Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Subaru Forester to Tow a Boat

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Question:

I am going to tow a 16 foot boat weighing 1100 lbs including the trailer and would like to have your recommendation for which class of hitch to use. I have been using a Class 3 hitch on my 2007 Forester but wanted to know if a Class 2 would be adequate. Thanks

asked by: Gene C

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Expert Reply:

A Class II Hitch for your 2007 Forester would have more than enough strength to tow your 1,100 lb. boat. We only offer one Class II hitch for your vehicle and it is the Curt Class II Hitch # C12100. This hitch has a GTW capacity of 3500 lbs. and a TW capacity of 350 lbs., however, your 2017 Subaru Forester has a GTW capacity of 1,500 lbs. so you will be limited by the towing capacity of your vehicle and the Class II hitch will be adequate.

However, if you are interested in using your hitch for a bike rack or cargo rack, I do not recommend the Curt Hitch for your vehicle. This is because Curt requires the use of stabilizing straps # 18050 when carrying all non trailer loads (cargo racks, bike racks etc.) to stay within their warranty requirements. However, the Draw-Tite Class III Hitch # 75876 does not require stabilizing straps when carrying non trailer loads and it is still capable to tow your boat. Also, more accessories are offered for a Class III Hitch compared to a Class II Hitch.

To complete your towing package, you will need a wiring harness, hitch ball, ball mount and pin and clip, if you do not already have these.

For a wiring harness I recommend the Curt Wiring Harness # C56040. For a ball mount, hitch ball and pin and clip, I recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches # 989900. this kit comes with two ball mounts, a 1-7/8" Ball and 2" Ball and pin and clip.

I attached an installation video for the Draw-Tite Hitch on a 2016 Subaru Forester which is the same installation process for your 2017 Forester. I also attached a review video of the ball mount kit and a help article on how to choose the right trailer hitch class.

expert reply by: Sarah H

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Answer 1

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 2

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 3

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 4

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 5

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 6

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 7

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. 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 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 8

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 9

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 10

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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Answer 11

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 12

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Subaru Forester to Tow a Boat

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