Hitch Recommendation for 2015 Subaru Forester XT Looking to Haul Bikes w/ Thule Apex Bike Rack

Question

Question:

Hello - I have a 2015 Subaru Forester XT dual ex., and would like to purchase a 2inch receiver hitch. I have a Thule 9025 bike rack 2, and wanted to ensure the compatibility between this bike rack and the new hitch. Also, Im not too keen on the stabilizing strap idea if Curt, but Im unsure if the other options Drawtite and Hidden Hitch are compatible with the thule 9025 without a strap. What are your recommendations for my situation. Thank you!

asked by: Dave S

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Expert Reply:

When it comes to a hitch for your 2015 Subaru Forester, I recommend the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver, # 75876. This hitch is economically priced and does not require the use of a stabilizing strap.

This is a great hitch to use with your Thule Apex rack.

expert reply by: Leah S

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Answer 1

My technical contact at Curt assured me that removing the heat shield when installing the Curt hitch #C13144 on your 2014 Subaru Forester will not cause any damage to your vehicle. The law mandating the heat shield requirement was originally geared…

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Answer 2

Due to the design of the trailer hitches we offer for your 2015 Subaru Forester, the cross beam of our hitches are at the same height as the receiver opening. Some trimming of the heat shield may be required when installing the hitches we offer but…

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Answer 3

The Draw-Tite Max Frame #75876 is a confirmed fit for all models of the 2018 Subaru Forester, including those with a dual exhaust such as yours. I've added some photos that show the hitch on Forester's with a dual exhaust for you to…

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Answer 4

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #75876 is a great option for a 2017 Subaru Forester. It does not require the heat shield be permanently removed but it does require trimming. This will be necessary for any hitch installation but…

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Answer 5

To install the Curt hitch part #C13144 on your 2015 Subaru Forester you will need to permanently remove the rear heat shield. I attached the install video you referenced as well as instructions that detail how this is done. Heat shields like what…

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Answer 6

For your 2018 Subaru Forester XT I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch #76182 because it features a hidden design where only the receiver is visible beneath the vehicle. This provides you with a clean, OEM appearance unlike…

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Answer 7

It looks like the carriage bolt spacers that come with the Curt Hitch part #C13144 are larger than the ones that come with the Draw Tite hitch part #75876 and that is why the Curt hitch requires enlarging the holes on the vehicle to get the bolts to…

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Answer 8

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13144 is a confirmed fit for your 2014 Subaru Forester 25i Premium. I can definitely appreciate the caution as a rattle would drive anyone crazy. We have not experience this with that particular installation, but…

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Answer 9

I can't say what the factory hitch ground clearance is for the 2014 Toyota Highlander but with Curt trailer hitch #C13200 it is approximately 13-1/4 inches from the ground to the bottom of the hitch receiver and 15-3/4 inches to the top of the…

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Answer 10

Curt requires the stabilizing/support strap, #18050, in order to alleviate the leveraging affect that a non-trailer load places on a hitch. At Curt they like to use the example of carrying a gallon of milk. Think of the strain that would be put on…

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Answer 11

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 12

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Hitch Recommendation for 2015 Subaru Forester XT Looking to Haul Bikes w/ Thule Apex Bike Rack

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