Expert Answers about Subaru Forester

• Recommended Trunk Mount Bike Rack for 2020 Subaru Forester
• The best trunk mount bike rack for a 2020 Subaru Forester is the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top Bike Carrier part # HRF2 for two bikes or part # HRF2-3 for three bikes. The reason for this is because this rack is designed to be used with vehicles that have rear spoilers so there will be no damage. The The Raceway Trunk Mount Bike Rack is not a confirmed fit for a 2020 Subaru Forester at this time (April 2020).
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• How To Install Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller On 2008 Subaru Forester with 4-Way
• In order to install the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller part # RED44FR which is an excellent option on a 2008 Subaru Forester with 4-way trailer connector you'd need to convert this to a 7-way. For this, I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller part # ETBC7 which comes with all of the other required parts you will need to install a brake controller. In regards to installation; plug the 4-ways in, ground the white wire, run the black wire to...
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• Comparing Trailer Hitch Receivers from Curt and Draw-Tite for 2011 Subaru Forester
• For your 2011 Subaru Forester, the Draw-Tite # 75650 hitch is rated for the same towing capacity and more tongue weight than the Curt # 13147. The Curt hitch is just as strong a hitch and because it is made in the USA is arguably made of better steel but it does based on their warranty require the stability strap # 18050 for a bike rack. There isn't any noticeable stability difference between the two hitches.
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• Recommended Class III Hitch for 2018 Subaru Forester for Hitch Cargo Carrier and Bike Rack
• For your 2018 Forester we do have both 1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III hitches from several makers. We always recommend the larger and higher weight capacity Class III hitch when the option exists because this size offers broader compatibility with hitch accessories and does not cost much more than the Class II models. Installation on your Forester will be pretty much identical regardless of hitch class or brand so you might as well get the most for your money. The hitch I recommend...
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• Can Extension be Used for Folded Thule T2 to Clear Bumper on a 2014 Subaru Forester
• When folded up the T2 XTR Pro for 2 inch hitches, # TH83JV, is pretty close to most vehicles since it has just a 5 inch clearance measurement when in the folded position. You can use an extension, such as # C45791. However, using an extension will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. Depending on which hitch you have the reduced tongue weight capacity will either be 175 pounds or 262 pounds. In either case the rack itself is 52 pounds and if loaded to...
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• What to do with Heat Shield When Installing Trailer Hitch Receiver on 2017 Subaru Forester
• The Expert Question page you're referring was actually out dated. The previous installation details of the Curt # C13144 and Draw-Tite # 75876 (Previously Hidden Hitch # 87654) have been updated. The updated installation details state the heat shield should be removed when installing the Curt and trimmed for the Draw-Tite. The change is likely due to something that wasn't known originally or a slight difference in the Forester for the later model years.
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• Malone AirFlow2 and Thule Hull-A-Port Kayak Carrier Compatibility on a 2010 Subaru Forester
• I went out to our warehouse and tested the Malone AirFlow2, part # MPG215 and the Thule Hull-A-Port J-Style Kayak Carrier, part # TH834 together to see if it fit. I have a picture attached of the resulting fit. They did go together well and did not have wiggle between the carrier and the base thanks to the Hull-A-Port's universal mounting feet. Purchasing the Malone QuickLash Hood Loops, part # MPG308 is a good way to increase the stability of your kayak carrier by improving how your...
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• What Is the Tongue Weight Rating of a 2019 Subaru Forester With Curt or Draw-Tite Hitch
• The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76271 and the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13409 which are both fits for a 2019 Subaru Forester each have a tongue weight capacity of 525 lbs. However, these are both tested independently of the vehicle and as mentioned the vehicle is only rated for 150 lbs tongue weight so that is the figure you must abide by. This has no bearing on the factory trailer hitch. I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver because it sits higher...
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• Using Yakima Showdown Kayak Rack # Y04081 On 2019 Subaru Forester
• Any crossbar 49 inches or longer will give you at least 4 inches of side clearance. I recommend getting the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbar kit # RRVA126B-2 # RRSX100 as it will clamp around your factory raised rails on your 2019 Subaru Forester. These will give you at least 4" from the tower so you can use the Yakima ShowDown # Y04081.
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• Recommended Bike Rack for Rad Step Through Mini Bikes with Fenders
• I recommend using the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # HLY84FR for your Rad Step Through Mini bikes with fenders since this rack mounts using the bike frame. The Sport Rider SE can hold bikes that are up to 80-lbs and with tires up to 5" wide; plus the rack won't interfere with the fenders. You will likely need bike frame adapter bars because of the aggressive step through frame on the bikes, so I recommend using the # 64005 to allow...
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• Is Using a Hitch Adapter for a Spare Tire Carrier Safe?
• You will be alright using a Hitch Adapter # 80303 as long as you do not exceed the weight ratings. This adapter will reduce the tongue weight by 50%, which on the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12038 is 350lbs. So as long as your spare tire and carrier weights do not exceed 175lbs you are within the manufacturers specifications. If your spare tire carrier is hollow you can use the Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # 63232 to secure it and limit the wobble that would normally occur....
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• Can you Pair the Kuat Swing Away Pivot 2 with a KAC Bike Rack
• The Kuat Pivot 2, part # PVP20B, is specifically designed for Kuat bike racks. However, we have had success loading other brands of bike racks into the 2" receiver the Pivot 2 provides. That being said, we have not tested this with a KAC bike rack before, so I cannot say with 100% certainty that this will work. As long your bike rack's designed to fit 2" receivers and the combined weight of the rack and bikes is under 250 pounds, this should work. I've linked to a video demonstration...
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• 2019 Subaru Forester Tire Chain Recommendation for Size 225/60-17
• We have tire cables that do fit your tire size of 225/60-17 but the part # PW1042 does not fit this size. The most similar set would be the # PW1038 but if you wanted the ultimate in clearance, ease of install and long term reliability you'd want the Konig K-Summit Chains part # TH02230K45 which I'd recommend over the cables. Cables are great for emergency or one-time use but they aren't ideal if you plan to use them more than once or twice whereas the K-Summits will give you better clearance,...
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• Will Yakima FullBack 3 Bike Rack Fit 2019 Subaru Forester
• Unfortunately, the Yakima FullBack is not a fit for your 2019 Subaru Forester. But, I do have a solution for you. The Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes with adjustable arms, # TH56BV is the only trunk bike rack that holds 3 bike that is a fir for your Forester. This is an excellent rack with all of the options available. It installs with only 2 straps instead of the 4-6 of other racks, making it the absolute easiest to use. It also comes with locks for the rack and the bikes....
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• Will the Rhino-Rack Cargo Basket Part # RMCB Fit a 2018 Subaru Forester with Factory Rack
• The Rhino-Rack Roof Mounted Steel Cargo Basket part # RMCB should fit your 2018 Subaru Forester with the factory roof rack. The crossbars do not need to be longer than the cargo basket. In order to make sure this basket will work for you, you will need to measure your crossbar dimensions and spread. So long as they do not exceed 3-1/2" wide x 1-1/2" tall and are spaced between 21" - 30" apart then the Rhino-Rack Roof Mounted Steel Cargo Basket will fit. I have attached a review video for...
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• Is the Rhino-Rack Rooftop Cargo Bag a Flexible or Rigid Construction
• The Rhino-Rack Rooftop Cargo Bag # RRLB200 is made of a poly canvas tarpaulin which is going to be a flexible material, not a hard rigid surface. The confusion is likely because the Rhino-Rack Rooftop Cargo Bag # RRLB200 is designed to be used on a roof platform or roof basket which would be rigid. It is not designed to be used as a stand alone product with just crossbars or nothing on the roof.
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• Can 2017 Subaru Forester with 2 inch Hitch Adapter Work with E-Bike Rack
• Most likely you are over the capacity of your setup but I can't say with absolute certainty without more info. So the thing about hitch adapters like what you installed is that when you use them you end up cutting the weight capacity of the hitch they are installed in by 50 percent. Since e-bikes are heavier and Class I hitches don't have a lot of weight capacity it's pretty likely you are over the now reduced capacity. Best solution would be a 2 inch hitch like the Draw Tite part # 76182...
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• What Vehicles does the Draw-Tite Hitch # 36284 Fit?
• I'm so sorry to hear that! As far as the compatibility, the Draw-Tite Hitch 1-1/4" # 36284 fits the following vehicles: 2000 - 2004 Subaru Legacy Sedan and Wagon 2000 - 2004 Subaru Outback Sedan 2000 - 2004 Subaru Outback Wagon excluding Sport
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• Draw-Tite Hitch Rattles on 2017 Subaru Forester with Dual Exhaust
• In regards to trailer hitch vibrations like with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76182 on a 2017 Subaru Forester, we typically recommend bending the hangers for the exhaust away from the hitch slightly which in most cases, gets rid of the rattle. I have attached for you below a help article we did to help others with the same issue. If this does not fix the problem, you could possibly use some rubber hose split in half to place on the bottom of the hitch flange to...
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• How to Fit Thule 440 Square Bars on a 2015 Subaru Forester
• It looks like the Thule TH440 square bars were specialty bars for the Forester. To use them with your 2015 Subaru Forester, you will need 4 of the Replacement Foot for Thule TH440 Specialty Railing Rack with Load Bars, part # 753-3603. These will attach to the factory rails on your 2015 Forester. To tighten these, you will need the original knob that came with the square bars.
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