What is the Difference Between the etrailer and Curt Hitches for a 2023 Subaru Forester?
Question:
What’s the real difference between the Curt frame mount hitch and e-trailer hitch? The look identical, the weight ratings are the same, and installation is the same. Thanks in advance for your quick response.
asked by: Franklin K
Expert Reply:
Cost and finish. You are correct they are practically identical because Curt makes both the etrailer item # e83ZR and their item # C13409. Both are confirmed to fit a 2023 Subaru Forester and are made to the same specifications.
I recommend the etrailer Hitch item # e83ZR because of the flat matte finish. The etrailer will blend in better beneath your Subaru's trim than the Curt item # C13409 with its glossy finish. Saving money is always a nice perk as well. Our house branded hitches offer the same reliability but at a discount.
I have attached an installation video below along with both sets of instructions so you can see how to get it set up.
If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # C56040 and a ball mount kit item # C45534.
I also recommend using the No-Drill Mount Bracket item # 18136 and the item # C42CR to secure the 4-way connector to your hitch. This will put it in an easy to reach spot and prevent the risk of it falling onto the road.
Products Referenced in This Question
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Round
- 5 Round
- 6 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Curt Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- One Ball
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- CURT
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does the Heat Shield Need to be Removed to Install the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Is the etrailer Trailer Hitch a Good Option for a 2024 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: How To Install A Hitch On A 2022 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt & etrailer Trailer Hitches For 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips
- Q&A: What Hitch do You Recommend for My 2021 Subaru Forester?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch and Tongue Weight Capacity for a 2020 Subaru Forester
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size