Recommended Hitch for a 2026 Subaru Forester that Does Not Require Bumper Sensors to Be Recalibrated

Updated 09/08/2026 | Published 08/18/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(110)

$284.77

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

$71.03

Question:

Will I need to to have the rear bumper sensors recalibrated after installing C47HR on 2026 Forester?

asked by: Daniel

Expert Reply:

No, you will not Daniel. So long as you did not damage or misalign the sensor housings when you temporarily remove the rear fascia, they will retain their factory settings after installing the Curt Trailer Hitch item # C47HR. I do recommend not starting your Forester until you've reattached the sensors. You may get an error code that has to be reset if you do. Other than that there will be no issues.

The Curt Trailer Hitch item # C47HR is confirmed to fit the 2026 Subaru Forester. This is a custom fit class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity and a maximum tongue weight of 350 lbs. It'll work great for towing a small trailer or hauling accessories like a bike rack or cargo carrier.

If you also need trailer wiring, I recommend the Curt Trailer Wiring Harness item # C34FR72FT. It is custom fit and will add a 4-Way connector capable of controlling the lighting functions on a trailer or accessory.

I attached a couple of pictures below so you can see what this hitch looks like installed. I also linked an installation video so you can see how to get it setup on your Forester.

What do you plan on using your new hitch for? Feel free to answer this and throw in any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

C47HR
(click to enlarge)

Sal S.

8/21/2026

I had no issues with the sensors after installation

Jerred H.

8/22/2026

@SalS That's great to hear Sal! Thanks for coming back and letting us know!

Abraham

8/21/2026

I had no issues with my sensors after installing hitch.

Jerred H.

8/22/2026

@Abraham That's great to know Abraham! I appreciate you taking the time to come back and leave that feedback.

Karl H.

8/22/2026

I had mine installed by my body shop,(we got backed into) but I talked with the installer about the foot sensor and he was able to te-route the antenna. It worked perfectly.

Jerred H.

8/22/2026

@KarlH

Daniel

9/7/2026

It looks like the instructions call for cutting not only the plastic bumper cover but also the underlying metal bumper frame. Doesn't that structurallyweaken the bumper?

Jerred H.

9/8/2026

@Daniel The only cuts that have to be made are on the plastic fascia and the aluminum heat shield. There's no structural damage caused when installing the Curt Trailer Hitch item # C47HR.

Daniel

9/8/2026

I'm mostly using it for an ebike carrier but will also tow a small utility trailer occasionally. What's the story on blocking or not blocking the foot activation sensor for the liftgate? I've seen mixed responses. Also, does it make any difference that this is a forester hybrid?

Jerred H.

9/8/2026

@Daniel Right on! You'll definitely need the Curt Wiring Harness item # C56040. It's designed specifically for the Hybrid models. The Curt Hitch item # C47HR is going to block the range of the liftgate sensor around the 2" receiver. You'll need to find spots to the left or the right of it where the sensor can pick up the movement. You could also see if Subaru offers a kit that moves the liftgate sensor. I know Honda does. The Curt Hitch item # C47HR fits all models of the 2026 Subaru Forester including the hybrid.