Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2016 Subaru Forester

Question:

I was looking at your videos of installing curt 3 and draw-tite 3 hitches to a Forester, and they were excellent. At some point I looked at bike racks and at some point Im 90 sure we were told the draw-tite requires a strap up to the car to stabilize it, but the curt did not. If I was not imagining things, could you show me these comments again!! And what is this strap, if it exists? thanks!

asked by: Henry

Expert Reply:

I can confirm you are not imagining things, but you do have the companies reversed. There is a stabilization strap recommended with all Curt Hitches and required for some. For instance, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2", # C13144, for your 2016 Subaru Forester has this stabilization strap, # 18050, recommended in the installation instructions I've attached for all non-trailer loads. This means bike racks, cargo, racks, steps, and any accessory that doesn't involve towing a trailer. Failure to use this strap on a required fit will void the warranty. In this case, it is a recommendation that

Other manufactures, like Draw-Tite do not require this for accessories although they may recommend it at times. For instance the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2" for your Subaru, # 75876, does not require such a support strap.

In this instance with the hitches being so similar is style and capacity ratings, I recommend the Draw-Tite hitch receiver for your application because it doesn't have the support strap requirement.

expert reply by: Jason S