Complete Tow Package for 2026 Subaru Forester, Hitch, Wiring, Brake Controller, and Ball Mount
Updated 06/16/2026 | Published 06/14/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2026 Subaru Forester with a kick sensor for the back hatch. Can I just install the hitch or must I disable the sensor first.
asked by: Mike E
Expert Reply:
Hello Mike,
Thanks for writing in, that is a great question.
No, you do not need to disable the hands-free liftgate sensor before installing a hitch on your 2026 Subaru Forester. In fact, we've found that the sensor continues to work after the hitch is installed. You may just need to move your foot slightly to either side of the receiver tube instead of directly underneath it, but the feature will still function.
For a hitch, I would go with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13409. It is custom fit for your Forester and installs using existing holes in the frame, so there is no drilling required. I attached an image so you can see just where the receiver will sit after installed.
Installation does require temporarily lowering the exhaust and removing the heat shield. Depending on the vehicle, the frame access holes may also need to be enlarged slightly with a file or rotary tool to allow the installation hardware to pass through. Other than that, it is a pretty straightforward installation.
If you are looking to add wiring for some light towing, or a lighted hitch-mounted accessory, the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit # C59496 is going to be your best option. There is not a plug-and-play wiring harness available for the 2026 Forester at this time, so this wiring will need to be spliced into the vehicle's wiring.
If you plan on towing a trailer with brakes, you will need to build on top of the # C59496 by installing the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7. This kit takes a little extra time to install since you will need to run a power wire from the battery to the rear of the vehicle, along with a brake controller wire. Once everything is wired up, you'll have a fully functional 7-way connector for powering and controlling your trailer's brakes.
If you are towing a trailer with brakes, you will also need a brake controller. I really like the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller with Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional # RED52VR. My favorite part is having the control knob within easy reach so you can quickly adjust braking power or manually apply the trailer brakes when needed. The main controller mounts out of sight behind the dash, giving you a clean, factory-style appearance inside the vehicle.
Last but not least, if you need a ball mount, the etrailer Ball Mount w/ Pre-Torqued 2" Ball - 2" Hitch - 2-3/4" Rise - 7,500 lbs # e38NR will work great for you. When the Curt hitch is installed, the receiver will sit 13" from the ground, most trailer couplers sit at 16", so the rise will get you at level towing.
What do you plan on using the hitch for? If the answer is a bike rack, you are safe to just get the hitch =)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Availability of Custom Wiring Harness for 2026 Subaru Forester
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Will Curt Hitch for 2025 Subaru Forester Block Handsfree Liftgate
- Search Results: curt 56040
- Search Results: 56040
- Video: Easily Install Your Curt Trailer Hitch - 2026 Subaru Forester
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Shop: Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector with Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter
- Q&A: Where Do I Plug In Curt T-Connector C56040 On A 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid?
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Seat Covers for 2010 Roadtrek 190 Popular
- Shop: Curt 4-Way Flat Magnetic Connector Adapter
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: The Low-Down on the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter Installation - 2023 Kia Telluride
on Trailer Hitch
