How/Where Do The Curt Trailer Hitches For The 2020 Subaru Forester Mount?

Updated 06/24/2026 | Published 06/20/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(704)

$200.09

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

(108)

$283.43

Question:

Will the hitch mount under the OEM hitch cross member combo on a 2020 Forester? I know there is another Curt that takes the place of the OEM cross member but I was considering this hitch.

asked by: Jerry P

Expert Reply:

Hey Jerry, thanks for reaching out. No matter what aftermarket hitch you put on your 2020 Subaru Forester, you would be removing/replacing the OEM hitch.

The big question is do you care if the hitch crosstube is visible beneath the bumper, or would you prefer it to be concealed behind the bumper?

The Curt # C47HR hitch installs inside the bumper. It has a cleaner, more factory look once installed, but the install is much more difficult since you have to remove the bumper and factory impact structure.

The Curt # C13409 hitch is a good bit easier to install, but it does leave the hitch crosstube visible beneath the bumper. You don't have to remove the factory impact structure for this one.

I've included pictures that show examples of both.

What is more important to you, the way the hitch looks? Or the install difficulty?

What will you be using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Curt # C47HR
(click to enlarge)

Curt # C13409
(click to enlarge)

Jerry P.

6/23/2026

It’s not about just removing the OEM/Hitch integrated Cross Member to install the underside Curt hitch because it’s actually the rear bumper and structural support. It either has to stay or be replaced with the OEM non hitch cross member. The question is will it fit under the OEM hitch? If it will not will the Curt hitch that replaces the rear cross member/bumper support be able to support a scooter/lift combo weighing 300# if it is left on the Forester full time? There was some concerns about it only being rated at 350# while driving.

Jesse M.

6/24/2026

@JerryP On the Forester, that OEM hitch assembly is also serving as part of the rear impact structure, so it can't simply stay in place while another hitch gets mounted underneath it. If your Forester has the factory hitch package, the Curt hitch isn't designed to stack under the OEM hitch/crossmember assembly. As for carrying a 300 lb scooter and lift, I'd be pretty cautious. Even if the hitch is rated for 350 lbs of tongue weight, a scooter carrier puts that weight much farther behind the receiver than a trailer tongue does, which creates a lot more leverage on the hitch and vehicle. By the time you add the weight of the carrier itself, you're probably pushing right up against the limits of what I'd be comfortable hanging off the back of a Forester full-time. I'd want to know the exact weight of the scooter and carrier before calling that a good long-term setup.