Trailer Hitch and Cargo Carrier Recommendation for 2012 Subaru Forester

Question:

I have a 2012 Subaru forester with factory installed roof side rails. We are going to visit family and now with a baby and two dogs we need to take more luggage than before...and baby gear...I am trying to decide what would work better and be a better investment, to get roof cross rails and a cargo bag if so which ones, or maybe a basket too? Or if I should have a trailer hitch installed and get one of those cargo racks that go on the hitch? And again which one, the roof one would mean we could put the dogs in the back and open the hatch, but may affect gas mileage? Not sure which way to go

asked by: Anne

Expert Reply:

I recommend installing a trailer hitch on your 2012 Subaru Forester, such as the Draw-Tite # 75650 trailer hitch. This hitch has a Class III rating, a 2 x 2 inch receiver, and a maximum tongue weight of 600 pounds. I have attached an install video of this hitch being installed on a 2013 Subaru Forester.

With the hitch, I recommend a hitch cargo carrier, such as the Curt Cargo Carrier # C18151. This cargo carrier has side rails that help to keep your cargo secure and offer a variety of tie-down points. Additionally, this style allows you to fold the carrier up toward your vehicle when it isn't in use. I have attached a review video of this cargo carrier on a Subaru Forester for you.

It will be easier to load and unload your luggage and baby gear with a hitch cargo carrier. Also, using a trailer hitch and hitch cargo carrier offer you a greater weight capacity than a roof cargo rack. Before loading down your cargo carrier, remember to check your owner's manual for the maximum tongue weight capacity for your Forester. The one with the lower weight capacity sets the maximum weight for your load.

If you are concerned about keeping your cargo clean and protected from road debris, I recommend our etrailer.com Extra Large Cargo Bag # 988501. This cargo bag is weatherproof and will hold up to 20 cubic feet. I have attached a review video of this cargo bag for you.

If your luggage isn't too heavy, and you want to use the back of your Forester for your dogs, you could use the Thule Roof Rack # TH712100, # TH710401.

With this roof rack, I recommend the Thule Canyon XT Roof Cargo Basket # TH859XT . This roof cargo basket has an aerodynamic, low-profile design and has a weight capacity of 150 pounds. Make sure to check the owner's manual for your Forester to ensure the weight capacity of your roof. Keep in mind that the weight of the cargo basket itself will need to be subtracted from the roof weight capacity. I have attached a video of this cargo basket on a 2012 Subaru Forester.

To protect your cargo in the roof basket while traveling, I recommend the Rightline Gear Rooftop Cargo Bag # RL100S20. This bag is weather-resistant and will help keep dirt, dust, and other road debris out of your belongings. The bag is will do a good job of keeping moisture out, but I always recommend packing your belongings in plastic in case of a downpour as extra insurance.