Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Subaru Forester to Tow a Boat
Question:
I am going to tow a 16 foot boat weighing 1100 lbs including the trailer and would like to have your recommendation for which class of hitch to use. I have been using a Class 3 hitch on my 2007 Forester but wanted to know if a Class 2 would be adequate. Thanks
asked by: Gene C
Expert Reply:
A Class II Hitch for your 2007 Forester would have more than enough strength to tow your 1,100 lb. boat. We only offer one Class II hitch for your vehicle and it is the Curt Class II Hitch # C12100. This hitch has a GTW capacity of 3500 lbs. and a TW capacity of 350 lbs., however, your 2017 Subaru Forester has a GTW capacity of 1,500 lbs. so you will be limited by the towing capacity of your vehicle and the Class II hitch will be adequate.
However, if you are interested in using your hitch for a bike rack or cargo rack, I do not recommend the Curt Hitch for your vehicle. This is because Curt requires the use of stabilizing straps # 18050 when carrying all non trailer loads (cargo racks, bike racks etc.) to stay within their warranty requirements. However, the Draw-Tite Class III Hitch # 75876 does not require stabilizing straps when carrying non trailer loads and it is still capable to tow your boat. Also, more accessories are offered for a Class III Hitch compared to a Class II Hitch.
To complete your towing package, you will need a wiring harness, hitch ball, ball mount and pin and clip, if you do not already have these.
For a wiring harness I recommend the Curt Wiring Harness # C56040. For a ball mount, hitch ball and pin and clip, I recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches # 989900. this kit comes with two ball mounts, a 1-7/8" Ball and 2" Ball and pin and clip.
I attached an installation video for the Draw-Tite Hitch on a 2016 Subaru Forester which is the same installation process for your 2017 Forester. I also attached a review video of the ball mount kit and a help article on how to choose the right trailer hitch class.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- Two Balls
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- etrailer
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Installation: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2017 Subaru Forester
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2017 Subaru Forester
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: hitch
- Video: Mount: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt & etrailer Trailer Hitches For 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
on Trailer Hitch
