What Is The Ground Clearance For The Curt C13409 On The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness

Question:

Two more questions about the item below, please. Id like to know the following info in comparison to the OEM Class III Subaru hitch for a 2023 Forester Wilderness, please, since the OEM hitch sits higher: 1. How much does it change the ground clearance? 2. How much does it affect the departure angle? Item # C13409 Thank you

asked by: Corey

Expert Reply:

You are correct that the Subaru OEM hitch will sit higher than the Curt # C13409. The OEM hitch will be much more flush with the bumper, while the Curt hitch will sit about 2"-2.5" lower, leaving space between the bumper and the receiver.

We have yet to install this hitch on the Forester Wilderness here at our shop, but I can tell you that on the 2023 Forester base model the Curt # C13409 was 12" from the ground. This is measuring from the ground to the lowest edge of the receiver. When installed on the wilderness model, the receiver will sit slightly higher than this.

I am afraid we cannot give you exact numbers as far as the departure angle. Obviously the farther the receiver is from the ground, the higher the angle will be. Even with the Curt hitch at 12" or more from the ground, you should not have any issues clearance-wise.

expert reply by: Jesse M