Trailer Hitch for a 2009 Subaru Forester to Tow a Small Yard Waste Trailer
Question:
Hey yall, I wanted to ask just to get the expert opinion. I have a subaru 2009 forester and just need a trailer hitch that will be able to tow a yard waste trailer I have yet to buy... say 4x8 ft. Any recommendations? The reason I wanted to verify with you guys was to verify if there was a difference between the a hitch for bike racks or a hitch for hauling a utility trailer. thank you for your time,
asked by: Justin
Expert Reply:
Whether you are towing a trailer or carrying a bike rack the trailer hitch used will be the same. For your 2009 Subaru Forester I recommend Curt hitch # 13147. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver so it is great for towing. I checked the owner's manual for a 2009 Forester and if the trailer does not have brakes then the capacity the vehicle can tow is 1,000 pounds. With brakes the capacity is 2,400 pounds. Check your owner's manual to verify.
Since you plan on doing some towing I recommend 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 have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.
And for trailer wiring you can use # 118467 to add a 4-Way flat to the rear of the vehicle. I have linked videos showing example installations of the hitch and wiring for you.
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 >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Could a 2014 Subaru Outback Tow a 5x8 Trailer Loaded with Mulch
- Video: Choosing the Right Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag
- Video: Reese 24x60 Hitch Cargo Carrier Review - 2017 Honda CR-V
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Curt vs. Draw-Tite Hitch for a 2009 Subaru Forester XT
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Which Trailer Hitch is Better for a 2010 Subaru Forester Draw-Tite 75650 or Curt Hitch 13147
- Q&A: Can I Convert Regular Bunks To Roller Bunks
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Q&A: Replacement Power Center For a Magnetek Model 80
- Article: What Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes