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Expert Answers about Subaru Forester


  • Heat Shield Removal When Installing Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on 2017 Subaru Forester
  • The trailer hitch receiver you purchased for your 2017 Subaru Forester is the Curt # C12100. In the video the installer does choose to cut the heat shield and reinstall it. However, Curt's instructions state to remove it. Either way is fine.
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  • Is Enlarging Holes Required On All Hitch Receivers For 2017 Subaru Forester?
  • For your 2017 Subaru Forester, all of the trailer hitch receivers available are custom fit and don't require you to drill into the frame, however every one from either manufacturer, may require enlarging the existing holes using a drill or rotary tool. The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 75876 you referenced is a very nice rounded tube design with a black powdercoat finish over an e-coat base for superior rust protection and resistance. If...
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  • What Happens to the Heat Shield of 2014 Subaru Forester When Installing a Hitch
  • Actually Curt says that to install their hitch part # C13144 that you referenced you can either remove or trim the heat shield of your 2014 Subaru Forester. The same goes for the Draw Tite hitch part # 75876 that you also mentioned. I attached install videos for both hitches.
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  • Does Trimming Heat Shield for Hitch Install on 2017 Subaru Forester Void the Warranty
  • Consumers of aftermarket products are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act. The Act states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the probĀ­lem in question. If you plan on doing some towing with hitch # 75876 I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop...
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  • Installation Instructions on the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Hitch on a 2016 Subaru Forester
  • The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Hitch # 75876 for the 2016 Subaru Forester will not require you to drill any new holes into the frame of your vehicle. However, this hitch fits Forester models from 2014-2017 and sometimes the mounting holes might vary between the model years. In this case, a drill, file, or rotary tool may be needed to enlarge the already existing holes to allow the hitches mounting bolts to fit.
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  • What Tool Is Recommended for Trimming Fascia and Under Panels
  • The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 76182 is a really nice option for your 2017 Subaru Forester. I've attached the installation instructions and a video to assist. I recommend using either tin snips or a Dremel to trim the under panel and fascia. I recommend using tape and then using a cutting wheel for that trim. To enlarge the frame bolt holes, I recommend the Dremel tool as the rotary action works well to enlarge the edges of the current holes.
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  • Finding the Stop Light Wire on the Brake Switch for a 2010 Subaru Outback for a Brake Controller
  • As you have probably found, the brake switch on your 2011 Subaru Outback has several wires running to and from it. You will need to find the wire on the cold side of the switch that carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. Wire color can vary from vehicle to vehicle, so I cannot provide a specific color for this wire. You will need to use a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, to find it. Just probe the wires by first connecting the alligator clip to a suitable ground and run...
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  • Recommendations For Running Battery Power Wire For 7-Way Upgrade Kit ETBC7L On 2019 Subaru Forester
  • While we have not installed the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L on a 2019 Subaru Forester or the same generation in our shop. We do have a installation video of this installed on a 2020 Outback which is on the same Subaru Global Platform. So running the wiring on your chassis will be very similar to how you will be able to run it on your Forester. I have linked this installation video below for you to reference.
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  • Does a 2016 Subaru Forester Need to Be Lifted to Install Trailer Hitch
  • The install instructions for the Curt hitch part # C12100 for your 2016 Subaru Forester do call for jack stands so you will need to raise the rear end of the vehicle at least slightly to easily install the hitch. I attached an install video for this hitch for you to check out as well.
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  • Is Heat Shield Removal Required to Install Curt Hitch # C13144 on a 2014 Subaru Forester
  • When you install the Curt Hitch part # C13144 on a 2014 Subaru Forester like yours you will need to permanently remove the heat shield. Check out the installation instructions I attached for more detail on how this is done. If you plan on doing some towing you may be interested in the following products to complete your towing setup: etrailer.com Ball Mount kit part # 989900 to provide you with a couple ball mounts with a 2 inch ball and a 1-7/8 inch ball. Curt Trailer Wiring Harness...
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  • Install for Curt # C13144 and Draw-Tite # 75876 Class III Hitches on 2015 Subaru Forester
  • The installation instructions for both hitches state that the access hole might need to be enlarged. The reason for this is that the size of the block washers that fit up into the vehicle frame member can vary a bit, as can the diameter of the access hole in the vehicle frame member. If the block washer won't fit up through the access hole, the hole will need to be slightly enlarged. You can use a rotary tool or die grinder as shown in the hitch install instructions or even a cold chisel....
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  • What Functions Are Controlled By Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness # 118467 On A 2010 Subaru Forester
  • The Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness # 118467 will give you a 4-way trailer connector on the rear of your 2010 Subaru Forester. A 4-way connector will give you the three lighting functions (running, turn and brake lights) and the white wire is the ground wire. It does not have a wire to control the brakes. A boat trailer will normally have a 5-way connector. The extra wire is a blue wire that is connected to the reverse light circuit on the tow vehicle and will disengage the brake actuator...
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  • Installation Procedure for Curt Class I Hitch # C13144 on 2015 Subaru Forester
  • According to the installation instructions, which I've linked for you, the head shields are removed and left off. With the hitch in place, the mounting flanges of the hitch will act as the heat shields and will prevent the heat from the exhaust from being conducted to the interior of the vehicle. Please be aware that if the hitch is used for non trailer loads like a cargo carrier or a bike rack, a stabilizing strap like part # 18050 must be used to comply with Curt's hitch warranty requirements. The...
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  • Install Video for etrailer Hitch on 2014 Subaru Outback
  • Yes, the installation of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e98839 will be the same on a 2014 Subaru Outback as it is on the 2015 linked in the video below. This hitch is a great bolt-on option providing you with a 2" receiver that can be used for towing or hitch mounted accessories like cargo carriers and bike racks. Please note, if you'll be towing then you'll also need the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # 118467 and Curt Towing Starter...
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  • Can Heat Shield Be Retained When Installing Trailer Hitch On 2015 Subaru Forester
  • Per the installation instructions for the trailer hitches we offer for a 2015 Subaru Forester, the heat shield must either be removed or modified when installing a hitch. For Draw-Tite part # 36523, the instructions say the heat shield must be trimmed or discarded after trimming when the hitch is installed. For Curt hitches like part # C13144 or part # C12100, the heat shield must be permanently removed for hitch installation. If you plan to remove the hitch when you return your leased...
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  • How to Ground a Bargman Trailer Light to an Apache Tent Trailer with an Aluminum Frame
  • The Bargman trailer light # 30-92-003 has a separate ground wire that you can use to ground the light. Since the trailer has an aluminum frame, you will want to ground the lights to the main ground at the trailer connector even if you have steel bolts. Aluminum does not provide the best electrical ground to complete a circuit.
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  • Can 4 Bikes Be Loaded Onto The Thule SquareBar Crossbars On A 2018 Subaru Forester?
  • I can't personally see anything wrong with doing that, however the only thing I can think of that you'd need to be aware of is the total weight being loaded. As long as your bikes are not exceeding the maximum weight capacity of your crossbars, and you have enough room there should not be an issue. .
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  • Can the Yakima HandRoll Kayak Carrier Be Used to Carry Two Kayaks?
  • Since the Yakima HandRoll Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs # Y04082 carries kayaks hull side down, you're not going to have enough room on your roof to carry two kayaks with this system. Instead, I'd recommend going with a J-style carrier like the Malone FoldAway-5 Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs # MAL38FR which can carry up to two kayaks weighing 75-lbs each.
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  • Size of Step Drill Bit to Install etrailer Trailer Hitch on 2014 Subaru Forester
  • That's a good question, and what you will need is a 1-1/8" (1.125") step drill bit as that's the dimension you'll need to enlarge the center holes in the frame of your 2014 Subaru Forester to install the etrailer hitch that fits: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98839 I also wanted to mention, in case you planned on doing some towing with your '14 Forester and needed a 4-way wiring harness, the correct fit for your vehicle is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467.
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  • Where Should a Transmission Cooler Be Installed on a 2009 Subaru Forester
  • The ideal location for a supplemental transmission cooler like # D13502 is directly behind the grille in front of the air conditioning condenser and radiator. I have included a diagram that shows the 3 possible locations. In the picture, space A, in front of the AC condenser, is best because it gets the most air flow. Space B, between the condenser and radiator, is next but you will see a decrease in efficiency. And space C, behind the radiator, is the least efficient so if you have to...
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