Recommended Class II Trailer Hitch for Towing Small Utility Trailer w/ 2008 Subaru Forester
Question:
Will a Curt Class II Receiver Hitch - 2008 Subaru Forester tow a 5 x10 Karavan utility trailer model number KHD-2990-60-10 with a 2008 subaru forester?
asked by: Sean M
Expert Reply:
The Curt Class II trailer hitch you referenced, part # C12038 has a 3500 lb towing/350 lb tongue weight capacity. If you'll only be using the hitch for towing a trailer, it should work just fine for you. However, if you're wanting to use the hitch as an attachment point for other hitch mounted accessories like a cargo carrier or a bike rack, it wouldn't be the best choice. Curt's warranty requirement state that all non-trailer loads need to use a stabilizing strap, like part # 18050. The bad news is that not every vehicle offers a good attachment point for the strap, especially if they have the spoiler or lip at the top of the rear hatch.
This is why I'd recommend going with the Draw-Tite Hitch # 36311 if you'll be using the hitch for anything other than towing a trailer. This hitch has the same towing capacity, but a slightly lower tongue weight capacity at 300 lbs.
According to my research, the trailer you mentioned has a dry weight of 750 lbs, and can handle a payload up to 2240 lbs for a total weight. According to my research, your Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 2400 lbs. So, long story short, as long as the trailer isn't fully loaded to capacity, your Forester should pull it just fine.
To complete your towing set-up, you'd also need the following:
A ball mount like # 36051, but make sure to account for rise or drop for your trailer
Trailer wiring harness with 4-pole trailer connector, part # 118461
1-7/8 inch trailer ball, part # 19256 -or-
2 inch trailer ball, part # 19258
If you'll be towing near capacity in a hilly or mountainous area, I'd also recommend a supplemental transmission cooler like part # D13501. A supplemental cooler would provide inexpensive protection for your transmission.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 7" Long - 3.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 1 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class II - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Small SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 5-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock Recommendation
- Q&A: Ball Mount with 4 or 5 Inch Rise for a 1-1/4 InchCurt Hitch on a 2016 Honda HR-V
- Q&A: Replacement Hitch Hardware for Draw-Tite # 36520 and Wiring Harness for 2014 Honda CR-V
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 1-1/4" Hitches - Flush - 2-1/8" Span - Chrome
- Shop: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5" Rise - 10" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: 2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Master Lock Hitch Receiver and Coupler Latch Lock Set - Padlock - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Shop: 2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Curt Class II Drawbar - 5" Rise - 11-5/8" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Curt Class II Drawbar - 5" Rise - 9-5/8" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch pin
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: B and W Ball and Safety Chain Kit Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Review
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Search Results: hitch
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Search Results: hitch pins and clips
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Search Results: ball
on Trailer Hitch
