EcoHitch or Draw-Tite? Which is Better for a Bike Rack on a 2020 Subaru Forester?

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Question:

I have a 2020 subaru forester. I need a 2 in trailer hitch for a new bike rack I got. Some hitches seem to say you have to remove heat shield to install. I prefer not to do that. Do your require that. NEW question IS there a reason this hitch which cost significantly less wouldnt work just as well Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2 Item # 76271

asked by: Elizabeth M

0

Expert Reply:

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver item # 306-X7391 is a more premium hitch than the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch item # 76271. While both are confirmed to fit the 2020 Subaru Forester they have completely different installation methods which is what you're paying for.

The crossbar of the EcoHitch is completely hidden by the bumper cover. This results in the only visible portion of the hitch being the 2" x 2" receiver. When the Draw-Tite hitch is installed you can see the crossbar across the back of the entire car. This not only significantly changes the look of your vehicle from the back but it also affects your ground clearance.

Both hitches have identical towing and tongue weight capacities. They each have a 2" receiver. If looks aren't important and you're not backing down steep inclines with your bike rack attached then I recommend saving some money and going with the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch item # 76271.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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Answer 1

Happy to help! Your dilemma is a common one. The etrailer Hitch item #e83ZR has a tongue weight that is rated higher than your 2020 Subaru Forester's. Hitch manufacturers do this because of the hitch fitting other models or even vehicles with a…

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Answer 2

All of our different trailer hitches for a 2020 Subaru Forester will require you to trim the heat shield in order for it to be reinstalled back on the vehicle. I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver item #306-X7391 because it requires…

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Answer 3

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 4

I have another option for you, but there is not a 2" trailer hitch receiver confirmed to fit your 2011 Honda Accord LX Sedan as the EcoHitch #306-X7299 you were looking at is only confirmed to fit the Crosstour models. Instead I recommend going…

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Answer 5

All the hitches available for your 2011 Honda Accord 4-Door Sedan are a Class I 1-1/4 inch size. A Class I hitch will only accept Class I rated accessories, like bike racks if your mother is interested in them. I am including a link to a FAQ page on…

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Answer 6

The receiver of any hitch is going to protrude under the bumper on your 2019 Subaru Forester. So in that way, you will lose ground clearance as the receiver will be closer to the ground than the standard bumper. If that's okay, then go with the…

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Answer 7

That's a really good question because it can be difficult to get a comparison but vehicle manufacturers sell their OEM parts just like aftermarket retailers so I was able to find the Subaru trailer hitch for a 2020 Subaru Forester, and the…

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Answer 8

Yes, the installation of the Curt Hitch #76271 will require you to uninstall/reinstall the heat shield on your 2021 Subaru Forester. In addition, you will also need to trim part of your heat shield with tin snips. I went ahead and attached a photo of…

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Answer 9

The Curt Hitch part #C14309 and the Draw Tite part #76271 that you referenced are similar enough that the heat shield trimming between the two in their instructions could be used for either hitch.

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Answer 10

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 11

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 12

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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EcoHitch or Draw-Tite? Which is Better for a Bike Rack on a 2020 Subaru Forester?

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