etrailer | Curt Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Subaru Forester

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Ryan: Hey everybody. My name is Ryan and here at etrailer, we install, test, fit and review a lot of different parts. That way we could try to answer any questions those of you might have. And that's exactly what we're doing here today on our 2021 Subaru Forester. We're going to be taking a look at and showing you how to install the CURT Class 3 Two Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver. So I know personally whenever I'm driving down the road, I see these Subarus getting used for a little bit of everything.

Whether there's a big bike rack on the back here, a cargo carrier, or even pulling a trailer. Whether it be a small utility trailer or maybe you wanted a couple kayaks on there, these Subarus really do get the job done.So if it we're me, I would want a hitch that would be able to handle pretty much anything that you would want to throw at it. And that's exactly what this hitch is going to do. So it's a good choice, good all around hitch regardless on what you plan on using it for. And honestly, I think the hitch looks really good on the back of the Subaru as well.

It does sit a little bit further back and you are going to be able to see it. But personally, I kind of would prefer that on my Forester.These Subarus really do a great job of accepting those types of accessories and really kind of playing off that. So honestly, I kind of like the look of it and really wouldn't want it another way. So since this is a Class 3 hitch, it's going to give us that two inch by two inch receiver tube opening. That's a very common size and you can use a ton of different types of accessories with it.

So should work out real well there.It's going to have a reinforced collar for extra strength. I'm just going to use that standard 5/8ths pin hole. Now keep in mind, a pin and clip does not come included, but if you need one, you can pick it up right here at etrailer. This is going to have plate style safety chain openings, which they do sit a little bit further back, but they are going to give us more than enough space to use just about any size hook that we might have.Now, as far as the hitch's weight capacities go, they're going to give us some pretty high numbers. As far as the maximum gross tongue weight rating goes, it's going to be 525 pounds, and that's going to be the amount of weight that's pushing down on the hitch.

That's a pretty high number and you should be able to use just about any size bike rack or cargo carrier that you would want to, for example. As far as the maximum gross trailer weight rating goes, it's going to be 3,500 pounds, and that's going to be the amount of weight that's pulling on the hitch. So it is the weight of your trailer plus anything that you might have on it.Now, I do always like to suggest, never a bad idea just to grab your Forester's owner's manual. That way you can make sure your Subaru can pull that much weight safely. And if towing is something you do plan on doing, I would also suggest picking up some trailer wiring. That way the lights on your trailer will sync up with the lights on the back of your Subaru. You'll be safe and legal. So now let's go ahead and take a couple of measurements and these are going to help us figure out which accessories will work the best.So if you go from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of our rear bumper, that's going to be about four inches. And that really does give us some good clearance. So even though you shouldn't have any issues, if you think you may, what you can do is use that measurement to figure out exactly if any folding accessories you might have can indeed be stored in that upright position without contacting the bumper. We go from the ground to the top inside edge of the receiver tube opening. It's going to be right at 14 and a half inches. So if you do plan on doing some towing, chances are pretty good you're going to need to get a ball mount that slide rise.So at the end of the day, a hitch you really can't go wrong with. Not only is it going to look good, but it's going to be able to handle pretty much anything you want to throw at it. Now, as far as the installation goes, really not too bad. It does take a little bit of time, but as long as you stay focused, you should have no problem getting it done at home in the garage or maybe even in your driveway. Speaking of which, let's go ahead, pull it into the shop and put it all together now.To begin our installation, we're going to be underneath the back of our Subaru. And first thing we need to do is lower our exhaust down to give us some extra room to work. So what we're going to do is take a strap and r