Is this right for you? Product Expert Kathleen M says:
Yes, if you:
Like that the matte finish blends in with your bumper and offers the added bonus of better rust protection than other brands
Worry about damaging the fascia or clips that secure it, therefore prefer an install that doesn't make you pull it off of your Subaru
No, if you:
Haul a camper or trailer that sways a lot and would need a weight distribution hitch
Aren't comfortable using a file or drill to open up an access hole to get some of the hardware in place
Might get annoyed by seeing the cross tube hanging below the bumper
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look. Great Prices for the best trailer hitch from etrailer. etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" part number e83ZR can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Reviews (88)
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Why etrailer?
etrailer Trailer Hitch
- e83ZR
Class III
2 Inch Hitch
3500 lbs GTW
Visible Cross Tube
etrailer
525 lbs TW
Custom Fit Hitch
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.
Features:
Custom-fit trailer hitch lets you tow a trailer or carry a bike rack or cargo carrier with your vehicle
Precision, robotic welding maximizes strength and improves fit
Bolt-on installation - no welding required
Complete hardware kit and installation instructions included
Lifetime technical support from the experts at etrailer
Matte black powder coat finish over protective base coat offers superior rust resistance
Stylish, round-tube design
Ball mount, pin and clip sold separately
Made in the USA
Mounting hardware may be imported
Specs:
Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
Rating: Class III
Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
Maximum tongue weight: 525 lbs
Not rated for use with weight distribution systems
Limited lifetime warranty
Rugged, Matte Black Finish
The sturdy steel construction is protected with a matte black finish for added durability. This unique powder coating gives etrailer hitches a carbide-like appearance and a rugged look that sets them apart from traditional glossy hitches. In addition to being rust and corrosion resistant, the tough matte coating hides dirt, scuffs, and dings better than a glossy finish.
etrailer Technical Support
At etrailer we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.
13409 etrailer Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver - 2" - Matte Black Carbide
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" - e83ZR
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (88 Customer Reviews)
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.
by: Stuart11/23/2022
2020 Subaru Forester
Great rack at a fair price! Installed it on my wife’s 2020 Forester Sport. Your video instructions were great! Two things i did differently were trimming the plastic undercarriage cover without removing it using a cutting wheel, and instead of dropping the exhaust, I undid the two rubber mounts and removed the muffler with the two bolts holding it in place. That way it was never in the way. 90 minutes was all it took, with a coffee break1473193
Top quality receiver, installed by a friend who is a car body specialist. This will enable attachment of a bike rack on the back end of my vehicle vs. roof rack; Much easier for me at this stage of my life.1444093
The hitch arrived in a severely damaged box but the hitch itself was undamaged despite obviously bouncing around the box during shipping. Even the paint was fine. Much better packaging is needed to prevent damage to the product and, more importantly, to the shipping personnel or customers who need to handle the box. The hitch could easily fall through the box and injure someone during shipping or customer handling. The box was much too large for the hitch and the hitch was unsecured in the box.
The hitch fit my vehicle perfectly and the fish wires made installation of the bolting easy.
Regarding the instructions provided, here are some enhancement recommendations: 1) Rather than drop the muffler off of the mounts it is better to unbolt the muffler at the flange and remove the rear mount, letting the muffler hang on the front mount. This doesn’t stress the up-stream exhaust joints when using the provided instructions and it gets the muffler further out of the way without taking it off the car. 2) There is no way to install the front bolt in the driver side undercarriage molding with the hitch installed. The instructions should note that the front bolt will not be reused (similar to the guidance regarding the heat shield). 3) It would be helpful to recommend a step drill be used to enlarge the middle mounting hole and add a caution that drilling will produce metal chips. Safety glasses and debris precautions should be taken.1319722
I really like the finish on this hitch. It’s a heavy hitch as it should be for Class III rating with a 2” receiver. However, I don’t particularly like the welds. They look sloppy, or as I call them, bubble gum welds. There’s no nice beads of weld run at the joints. But I’m only using it to haul a couple mountain bikes, so I’m sure it will do the job fine. Otherwise, a decent hitch.1226385
Comments
Perfectly. Fitment is great, good quality hitch. Easy install.
Dan - 12/18/2022
154891
by: Glenn D.04/25/2022
2022 Subaru Forester
I just finished installing this hitch on to my 2022 Forester, and I couldn't be more pleased with it. The installation was just like the video that is posted to your site, and the wire feeding tools made it a breeze!
I did not have to modify the plastic underbody panel on my 2022. It fit back under the car, and I added a self tapping screw to hold it in place. Thanks for making it so easy!1290423
The Hitch fits perfectly! We followed the installation video without issue. Works with 2022 Forester Wilderness. I would recommend using step bit to widen hole.1291876
Installation worked just as shown in the videos. All holes lined up and fit was perfect. Took me a while to file out the hole for insertion of the bolts and clips, as I did not have a step bit up to 1.125". But I made it work with a file. Actually looked to me like it might be possible to access the frame opening by enlarging a hole in the top side, under the rear floor mat and foam insulation. Multiple holes there are taped over. Might be worth a look to see if they access the frame cavity. I drilled and tapped a hole in the hitch frame (prior to assembly) to reattach the back screw on the driver side underbody panel. Video said that wasn't necessary, but I thought, why not? Photo below. This was my second hitch and wiring from etrailer - very happy with both.1190506
This was easy to install and the fish wires for the bolts were great! Your video on the installation and wire harness was great and sold me on buying this hitch.1444626
by: Aku01/08/2023
Drilled an extra 5/8” hole to one side of the hitch (the opposite side of the exhaust pipe) and bolted the plastic part without cutting. Looks and feels good.1496402
This is the second hitch receiver I purchased from etrailer. I recently purchase a new Forester, and the dealer quoted me over $600. So I ordered one from etrailer for less than 1/3 of that. It arrived within 3 days, perfect fit and easy to install. I have and will continue to recommend etrailer to all my friends and family.1403162
by: Dave10/25/2022
Straight forward installation, fit like a glove! Especially appreciated the “plug n play” electrical connection.1460186
by: Mike 08/23/2022
Subaru Forester
Box was a little beat up but the hitch arrived in good shape. Installation was VERY easy thanks to the eTrailer YouTube video. SUPER clear directions for my 2022 Forester. I couldn’t be more pleased with how good the video installation guide was for a non-mechanic like myself.1371235
by: Josh 08/18/2022
Hitch was pretty easy to install after following along with the video. Do yourself a favor and make sure you have a step drill bit before starting to widen two of the holes.1363440
by: JG10/01/2022
Works great. Installation is exactly as described in etrailer video. Good value also.1433267
by: Stephen10/11/2022
2020 Subaru Forester
Quality hitch, clever installation hardware. The hardest part was getting the muffler hangers, and the plastic body underpanel re- installed. Thanks1446271
by: Rosemary08/03/2022
2021 Subaru Forester
Haven't opened box yet. I am having GT Customs install the hitch and wiring harness.1345337
by: Gregory 11/19/2022
Product looked fine after inspection, but shippers tore the box all up ,but all supplies were intact. Have to install now..1471385
by: Bryan10/03/2022
2021 Subaru Forester
Arrived on time and with all the parts and no damage. Was quick and easy to install by myself.I actually watched a video online about how to install it but the directions looked like they well written and informative. Liked the price , liked the product what more can you say.1436377
by: Jeff 07/08/2022
2022 Subaru Forester
Well built and easy to install. If you watch the video you can’t go wrong. However I did not find it necessary to trim the plastic driver side underbody piece. It fit fine without cutting it. I figure if I ever remove the hitch I can reinstall the the plastic piece as it came from the factory.1322495
by: Michael01/17/2023
Immediately after installation I pulled a boat across the state of NC with no problems at all! Installation took a little while but I did it by myself in an afternoon. Very happy with it.1501903
by: John 07/11/2022
2021 Subaru Forester
I have bought multiple products through E-trailer, and have had no problems every thing fit and worked as they should.1324699
by: Justin 10/29/2022
Installation was a snap and the fit was perfect. I used a step bit to open up the hole that needed to be enlarged instead of a grinding bit, much quicker and cleaner. Other than that very happy and would highly recommend it.1459487
by: Happy C10/09/2022
Great value. Install was easy and straightforward. The video helped a ton1444752
by: Thinh09/08/2022
Hitch arrived within a few days. Installation was a breeze. The hitch was excellent quality and was packed well. Loving the matte finish. No complaints at all.1398272
by: Anthony 10/18/2022
2022 Subaru Forester
Arrived quickly and relatively easy to install. Just watch the videos1451216
The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR is confirmed to fit your 2022 Subaru Forester.
The trailer hitch has a bolt-on installation with no welding required. It has a matte black powder coat finish over a protective base which offers a superior rust resistance. This trailer hitch has an extra coating of paint and will survive the elements longer then the other hitches confirmed for your vehicle.
The trailer hitch has a maximum gross trailer weight up to 3,500 pounds and has a maximum... view full answer...
When installing The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2 inch # e83ZR onto your vehicle you do have to remove the 4 heat shield attachments and remove the underbody panel but you will attach it back on after. After removal of the heat shield you will enlarge the center hole on each side of the frame rail to about 1-1/8 inches to allow the mounting hardware to pass through. Then you will fishwire the 1/2 inch carriage bolt and spacer through the... view full answer...
Yes, you can use the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR 2023 Subaru Forester. This is a fit for the 2022 model and according to my research this is the same generation as your 2023 so they will be compatible with each other!
Attached is an installation video of this hitch on a 2021 Forester for you to check out. If you let me know what you plan on using the trailer hitch for I'd be happy to make an additional recommendation for you! view full answer...
I was able to verify for you that there is indeed a trailer hitch receiver that fits your 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness, which is the following part:
- etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR
The will fit both the base Forester as well as the Wilderness because they share a frame, with the differences being things like more more ground clearance and an added oil cooler for the Wilderness.
The Wilderness is the more adventure/outdoors model of the '22 Forester, and the etrailer hitch... view full answer...
The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e83ZR which is a fit for a 2019 Subaru Forester is similar to the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13409. The only difference is our house brand has a matte finish which helps it blend in more with the vehicle. The Curt hitch has a glossy finish. view full answer...
You do indeed have the option of reinstalling the heat shield with either the etrailer Trailer Hitch # e83ZR or Curt Trailer Hitch # C13409.
You would need to drill holes in the heat shield and then re-install it, but this is totally optional so if you'd like you can do so but it isn't necessary. view full answer...
For your 2021 Subaru Forester I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR. This custom-fit Class III hitch will be perfect for your towing needs. It has a matte black powder coat finish which will help hide any dirt or dings while providing corrosion resistance. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.
Since you will be doing some towing you will also need wiring. The most reliable wiring harness is the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467.... view full answer...
When installing a trailer hitch on your 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2 inch # e83ZR is confirmed to fit.
The trailer hitch has a gross towing weight up to 3,500 pounds and has a gross tongue weight up to 525 pounds. I would recommend checking your vehicles manual for the proper towing capacity for your vehicle. Per our records it shows it can tow up to 3,000 pounds The hitch has a simple bolt-on installation... view full answer...
For your 2022 Subaru Forester, the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR is a confirmed fit. This hitch is made in the USA, has a bolt-on, no-drill installation and will provide you with a 2" hitch receiver. It also has a nice matte black finish. The 2" receiver is the most common size used for hitch mounted accessories such as bike racks, cargo carriers and ball mounts.
If you plan to do any towing, you can round out a tow package by adding the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467... view full answer...
For your 2022 Subaru Forester, the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR is confirmed to fit. This hitch is made in the USA, has a bolt-on, no-drill installation and will provide you with a 2" hitch receiver. The 2" receiver is the most common size used for hitch mounted accessories such as bike racks, cargo carriers and ball mounts. It also has a nice matte black finish.
If you plan to do any towing, you can round out a tow package by adding the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467... view full answer...
To tow a trailer with your 2022 Subaru Forester you will need a trailer hitch, wiring, and a ball mount. I recommend the following parts:
-etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR
-T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467
-etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches # 989900
The etrailer hitch is a Class III hitch with a 3,500 lb capacity. It features a bolt-on installation and also has a matte black powder coat finish. This finish gives it more of an OEM look and helps hide dirt and scratches.... view full answer...
For the best hitch for your 2021 Subaru Forester, I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish # e83ZR. The etrailer hitch is the best option because not only is the most economical choice out of all available hitches for your vehicle, it also provides you with the same 525 pounds of maximum tongue weight/3,500 pounds of maximum gross towing weight as the rest of our available hitches (minus the Stealth hitches which have a lower tongue weight). It is... view full answer...
The best trailer hitch for your 2021 Subaru Forester is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR. The etrailer hitch is easy on the wallet and does not require and fascia trimming like some of the other hitches we carry for your vehicle. We are proud to say, in addition, that the etrailer hitch is manufactured here in the U.S.A.
If you plan on towing a small trailer with this hitch, I recommend the T-One Wiring Harness # 118467 (if your vehicle doesn't have a 4-way already installed).... view full answer...
In order to carry two fat tire e-bikes on a 2019 Subaru Forester you'll need to start with a trailer hitch and the best option we have for this is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e83ZR. It features a bolt-on install and provides a very high tongue weight rating which which you'll need for the heavy bikes. That said, you are still limited by the vehicle so if it has a lower tongue weight rating that's the one you'll need to go by. Then for the trailer hitch, the only one we have... view full answer...
I verified that there is a trailer hitch receiver that fits your 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness. It is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver item # e83ZR. It fits both the Forester and the Wilderness model because they share the same frame. This hitch will bolt to your frame with included hardware.
If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness to control you trailer lights item # 118467 along with a ball mount kit item # C45534. view full answer...
For your 2021 Subaru Forester I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR. This custom-fit Class III hitch will be perfect for your towing needs. It has a matte black powder coat finish which will help hide any dirt or dings while providing corrosion resistance. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.
Since you will be doing some towing you will also need wiring. The most reliable wiring harness is the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467.... view full answer...
I recommend going with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR for your 2022 Subaru Forester because it's at a great price-point and it has a matte black finish so it will hold up much better to the elements and road debris.
Then for a nice bike rack I highly recommend the Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack for 2 Bikes # KU98VR. This is hot off the press from Kuat and full of some crazy new ideas including the integrated lights (you'll need to install the 4-Way # 118467), the Hydro-pneumatic... view full answer...
When I've reached out to our hitch manufacturers they said the Wilderness model for the 2022 Subaru Forester and Outback Wagon vehicles won't change how the hitches fit with the vehicle. I'm not sure why the dealer said it won't fit but I trust the guys I spoke with and there isn't a difference in hitch fits for the 2021 Forester and Forester Sport.
Be sure to get new hardware for the installation since hitch hardware is only designed to be torqued to specs once. If it's a hitch that we... view full answer...
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 etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR.
There is an exception with a hitch that allows you to remove the receiver when you aren't using it, resulting in no loss of ground clearance, the Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT24YR.
For... view full answer...
We have three options on trailer hitches that are confirmed to fit your 2021 Subaru Forester I recommend The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR. I like this hitch over the other two hitches because it has a matte black powder coated finish that will help hide scratches and scuffs that you may get from flying rocks or debris when towing your trailer. The other hitches have a gloss black finish and scratches and scuffs will be visible.
Though we do not have a location in Canada where... view full answer...
The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" # e83ZR and the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13409 are essentially the same hitch with the only difference being the paint and the price point. The # e83ZR has a matte black powder coating which will better match any black trim on your 2021 Subaru Forester and will hide any scratches better than the gloss black powder coating on the # C13409.
Both of these hitches have... view full answer...
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 the least amount of trimming and is perfect for a bike rack.
I really like the Ecohitch because it installs behind your rear bumper cover leaving only the 2" x 2" receiver visible. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 3,500... view full answer...
I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch receiver # e83ZR as being the best choice for your 2021 Subaru Forester. This receiver has one of the easiest installations and does not require removing the rear bumper cover to install. Since you will primarily be using this receiver to carry a cargo carrier it carries the higher tongue weight rating of 525lbs and is capable of towing up to 3,500lbs. You will need to ensure that you do not exceed any capacities given by Subaru for your particular... view full answer...
There are quite a few quality trailer hitch receiver options that would work perfectly for towing a small trailer with your 2021 Subaru Forester being the Curt # C13409, Draw-Tite # 76271, EcoHitch # 306-X7391, and the etrailer # e83ZR.
All of these hitches share the same 525lb tongue weight and 3,500lb trailer weight rating making them a great option for towing a small trailer, but between them I have two recommendations based on how much you are looking to spend.
If you are alright... view full answer...
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