How To Safely Transport 500lb Power Wheel Chair With 2011 Subaru Forester

Question:

I have a 2011 Subaru Forester. I have a power wheel chair on a tow hitch rack. total weight is about 500 lbs. it causes the rack to drag over smaller bumps. looking to have a type of air bag system that will stiffen the back end and eliminate most dragging. do you have something that will work on my car?

asked by: Tim W

Expert Reply:

I have another option but the maximum tongue weight capacity for your 2011 Subaru Forester is 200lbs as found on page 8-20 of your vehicle's owners manual. We do not offer any suspension enhancement systems for your vehicle.

Since your power wheel chair on the rack is about 500lbs you are significantly over the maximum tongue weight rating of the vehicle, and I do not recommend continuing to carry the power wheel chair on a hitch rack as it could cause damage to your vehicle.

Instead I recommend using a small utility trailer to transport the power wheel chair which will reduce the tongue weight on the vehicle, or using a vehicle that has a higher tongue weight capacity capable of supporting the weight you are carrying.

To tow a trailer with your Subaru Forester you will need a vehicle wiring harness, ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip.

If your vehicle does not already have a vehicle wiring harness I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118467 which you can see being installed on a 2011 Subaru Forster I included.

If you can tell me if your trailer hitch receiver has a 1 1/4" or 2" receiver, and what size ball the trailer requires I would be happy to recommend the correct ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip for you.

expert reply by: Samuel C