Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2021 Subaru Forester To use Thule T2 Pro XTR W/ 1-1/4" Shank

Question

Question:

How far from the back of the bumper is the end of the hitch? I want to use this hitch for a Thule Pro XTR bike rack but need to make sure the rack will mount without hitting the back of the bumper. Please see the attached picture.. Thanks.

asked by: Matt F

0

Expert Reply:

When we installed the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" # 36671 you were looking at on a 2021 Subaru Forester like yours we found that from the center of the hitch pin hole to the most rearward part of the rear bumper measured 6" as you can see in the included diagram.

Since your Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount # TH23JV measures 7" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the rack when folded down, and 5" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the rack when folded up you will be able to use the rack, but won't be able to fold it up.

Currently this is the only Class II hitch available for your Forester, but there is another option.

I recommend going with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13409 which measures 4" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the most rearward edge of the rear bumper. To use it with your XTR with a 1-1/4" shank you will just need the 2" to 1-1/4" reducer # HT02. This has a maximum tongue weight rating of 300lbs, but since the bike rack you have weighs 51lbs and can only carry two bikes weighing 50lbs each, you will not be anywhere near this max rating.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

0

Draw-Tite # 36671 Bumper Clearance
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

There are indeed two trailer hitches from Draw-Tite that are designed to fit your 2020 Subaru Forester; the Class III #76271 and the Class II #36671. Both hitches will install/mount in the same manner to the vehicle's frame rails, but where they…

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Answer 2

There are a number of trailer hitches that fit your 2020 Subaru Forester, with options that have a hidden crosstube, visible crosstube and different receiver sizes, and since there are so many options, I'll list out what fits and what the best…

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Answer 3

As you have probably noted, the main differences between the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch #36671 and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch #76271 for your 2019 Subaru Forester is that part #36671 has a 1-1/4" receiver while part #76271 has a 2" receiver.…

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Answer 4

I can confirm for you that you do not need to enlarge any holes in the frame of your 2019 Subaru Forester in order to install either of the Draw-Tite trailer hitches that fit your vehicle: - Class II with 1-1/4" Receiver: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch…

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Answer 5

The best hitch for you is going to depend on how you plan on using it. The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76271 is the best option if your goal is to tow a trailer behind your Forester. This hitch has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and…

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Answer 6

I would be happy to clarify! You are correct that for your 2021 Subaru Forester there are two different Class III trailer hitch receivers available, the Curt #C13409 and the Curt #C47HR. The main difference between these two hitches is the #C13409…

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Answer 7

You are correct that with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C12198 installed on your 2020 Subaru Forester that from the center of the hitch pin hole to the most outward part of the rear bumper will measure 5". Now on the Thule Camber 4 Bike Rack…

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Answer 8

I can help you choose between the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and Kuat Transfer V2, as both are really nice bike racks. Let me start off, since you mentioned 3-bike rack, if that's what you were after you would need the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 3 Bikes…

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Answer 9

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #76271 is a great option for your 2019 Subaru Forester to use with a bike rack. It appears that you may be looking at the two holes on the receiver based on your…

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Answer 10

For your 2020 Subaru Forester, I recommend the Curt hitch. It is going to be able to handle your Yakima HoldUp EVO 2, part #Y02479, without any problems. Both the Curt and Draw-Tite hitches are Class III hitches with 2" receivers. They both also…

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Answer 11

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13409 is a better option to carry a cargo carrier (or other accessories like a bike rack) especially with a steep drive way because it provides about an inch more ground clearance compared to the Draw-Tite…

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Answer 12

Stabilizer straps aren't recommended or required for carrying heavier bike racks like what you plan to do with your 2020 Subaru Forester. I don't recommend going that route as I'd hate to see you damage your new vehicle. Instead I'd…

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