS64ZR as pictures below. You will have to lower the underbody panel, lower the exhaust, and remove/drill holes in the heat shield for installation. Most of the hitches for…

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Answer 2

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 3

Hey Nelson, welcome back and congrats on your new SUV! We get our information directly from Curt and their item #C13409 and item #C47HR hitches fit all models of the 2025 Subaru Forester including the hybrids. This is why we don't list a hybrid…

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Answer 4

Hi Steven; I believe there was a change in the wiring for the 2026 model that doesn't allow the previous custom wiring to cross over. I'm sure Curt is working on a new wiring harness but we don't have an ETA on when that might be…

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Answer 5

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 6

I would be happy to clarify! You are correct that for your 2021 Subaru Forester there are two different Class III trailer hitch receivers available, the Curt #C13409 and the Curt #C47HR. The main difference between these two hitches is the #C13409…

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Answer 7

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 8

Hello Wes, Great question! The only hitch that we have that will not interfere with the sensor at all for the 2025 Subaru Forester is the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #306-X7391. If you go to the product…

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Answer 9

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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Does the Curt Hitch C13409 Block the Liftgate Sensor on a 2025 Subaru Forester?

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