Trailer Hitches for 2018 Subaru Forester

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Question:

2018 Forrester What hitch should I get? Why are there so many optoins?

asked by: Buster

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Expert Reply:

There are quite a few and it can be rather confusing.

For starters I recommend getting a Class III trailer hitch on your 2018 Subaru Forester. A Class III hitch has a higher weight capacity and is the larger 2 inch receiver. There are more accessory options, like bike racks and cargo carriers, that fit the 2 inch as opposed to the smaller 1-1/4 inch size.

Of the Class III hitches for you there are basically two designs; a visible cross tube with the reciever coming directly from it and the concealed cross tube which the receiver drops down below it. Personally I prefer the concealed cross tube because it's a much cleaner look. The installation is more involved because you need to take the rear bumper off but it's worth it in the end.

We carry two hitches that have the concealed cross tube; the EcoHitch # 306-X7216 and the Draw-Tite # 76182. The biggest difference between the two is the price tag so I recommend the Draw-Tite hands down. I've linked install videos of both of them for you to take a look at. Also, the photo I attached is of the Draw-Tite installed so you can see how the only parts of the hitch that're visible are the receiver opening and safety chain loops.

If you also need trailer wiring I recommend the Hopkins, part # HM11143865. It has the highest amp draw of the three that fit your Forester. I also prefer the installation becasue the converter box mounts with two screws instead of just one or just double-sided tape. If a converter moves around it can be damaged and the harness will no longer function.

expert reply by: Charles S

0

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Answer 1

For your 2015 Subaru Forester I would recommend going with a hidden hitch like the EcoHitch part #306-X7216 as only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper and the lower hitch opening is removable which means when not in use it's…

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Answer 2

For trailer wiring for your 2014 Subaru Forester I recommend the Tekonsha kit part #118467 because this brand of harness tends to be the most reliable over time when compared to other brands. Realistically you won't be blowing the fuse of…

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Answer 3

What sets the EcoHitch #306-X7391 receiver apart from the other two options is that it's going to be completely hidden behind your bumper. The only portion that is visible is the 2 inch square receiver. So, if looks are important to you, this is…

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Answer 4

The total weight of the EcoHitch part #306-X7216 that you referenced is 53 lbs. The total weight of the Draw Tite hitch part #76182 you also mentioned is 35 lbs. I know you didn't ask for this, but I can't help but also feel compelled to you…

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Answer 5

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #306-X7216 will be slightly different than the Draw-Tite #76182 you mentioned. I've attached a photo of the torque specs from the EcoHitch you mentioned. The attached…

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Answer 6

Good questions, and I can help you decide between the Draw-Tite and EcoHitch trailer hitch receivers for your 2016 Subaru Forester. Real quick I'll address the different Draw-Tite models, with the difference being one is a 2" receiver and…

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Answer 7

For your 2018 Subaru Forester, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C13144 which will give you a measurement of 4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outermost part of the bumper. This will…

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Answer 8

For your 2018 Forester we do have both 1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III hitches from several makers. We always recommend the larger and higher weight capacity Class III hitch when the option exists because this size offers broader…

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Answer 9

Both the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #CU64FR and Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76182 are going sit virtually flush with the rear bumper on your 2018 Subaru Forester. If I had to give one the slightest edge it would be the Draw-Tite. The…

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Answer 10

For your 2018 Subaru Forester XT I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch #76182 because it features a hidden design where only the receiver is visible beneath the vehicle. This provides you with a clean, OEM appearance unlike the…

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Answer 11

Apart from the EcoHitch 2-inch hitch model #306-X7216 that you referenced, which is pricier due to its fabrication from recycled materials, all of the other 2-inch hitch options for your 2018 Forester share similar weight capacities and similar…

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Answer 12

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76182 weighs right at 35 pounds. The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch # 306-X7216 is just a tad heavier at 37.5 pounds. Both hitches are confirmed to fit your 2018 Subaru Forester and feature a similar…

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Trailer Hitches for 2018 Subaru Forester

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