Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2016 Subaru Forester

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Question:

Hi - I have a 2016 Forester and need to buy an aftermarket hitch as well as a bike carrier. I like the Thule TH934XTR that you show. Will the Draw-Tite hitch # 36523 that you recommend for the 2014 also be a good choice for the 2016? Can you recommend another, if not? Thanks! I am going to wait to order anything until I have an idea of what would be the best fit.

asked by: Gail C

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Expert Reply:

Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 36523 does fit your 2016 Subaru Forester and it is a great option for carrying bikes. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

In that video you will notice that we measured 7 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole back to clear the rear bumper. The Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR, nice choice by the way, will extend out far enough to easily clear the bumper. It measures 13-1/2 inches from the center of its hitch pin hole to the back of the upright mast. I have linked a video showing this rack on a Forester for you.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

Another hitch that you might like that is also compatible with the bike rack is Draw-Tite hitch # 76182. The installation is more involved but once installed only the receiver will be visible. If you are interested I have linked a video showing an example installation of this hitch as well. The pin hole to bumper measurement for this hitch is 3 inches.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

Yes, the rear bumper fascia must be trimmed to install the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76182. This is the drawback of the hidden cross tube design. It does not call this out directly in the instructions but it does provide a…

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Answer 2

I have added a link to a video of the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch #76182 being installed on a 2018 Subaru Forester for you to check out, and as you can see by the video - as well as the photo of the underside of the hitch which is on the…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 6

For your 2018 Subaru Forester XT I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch #76182 because it features a hidden design where only the receiver is visible beneath the vehicle. This provides you with a clean, OEM appearance unlike the…

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Answer 7

Yes, the Curt hitch would be more difficult to install. On our website we have a installation difficulty rating, from 1 to 10, on hitch receivers. The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", part…

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Answer 8

To install the Curt hitch part #C13144 on your 2015 Subaru Forester you will need to permanently remove the rear heat shield. I attached the install video you referenced as well as instructions that detail how this is done. Heat shields like what…

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Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2016 Subaru Forester

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