Trailer Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2010 Subaru Forester

Question

Question:

Hello! My family is looking to buy a tent trailer to use with our 2010 Subaru Forester. Im looking through all your options but figured Id ask you personally the package you recommend. Im under the impression that the Forester is capable of towing 2,400lbs with a tongue weight of around 200lbs. I know the trailer will need electric brakes so Ill need to factor that into my hitch/accessories purchase. Im new to this so can you give me a complete package suggestion with wiring, brake components, hitch, ball, etc.? Thanks!

asked by: Devan B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have everything you will need to tow a tent trailer like what you are looking at with your 2010 Subaru Forester. First let's start with a hitch.

Since 2 inch hitches have higher capacities and have more hitch accessories made for them I would recommend the Curt # 13147 for your vehicle. I attached an install video for you to check out as well.

For trailer wiring you would need to start with a 4-way like the part # 118467 that is a confirmed fit. Install video attached for this as well.

Now to convert the 4-way to a 7-way and install a brake controller you will need the part # ETBC7. This comes with everything needed for the conversion and wire in the brake controller.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.

Since you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

Answer 1

I checked the owner's manual in regards to the towing capacity of your 2011 Subaru Forester, and it states that the maximum towing capacity is 1,000 lbs if the trailer does not have brakes or 2,400 lbs if the trailer does have brakes. So that is…

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Answer 2

The Curt part #13147 and Hidden Hitch part 87493 are similar designs as they are built to fit the same vehicles. There are a couple of key differences that may help you in making a decision. Curt uses a high-gloss black finish on their hitches and…

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Answer 3

Either the Curt Hitch #13147 or the Draw-Tite Hitch #75650 would work very well for you. The main difference between the two is the tube design like you noticed. There is not an advantage to having a round tube over a square tube hitch or vice versa.…

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Answer 4

The Curt Class III hitch you referred to, part #13147 is a fit for all models of the 2009-2013 Forester. It will indeed fit your 2011 model. However, be aware that Curt's warranty stipulates that a reinforcing strap like part #18050 must be used…

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Answer 5

For the Go Power Industrial Pure Sine Wave Inverter, #34278156 rated for 2,000 Watt, if you want to operate anything for an extended period of time that needs that large of an inverter I suggest at least 400 AH minimum in your battery bank. So your…

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Answer 6

Typically two batteries are needed for a 2,000 watt inverter like the part #34278156 that you referenced.

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Answer 7

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 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 10

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 12

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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