Curt vs Draw-tite Hitch for a 2020 Subaru Forester

Question:

Hi there, I am looking to purchase a hitch for my 2020 Subaru Forester. I am trying to decide between the curt C13409 and draw-tite 76271. I am going to be using the hitch for my Yakima Holdup Evo 2 bike rack. I have seen some reviews say the curt is better because it sticks out further to give more clearance, but other reviews say the draw-tite is better because the curt requires stabilizing straps. Are these straps really required? Will not using them damage the hitch and/or bike rack? I do not want to have to use them. In your expert opinion, which hitch is better for this use? Thanks!

asked by: Loren

Expert Reply:

For your 2020 Subaru Forester, I recommend the Curt hitch. It is going to be able to handle your Yakima HoldUp EVO 2, part # Y02479, without any problems.

Both the Curt and Draw-Tite hitches are Class III hitches with 2" receivers. They both also have a gross tongue weight capacities of 525 pounds, which is more than enough to hold up your bike rack. Also, they both have a pin-hole-to-bumper length of 5", so they will have the same clearance. Even with the rack folded up, there is about 8" between the closest part of the rack and the center of the hitch pin hole. Meaning, both hitches will give you 3" between the bumper and the folded up rack.

The Curt, part # C13409, has a distance of 15" from the ground while the Draw-Tite, part # 76271, has only 13". As such, if you ever plan on towing a trailer, the Draw-Tite will cause you to have to look for a ball mount with a much higher rise. That's the only difference, though.

All in all, the Curt is a great hitch to go with and, as mentioned before, can easily handle the HoldUp EVO. No straps are required. Curt used to require straps for their hitches, but they no longer do. I've linked to a video installation of this hitch for your consideration.

expert reply by: Kef G