Hitch Recommendation for 2006 Subaru Forester for Use with Hitch-Mount Cargo Carrier

Question:

Looking for a hitch for a 2006 Subaru Forester. The hitch will only be used for a cargo carrier, no towing. Would you recommend the Curt, Hidden Hitch, or Draw-Tite. Pro/Cons of one over the other? Does each hitch require a stabilizer strap when used with a cargo carrier or is the stabilizer strap specific to Curt?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The hitch options for your 2006 Subaru Forester are all 1-1/4-inch Class II types and among them is the Curt # C12038 which does require you to use their stabilizing strap # 18050. The other hitches do not require you to use the strap but certainly it is not a bad idea to help support any cargo load and hitch with a strap like the Curt or something similar.

The Curt hitch is the most cost-effective of all options and rewards you with a slightly higher weight capacity of 350-lbs versus the 300-lbs for the Draw-Tite # 36311. All can be seen on the link provided and all come with a hitch pin and clip as well as the required installation hardware. A hitch installation video as well as two helpful articles are linked for you.

With any of these Class II hitches in place you can use one of the 1-1/4-inch cargo carriers shown on the link provided.

Keep in mind that the tongue weight of your chosen hitch cannot be exceeded. The combined weight of your cargo carrier itself plus what you load on it cannot exceed the hitch's capacity.

expert reply by: Adam R