Should I Get a Hidden Hitch for my 2023 Subaru Forester Touring

Published 05/08/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(109)

$284.39

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(717)

$205.61

Question:

Please recommend a 2 trailer hitch for a 2023 subaru forester touring. Trying to decide about the underneeth bolt on one, vs the lower profile one that replaces the rear bumper beam. Unsure about weight capacity differences, Looking to carry at least 2 mountain bikes 40lbs + 40lbs rack = 120lbs total, I doubt that either hitch is strong enough to carry 2x40lbs and 2x25lbs bikes plus the 80lbs double rack 210lbs

asked by: Ryan

Expert Reply:

Hey Ryan, so both style of hitches that you referenced are going to work great for carrying a bike rack. The differences that you'd want to weigh would be do you prefer the more hidden look of the hitches like the Curt part # C47HR which is more intricate to install or are you okay with a more visible hitch that happens to install a little bit easier like the Curt # C13409.

The more hidden hitch is a bit more expensive too.

If I were you I'd check out the two pictures of the vehicles I attached that have the hitches installed and if you are okay with how the less hidden hitch looks then it's the winner. If you hate how much of the less hidden hitch you can see then instead you'd want the other.

expert reply by: Jameson C

More Hidden
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Less Hidden
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Ryan

5/8/2025

could both of these handle the higher weight of 4 bikes on an extended length platform rack (swagman quad 2+2). About 210lbs but extended quite far rearward.