What's the Difference Between the Curt and etrailer Hitches for a 2025 Subaru Forester?

Updated 10/06/2025 | Published 10/04/2025

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(652)

$171.76

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

(656)

$193.64

Question:

Hi there, looking at a hitch for my 2025 Forester. Previously I bought a Curt for my Pilot from you guys, so was thinking of the same here. But I see that etrailer has their own brand thats cheaper. Can you tell me if there are any differences- quality, fit, installation ease, etc. Finally, each states Heat shield must be permanently removed for hitch installation.. What are the potential downsides for my car of removing this? Thanks

asked by: Nelson W

Expert Reply:

Hey Nelson, welcome back! Curt makes our hitches so the etrailer item # e83ZR is going to be made of the same quality materials. I prefer ours over Curt's because I think the matte black finish blends in better beneath vehicles. The paint's the only difference between the our item # e83ZR and Curt's item # C13409.

The etrailer item # e83ZR is custom fit for the 2025 Subaru Forester. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver, that has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity, and a 525 lbs maximum tongue weight.

The heat shield gets reinstalled for both hitches. You wouldn't want to leave it off with the muffler right there. This step is shown at the 8:10 mark of the installation video I have attached below.

What do you plan on using a hitch for?

expert reply by: Jerred H

etrailer Hitch
(click to enlarge)

Nelson W.

10/5/2025

Hey Jerred, thanks for responding to my questions. I will mainly use the hitch for my bike rack, so nothing heavy duty. Maybe occasionally to haul some lightweight stuff using my Harbor Freight cargo carrier, which I think has a max weight of 500 lbs. I showed my mechanic of the hitch I was thinking of (above) and he was concerned that the "Heat shield must be permanently removed for hitch installation." Granted, we did not look at the installation video at the time, but he took pause at the words "permanently removed." Thanks, Nelson

Jerred H.

10/6/2025

@NelsonW You're welcome! The instructions list removal of the heat shield as optional with directions to modify it. It's highly recommended to reinstall the heat shield due to the heat of the muffler. The page where you saw permanently is incorrect and will be updated. Thanks for pointing that out. I was struggling to find where you saw that. If your bike rack or cargo carrier have lights you'll also need the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item # C56040. Let me know if you have any additional questions.