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Expert Answers about Subaru Forester


  • Trailer Hitch Comparison For 2015 Subaru Forester
  • Both of the hitches, Curt Hitch part # C13144 and Draw-Tite part # 75876, are Class lll hitches and both have 2 inch receiver openings. Both hitches have identical weight capacity. When installing these hitches, per the instructions both require opening the hole in the frame to 1-1/8 inches to allow for the installation hardware. The 1-1/8 inch hole allows the bolt head to pass through so that it can be used inside the Forester frame. The spacer block that is used when installing the...
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  • Does the EcoHitch Hitch for the 2020 Subaru Forster Replace the Impact Structure
  • It sounds like you're referring to the removal of the bumper beam (impact structure) needed for installing the Curt Class III, part # C47HR, on your 2020 Subaru Forester. The EcoHitch Class III, part # 306-X7391, will also be replacing the bumper beam permanently. I've linked to a video installation of this hitch. You will see at the 8:19 mark which piece this is referring to. As for my recommendation, I recommend the EcoHitch. It's a great hitch with a low profile that has a max tongue...
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  • Should I Get Snow Socks, Cables, Or Chains For My 2022 Subaru Forester?
  • The ISSE Classic Snow Socks # TCH70 will meet the Department of Transportation requirements in all states, but they will not be very effective if you do end up hitting snow. Due to this, I tend to steer people away from this option and towards one that will get you better traction when you need it most. The Titan Chain Diagonal Alloy Cable Snow Tire Chains # TC343DC will do a much better job than the socks will, but even these are really only intended for one season. With that said, I...
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  • Comparing the Curt Hitch C12100 and the Draw-Tite Hitch 18050 for a 2017 Subaru Forester
  • As you alluded to, it's not so much that the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C12100 is not as strong as the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 36523 as it is that Curt is just more conservative which is why they also recommend using the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap part # 18050. I am sure you will be happy with either option though. However, if you are using the hitch for a bike rack then you are really going to want to use the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver because the receiver...
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  • Difference Between Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE # HR1400-FB and # HR1400Z-FB
  • Hollywood Racks basically just upgraded the old part number with the new # HR1400Z-FB by reinforcing parts of the rack to make it a bit stronger overall and made the mast square instead of round. Functionally it is the exact same rack but the capacity was increased from 45 lbs per bike to 50 lbs per bike.
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  • Comparing Curt & EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2023 Subaru Forester
  • The Curt # C47HR and EcoHitch # 306-X7391 receivers you found do have a lot of similarities. First they are both made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty. Both have a 2" receiver and hidden cross tube which mounts behind the rear bumper fascia. The main difference in these is the construction and materials used. The Curt is made from steel only while the EcoHitch uses a combination of recycled materials such as aluminum, steel, and stainless steel for its construction. Many like the...
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  • 2 Bike Platform Rack Carrier Dimensions For Use With a 2018 Subaru Forester
  • With the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # CU64FR on your 2018 Subaru Forester you will have approximately 2" from the hitch pin center hole to the farthest point on your rear bumper. The Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack # TH83JV has the following measurements. Distance from center of hitch pin hole to: Closest part of rack when folded down: 7" Closest part of rack when folded up: 5" Farthest part of rack when folded down: 41-1/2" Farthest part of rack when folded up: 20-1/2" The...
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  • Which Hitch for 2021 Subaru Forester Is Most Hidden
  • It's not by much but the EcoHitch part # 306-X7391 is more hidden than the Curt hitch part # C47HR due to the smaller safety chain loop portion of the hitch. The loops on the EcoHitch are a bit smaller since they are vertical and recessed compared to the larger Curt hitch safety loops which are angled out. I attached an install video for this hitch for you to check out as well.
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  • Comparing Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2018 Subaru Forester
  • Both the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13144 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 are class III receivers that will fit your 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i. Both receivers will have the same weight rating of 525lbs tongue weight and 3,500lbs trailer weight. Be sure to check with your Subaru dealer for your weight capacities and do not exceed the lower of the 2 sets of numbers. The only difference in these receivers is the powder coating used. Our etrailer receiver # e98839 will use...
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  • Comparing etrailer and Curt Hitch for 2019 Subaru Forester
  • The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e83ZR which is a fit for a 2019 Subaru Forester is similar to the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13409. The only difference is our house brand has a matte finish which helps it blend in more with the vehicle. The Curt hitch has a glossy finish.
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  • Comparison of Tow Ready and CURT Trailer Wiring for a 2011 Subaru Forester
  • The CURT Wiring Harness, # C56040, does have a separate ground wire that needs to be attached to a clean bare metal surface using the including self-tapping screw. The Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118467, grounds through the connector that connects to the vehicle. Both are grounded, just in different ways. The most popular wiring harness for your 2011 Subaru Forester is the Tow Ready, # 118467. There is no significant length differences on the 4-Way end wiring. I have included...
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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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  • Comparing etrailer and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2024 Subaru Forester
  • The Draw-Tite # 76271 and our etrailer # e83ZR trailer hitch receivers do have a fairly similar construction. While the Draw-Tite is listed at a higher towing and tongue weight capacity these numbers do not mean a lot since both are rated for more capacity than your 2024 Subaru Forester can tow. Personally I prefer our matte black finish especially on this hitch since it has the exposed cross tube. And our receiver have gussets on the bend near the mounting points which I feel is the weakest...
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  • What is the Difference Between the Curt # C13409 and the Draw-Tite # 76271 for a 2021 Forester?
  • There is only one main difference between the Curt Hitch # C13409 and the Draw-Tite Hitch # 76271 for the 2021 Subaru Forester. That difference involves the bumper clearance measurement of the shanks. While the Curt measures 4 inches from the center of the shank's pinhole to the outer surface of the Forester's bumper, the Draw-Tite has a 5-inch length. The extra inch of the Draw-Tite will be advantageous of you are looking to purchase accessories that require you to clear the rear bumper. As...
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  • Comparing Curt C56040 and Tow Ready 118467 Wiring Harnesses for 2016 Subaru Forester
  • Both the Curt # C56040 and Tow Ready # 118467 4-pole trailer wiring harnesses that fit your 2016 Subaru Forester will install by plugging in to a vehicle connector. This is located in the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side as shown in the linked video at the 2:15 mark. The Tow Ready harness installation will be slightly quicker since it has no separate ground wire to install. There is a notable difference between these two products. The Curt harness can deliver higher current output...
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  • Trailer Hitches for 2018 Subaru Forester
  • There are quite a few and it can be rather confusing. For starters I recommend getting a Class III trailer hitch on your 2018 Subaru Forester. A Class III hitch has a higher weight capacity and is the larger 2 inch receiver. There are more accessory options, like bike racks and cargo carriers, that fit the 2 inch as opposed to the smaller 1-1/4 inch size. Of the Class III hitches for you there are basically two designs; a visible cross tube with the reciever coming directly from it...
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  • Comparing Draw-Tite and Curt Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2019 Subaru Forester
  • While the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76271 and Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13409 do appear to be very similar they do have some differences. I see from the installation videos that I have linked below on a 2019 Subaru Forester that the Curt # C13409 measured a 4" from the hitch center pin to the rear edge of the bumper and 15" from the inside top of the receiver tube to the ground. The Draw-Tite # 76271 measured at 5" from the hitch pin center hole to the rear edge...
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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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  • Comparing the Blue Ox Patriot 2 and Patriot BLU37TR Portable Braking Systems
  • There is one key difference between the Blue Ox Patriot 2 Portable Braking System part BRK2016 and the Blue Ox Patriot 3 Portable Braking System part # BLU37TR. The difference is an extra safety measure built into the Patriot. The Patriot # BLU37TR has new software that will alert you of any unwanted pressure on the brake pedal. For example, if the seat was positioned too far forward and put pressure on the brake pedal without you knowing the Patriot would alert you to this whereas the...
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  • Aftermarket Trailer Hitch vs. OEM Trailer Hitch for 2020 Subaru Forester
  • That's a really good question because it can be difficult to get a comparison but vehicle manufacturers sell their OEM parts just like aftermarket retailers so I was able to find the Subaru trailer hitch for a 2020 Subaru Forester, and the advantages of going with an aftermarket hitch are pretty extensive. The most significant difference is the class and receiver size of the OEM hitch compared to the aftermarket hitches. The factory Subaru hitch is a Class I, 1-1/4 inch hitch. Meanwhile,...
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