Trailer Hitch for Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack on 2003 Subaru Forester
Question:
Hi, I am looking at buying a Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack for my 2003 Subaru Forester. Do I need to also purchase a hitch as well or is this included in the purchase of the Swagman Xc2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack? If I need to purchase a hitch, I am looking at this one: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4inch Hitches - 5/8inch Rise, 1-1/4inch - 7inch Long - 3.5K Item # 36051 can you confirm that this will work?
asked by: Jana M
Expert Reply:
The Swagman XC 2-Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Trailer Hitches # S64650 is a great platform bike option for your 2003 Subaru Forester, so long as it is already equipped with a trailer hitch receiver, like the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 36311, designed to fit the frame of your Forester.
To use the bike rack, you do not need any extra parts. Everything you need to install it on a trailer hitch is included with part # S64650.
The only time you'll need to use a ball mount, is for trailer towing. So, if you are planning on also doing some light trailer towing, the Draw-Tite Drawbar # 36051 is the correct one to use with the Draw-Tite Hitch Receiver # 36311. You can then use either a 2 inch ball # 19258 or an 1-7/8 inch ball # 19256, depending on the coupler size on your trailer.
Towing a trailer also requires the use of a trailer wiring harness so the trailer lights can operate in sync with the lights on the Forester. For that, you'll need part # 118461.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 7" Long - 3.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 1 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch and Wiring for Towing With 2024 Chevrolet Equinox
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: What Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver For A 2024 Chevy Equinox
- Q&A: What is Included with Curt Trailer Hitch 12038 for a 2008 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Hitch Pin Recommendation for a Curt Ball Mount C45503
- Q&A: Choosing Between Trailer Hitch Options for 2019 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Does Hitch Size Affect Warranty of 2019 Subaru Forester
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)