Recommended Towing Components for 2018 Subaru Forester XT

Question

Question:

Hello Im interested in figuring out the best setup for my 2018 Forester XT to tow a 1600 lb tear trailer. A 7pin harness, 2inch ball, and 14inch ball height is required. Any advice for maximum flexibility + durability?

asked by: Trevor H

0

Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Subaru Forester XT, I am happy to give you the best towing components, but do want to point out that according to your owners manual the towing capacity of your vehicle is 1,500 lbs.

I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver # E98839 which has a carbide black powder coat finish and will sit 14-1/4 inches from the ground to the top inner portion of the receiver. Then for your trailer wiring I recommend you start with the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118467 and then add the # ETBC7 to get your 7-way with all its functions. You will also want the No-Drill Mount Bracket # 18140.

If you will be towing a trailer with brakes you can add the # 90195 for an easy to use and reliable brake controller. This is nice to have even on small trailers if they have brakes installed because your vehicle is so light that additional braking is a really nice asset.

For a ball mount I recommend the B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount # BWTS10033B which is adjustable so you can tow your trailer level. It also has a really nice stowable feature to give you a clean look when not in use and also protect your shins when loading and unloading cargo. I recommend using a locking hitch pin like # e98880 to secure your investment.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Answer 1

You can absolutely install a 7-Way connector on your 2018 Subaru Forester that is already equipped with a 4-Way. If you will only need to power the basic signal lights on the trailer that is equipped with a 7-Way then you can use the Hopkins Adapter…

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Answer 2

The reason you want to run the power wire of the #ETBC7L up to the vehicle battery is because this is the circuit that the brake controller draws power from and you want it to bypass all of the vehicle wiring so as to prevent a short from damaging…

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Answer 3

Great question! The 12V power wire that comes with the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit #ETBC7L will need to be wired directly to the battery on your 2004 Volkswagen Passat for safety reasons. The Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller #C51180 pulls power…

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Answer 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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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

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 12

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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