Best Hitch for 2018 Subaru Forester
Question:
Our 2018 Forester needs a hitch for biking. I hear all kinds of things about which type of hitch to use. I do not want your fancy boutique model for three times the price of the others but I am leaning toward a 2-inch over the 1-1/4-inch. What's the real lowdown....set me straight.
asked by: Stanford
Expert Reply:
Apart from the EcoHitch 2-inch hitch model # 306-X7216 that you referenced, which is pricier due to its fabrication from recycled materials, all of the other 2-inch hitch options for your 2018 Forester share similar weight capacities and similar more-friendly prices.
I definitely recommend a 2-inch Class III option. Of those, I recommend the etrailer model # e98839. This hitch is USA-made and it offers easy no-drill installation using included hardware. The linked video will show you the entire process and the photo shows the clean installed appearance.
The primary reason to use a 2-inch hitch is compatibility. There are many more accessory items made for this hitch size than for the smaller and lower-capacity 1-1/4-inch size. Plus, you can always use a smaller accessory in a larger hitch by adding a reducer sleeve. Let's say you own a 1-1/4-inch hitch bike rack like the very nice Kuat Sherpa # SH12G or a 1/4-inch cargo carrier like the Reese # 63155. You can still use these in the 2-inch hitch simply by adding a reducer sleeve
# HT02.
The other reason to go for a 2-inch Class III hitch is simply its higher weight capacity. This extra capacity barely costs you any more but it becomes useful safety margin for any application.
Products Referenced in This Question
20x47 Reese Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 21 Inch Wide
- Standard Duty
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 49 Inch Long
- Steel
- Reese
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Hitch Reducer 2" to 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Reducer
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- No Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 2 Inch to 1-1/4 Inch
- Brophy
more information >
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- EcoHitch
more information >
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