Towing Capacity of 2015 Subaru Forester with Aftermarket Hitch

Question

Question:

Hi, I live in Los Angeles and am considering purchasing a 2015 Subaru Forester. I just looked at one of your products which was a 2inch hitch for 2014 Subaru Forester. It claimed it could tow 3500 lbs. Consumer Reports say that Subaru Foresters towing capacity is 1000 lbs. Can your hitch actually tow up to 3500 lbs? If so, I could consider a ultralight travel trailer then. Is your hitch much better than Subarus hitch which explains the 2500 lbs difference? How can people arrange to get your hitch installed instead of doing it themselves? Thanks

asked by: Lori

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Curt trailer hitch, part # C13144, is a confirmed fit for the 2015 Subaru Forester and has a capacity of 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight (installation instructions linked below). Gross trailer weight is the total weight of the trailer and its contents. The tongue weight capacity for the hitch is 350 pounds, that is the downward force exerted on the ball mount. Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of gross trailer weight. Trailer hitches and tow vehicles often have different gross trailer and tongue weight capacities You will want to go by the lower rating.

Provided that the loaded trailer does not exceed these capacities AND the vehicle is capable of towing the weight (you will need to check your owner's manual see what weight Subaru says can safely be towed with your vehicle) you can tow an ultralight trailer.

Most auto repair shops will be able to install an aftermarket hitch for you.

To complete your towing setup you may be interested in the Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches, part # 989900, and the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, part # C56040. I have included a video of the wiring harness being installed on a Subaru Outback for you to check out.

expert reply by: Chris O

1

Answer 1

Aftermarket trailer hitches like the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #75876 are not able to increase the towing capacity of your 2018 Subaru Forester. They are rated for higher capacity simply because…

view full answer...

Answer 2

So I checked with Thule and for the version of the T2 that would have been bought prior to 2012 the correct wheel tray is the part #853-5958 that you referenced.

view full answer...

Answer 3

The Thule Replacement Front Wheel Cradle for Thule T2 Bike Racks #853-5958 will work on the SportWorks rack you pictured as long as the measurements are consistent. The cradle has a base that is 9-1/4 inches long and 3 inches wide with bolt holes…

view full answer...

Answer 4

To install the Replacement Fat Tire Front Wheel Tray for Thule T2 Classic Platform Bike Racks #8523598001 you will just need to remove the 2 screws holding the old tray in place and then use those same screws to install the new one (see attached).

view full answer...

Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 6

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

view full answer...

Answer 9

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

view full answer...

Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 11

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

view full answer...

Answer 12

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

view full answer...

Towing Capacity of 2015 Subaru Forester with Aftermarket Hitch

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching