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

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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

0

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

0

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.

Answer 1

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 2

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 3

Cost and finish. You are correct they are practically identical because Curt makes both the etrailer item #e83ZR and their item #C13409. Both are confirmed to fit a 2023 Subaru Forester and are made to the same specifications. I recommend the…

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Answer 4

The only difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13392 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e98856 for a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is their finish. The etrailer hitch has a matte finish which blends in with the vehicle…

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Answer 5

Hey Gustavo, the etrailer hitch #e23ZR and the Curt hitch part #C13416 are actually the same aside from the paint finish. The Curt has a glossy finish and the etrailer hitch has a matte finish.

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Answer 6

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 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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

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