Does EcoHitch for 2025 Subaru Forester Allow Hands Free Liftgate

Question

Question:

I have a 2025 Subaru Forester with the hands free tailgate lift option. From what I understand the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver item # 306-X7391 would not require the tailgate sensor to be removed thus disabling the hands free option. Have you guys verified that the hands free tailgate still works properly with this hitch installed? I also want to verify that the heat shield does not need to be permanently removed. Finally do any modifications need to be made to the rear bumper for this hitch installation? Thanks. Doug

asked by: Doug

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Doug, the hands free liftgate of your 2025 Subaru Forester would be limited a little bit with the install of the EcoHitch part # 306-X7391 but you will still be able to kick to either side of the hitch opening. We have not had the chance to install this hitch and verify this though.

The heat shield will get trimmed and then reinstalled and the rear fascia will get trimmed as well but beyond that there isn't any modifications.

What will you be using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

EcoHitch Installed
(click to enlarge)

Doug

5/5/2025

Thanks for your reply. I would be using to tow a small trailer (under 1000 lbs). And for a bike rack. Doug

Jameson C.

5/5/2025

@Doug Do you have trailer wiring and a bike rack already?

Soug

5/5/2025

@JamesonC I just have the bike rack at this time. I’m looking into my options for the hitch and wiring harness. Thanks for answering my initial questions. I’m considering the hitch. But looking at other possibilities.

Jameson C.

5/5/2025

@Soug Makes sense! When it's time for trailer wiring I would go with the Curt kit part # C56040 since it's a custom fit kit that will install easily.

Answer 1

Hello Pete, thanks for reaching out. The EcoHitch #306-X7391 will not interfere with the foot activation sensor on your 2025 Subaru Forester. We have confirmed this with the folks at EcoHitch, as well as with a few of our own customers who have…

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Answer 2

Hi Grant! We have hitches for both vehicles and I have then listed below: 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C77MJ 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

If our hitches state they are "not rated for weight distribution" that means you can't safely use a WD system with the hitch. For the 2019 Subaru Forester we do have the Draw Tite hitch part #76271 which is rated for weight distribution…

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Answer 6

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 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

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 9

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 10

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Answer 11

Hey Ricardo! Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C82RJ is the hitch Curt is working on for the new 2027 Telluride. This is a pre-order since Curt hasn't finished the design. It does not include wiring. The wiring harness for the 2027 is also up…

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Answer 12

Hey Lawrence, thanks for reaching out. The Curt T-Connector #C56040 is correct for the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. The factory harness plug should be in the rear cargo area behind the driver side access panel. If you remove the trunk floor covering…

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Does EcoHitch for 2025 Subaru Forester Allow Hands Free Liftgate

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