Best Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2020 Subaru Forester Sport!

Question:

Hi, Can you please provide details about installing Hitch Trailer for 2020 Forester Sport trim? I am just planning to use it for carrying bikes so I dont need harness or ball etc. Just hitch itself where I can attach 2-3 bikes carrier. Thats it. - What type of items are fitting in my requirement from cheapest to costly if you can provide their part number and link - where I can get them install? - What would be approximate installation cost? Thanks.

asked by: John

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have several hitch options for your Forester. I recommend going with a Class III hitch these will have a 2" receiver tube opening making it extremely versatile for all types of accessories. The two most cost effective solutions are the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" part # 76721 and the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" part # C13409. They are incredibly similar in all ways but out of the two I recommend the Curt. It has a slightly nicer appearance when installed and works very well with 2 and 3 bike racks.

For the nicest looking hitch my go to is the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" part # 306-X7391. This hitch has been designed with a hidden crosstube and doesn't change the appearance of the vehicle nearly as much as the other two. (see photos) Its tongue weight rating is slightly lower at 350 lbs. compared to the others at 525 lbs. but both exceed the tongue weight rating of your Forester. This is the option I would go with because of the aesthetics of it.

Most any repair shop would be able to install the hitch you choose for you. I recommend staying away from dealers or chain type places and use a good trusted local shop. The install time on the Curt and Draw-Tite are about half of what the EcoHitch is so I would expect it to cost about twice as much to install. As far as the cost goes that's going to depend on the shops hourly labor rate. I would expect them to charge you about 1.25 labor hours for the Curt and DrawTite and about 2.25 labor hours for the EcoHitch. I've linked the products and also the installation videos we have done here if you decide to tackle the project yourself.

As for bike racks Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting part # S63365 is a great choice in a hanging style rack that has the 3 bike capacity you're looking for. It is compatible with the Class III hitch as well.

The Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Tilting - Black part # KU24FR is a really nice platform style rack that also can handle up to 3 bikes. It is compatible with the Class III hitch. Because this rack doesn't use the frame of the bike to hold it in place it is great if you have any carbon frame type of bikes or a bike you were overly concerned with the finish on. I've linked both of these videos for you.