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Expert Answers about Subaru Forester


  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Does Swagman XTC Bike Rack Need an J-Pin Anti Rattle Device
  • The J-pin anti-rattle device # 63201 is a great solution for preventing movement for hollow shank hitch accessories but the Swagman XTC # S64670 has a thread hitch pin/shank design so it would not be compatible with that nor would it be needed based on that. The J-pin # 63201 is no longer available.
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  • Installing an Aftermarket Trailer Hitch on a 2014 Subaru Forester with Factory Trailer Hitch
  • We have not yet had a chance to install a trailer hitch on a 2014 Subaru Forester with a factory trailer hitch but I took a look at how one installs and as you mentioned it does replace the rear bumper beam. Therefore, it would be smart to go ahead and add this back on when switching out the factory trailer hitch for an aftermarket one since the aftermarket one installs in a different location. The most cost effective way to do this is to go to a local junk yard to obtain the rear bumper...
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  • Inno Square Bar Roof Rack for 2011 Subaru Forester with Naked Roof
  • The correct Inno Square Bar Roof Rack for your 2011 Subaru Forester with the naked roof consists of # INB127 for the two 50 inch Square Crossbars, # INSUT for the Inno Feet, and # INK393 for the Custom Fit Kit. All three components are necessary for the roof rack system - the Fit Kit consists of clamps and pads and is what actually attaches to the Forester's roof while the Inno Feet are what mount to the Fit Kit pads and support/secure the crossbars. The # INK758 Fit Kit that you mentioned...
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  • Recommended Square Bar Roof Rack for a 2016 Subaru Forester w/ Factory Raised Rails
  • We have a great economical roof rack option for your 2016 Subaru Forester. I recommend the Malone SteelTop Roof Rack # MPG203. The Malone SteelTop Roof Rack # MPG203 is an economical, square bar roof rack that will install on your factory raised rails. These crossbars are 65" wide. Which is important, because you need 4"-8" past the roof rack feet to use your Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier # TH898.
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  • 2015 Forester with OEM Hitch Bike Rack Recomendation
  • If the OEM hitch on your 2015 Subaru Forester is the 1-1/4 inch size the # TH934XTR would not fit. If it is the 2 inch size it would. The OEM Subaru 1-1/4 inch hitch was made with a very shallow hitch pin hole so the only available racks that would fit them would be the Yakima racks. The Yakima part # Y02458 is a similar rack that would work for you if you have the 1-1/4 inch hitch.
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  • Will Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock And Cable Lock HRLHPTC Work With Hollywood Racks Destination 4 Bike Rack
  • The Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # HR4000 you were looking at does use a 1/2" threaded anti-rattle hitch bolt which will work just fine with the 5/8" pin hole on your 2016 Subaru Forester. The Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable Lock for Hollywood Racks Commuter, Traveler, Sport Rider Bike Racks # HRLHPTC is the correct hitch lock and cable lock for the # HR4000, and will allow you to secure your bikes to the rack, rack to your vehicle, and...
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  • Trailer Hitch with Best Ground Clearance for 2009 Subaru Forester
  • I have some great trailer hitch options for a 2009 Subaru Forester but they all sit just below the rear bumper fascia so there will be a slight reduction in ground clearance no matter which options you choose. I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 13147 which is a custom bolt-on fit. It does sit nice and snug to the rear bumper so the minimal ground clearance reduction should not create many issues. I cannot recommend modifying any trailer hitches but you're welcome to do...
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  • Can the Trunk or Hatch be Opened with a Trunk Mount Bike Rack Installed on a 2012 Subaru Forester
  • With any trunk mount bike rack, including # TH910XT, the rack will have to be removed before you can open the trunk or hatch on the vehicle. The reasons are that the hooks that fit into the gaps between the trunk/hatch lid and body of the car can get squished and it can actually damage the vehicle. Also, the struts used to hold up the trunk/hatch may not be able to support the weight of even just the rack and it could fall on you. And finally, even if it opens just fine and does not...
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  • How Could a Trunk Mounted Bike Rack be Protected From Theft
  • For an anti-theft device for the Thule Trunk Rack part # TH910XT you can use the part # TH533. This will loop around the bike rack like a slip knot and then would get shut in the door of your vehicle. This device has steel straps in it so it would not be easily cut at all. I attached a video that shows this product being used on a # TH910XT for you to check out as well. Your other option is the Thule OutWay part # Th45JV which uses all rubber coated straps for maximum security for a trunk...
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  • Is There a Swivel Jack That Has a Handle Catch To Keep Handle Up During Travel
  • I spoke with my contact at Fulton and he informed me that both the Fulton XLT Jack # F141133 and Fulton F2 Jacks, like # F1413040134, have a handle catch to help keep the jack handle from swinging when the jack is stowed. For a Fulton jack, I recommend the Fulton XLT Swivel Trailer Jack # F141133. The XLT offers a 12 inch lift, measuring 15 inches when retracted and 27 inches when extended. This jack has a lift capacity of 1,500 pounds. The acme screw raises and lowers the jack quickly,...
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  • Trailer Wiring Recommendation for 2013 Subaru Forester
  • For trailer wiring that plugs into the vehicle wiring port of your 2013 Subaru Forester we have the Tekonsha kit part # 118467 which is a confirmed fit. It comes with the 4-way connector that plugs into the trailer wiring as well. Of all the trailer wiring brands the Tekonsha kits tend to be the most reliable. Check out the install video I attached for more info as well. In the video is a 2013 Subaru Forester just like yours.
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  • Roof Rack Bike Carrying Recommendation for 2019 Subaru Forester
  • For a roof rack, what you'll need will depend on what's currently on your roof. If you have the rails along the edges or the roof running from front to back, your crossbars would attach directly to those. Rhino Rack offers a crossbar system that would have much higher quality than the entry level stuff, at a more reasonable cost than the more well-known names like Yakima or Thule. To construct this rack, you'd need the # RRVA126B-2 crossbars and the # RRSX100 feet. If your Forester doesn't...
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  • Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Recommendation for 2017 Subaru Forester that Has Spoiler
  • We checked with Thule and the Raceway part # TH45JV is a confirmed fit for your 2017 Subaru Forester with it's rear spoiler setup. That being said if you really want to avoid any spoiler issues the best option is the Holllywood Racks Over the Top part # HRF2 which is specifically designed to fit vehicles with spoilers like yours. If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter...
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