Subaru Forester Trailer Hitch Buyer’s Guide (Canada)

Shopping a trailer hitch for a Subaru Forester in Canada? We publish year landers from 1999 through 2026 and stock Class 2 and Class 3 CURT receivers that change by generation. This guide compares the SKUs we actually list, calls out tongue-weight differences on later Class 3 cards, and keeps the shopping path honest.

Built for Canadian Forester owners. Free shipping on CURT towing gear from Lots of Parts. New to hitches? Start with the buying guide, Outback hitch guide, and Ascent hitch guide. Prefer the full index? Open the towing guides hub.

Watch these CURT videos first

All four videos are from the official CURT YouTube channel (@curtmfg). There is no dedicated Forester rear-hitch install on the channel right now. Many Forester installs involve exhaust clearance, heat-shield work, or fascia trim, so these clips cover selection, technique, fascia habits, and wiring — still follow the CURT sheet for your exact SKU.

If an embed does not load, use the YouTube link under the card.

How to Select a Trailer Hitch

CURT · Hitch class basics

Class basics before you compare Forester Class 2 versus Class 3 receivers and Subaru’s tow limit.

Watch on YouTube →

CURT Install Techniques

CURT · Hardware and method

Fishwire and hardware habits that show up on many Forester Class 3 sheets — still torque to the install PDF.

Watch on YouTube →

How to Trim Fascia

CURT · Bumper-cover tips

Useful context when a Forester sheet mentions fascia clearance — measure twice before you cut.

Watch on YouTube →

Connect Trailer Wiring

CURT · T-connector basics

How a custom harness feeds trailer lights — pair with CURT 56040 when that card lists your Forester year.

Watch on YouTube →

Forester generations we stock

Lots of Parts publishes Forester hitch year pages from 1999 through 2026. CURT Class 3 and Class 2 options change by generation, and on later years two Class 3 cards differ mainly by tongue-weight figure and body style. Subaru Forester tow ratings stay modest compared with truck platforms, so size the trailer to the vehicle first.

Years What we usually stock
2019–2026 Forester Class 3: CURT 13409 (about 3,500 lb trailer and 525 lb tongue on the card) versus CURT 13459 (same trailer figure with a lower 350 lb tongue figure and a concealed main body). Class 2: CURT 12198 with a 1.25 inch receiver. Confirm Wilderness or other trim notes on the card if listed.
2014–2018 Forester Class 3: CURT 13435 (concealed body) and CURT 13144 — both list about 3,500 lb trailer and 525 lb tongue on the cards we stock. Class 2: CURT 12100.
2009–2013 Forester Class 3: CURT 13147 with a 2 inch receiver (about 4,000 lb trailer and 400 lb tongue on the card).
1999–2008 Forester Class 2: CURT 12038 for listed late-1990s through 2008 years. We publish landers from 1999 — there is no 1998 Forester hitch lander even if the card mentions 1998.
Wiring · lights CURT 56040 four-flat covering many Forester years plus other Subaru applications on the same card. Confirm Forester years before you buy.

Never exceed Subaru’s tow rating for your Forester trim and drivetrain. A hitch does not raise that limit.

Jump to your Forester year

Live fitment pages on Lots of Parts from 1999 through 2026.

A 1998 Forester hitch lander is not published. Confirm early-card years carefully if your Forester is older than 1999.

Class paths on current Foresters

2019–2026 · Class 3

CURT 13409 versus 13459

Both are 2 inch Class 3 receivers. Stock links: CURT 13409 and CURT 13459.

  • 13409 lists the higher tongue figure on the card we stock
  • 13459 trades some tongue figure for a concealed body look
2019–2026 · Class 2

CURT 12198 · 1.25 inch receiver

Lighter path for racks and small carriers. Stock link: CURT 12198.

  • Not a 2 inch Class 3 path
  • Choose Class 3 if you want common 2 inch mounts

CURT parts we stock for Forester

Real store links. Confirm your year and notes before you buy.

CURT 13409Class 3 · 2019–20262 inch rear — higher tongue figure on the card CURT 13459Class 3 · 2019–2026Concealed-body Class 3 — lower tongue figure CURT 12198Class 2 · 2019–20261.25 inch rear receiver — lighter accessory path CURT 13435Class 3 · 2014–2018Concealed-body Class 3 for mid-generation Foresters CURT 13144Class 3 · 2014–2018Alternate Class 3 card for the same years CURT 12100Class 2 · 2014–20181.25 inch rear receiver for mid-generation years CURT 13147Class 3 · 2009–20132 inch rear receiver for third-generation Foresters CURT 12038Class 2 · early yearsListed through 2008 — landers from 1999 CURT 56040Wiring · four-flatShared Subaru harness — confirm Forester years

Simple setup steps

Step 1Open your year

Use the 1999–2026 landers above so you land on the hitch family that fits your Forester.

Step 2Compare Class 3 cards

On later years, read tongue-weight figures on CURT 13409 versus CURT 13459 carefully.

Step 3Add lights

Most trailers need a harness. See the wiring guide.

Step 4Mind tongue weight

Keep load in the safe range. Start with the tongue weight guide.

Canada checklist

  • Believe Subaru’s tow rating for your trim — Foresters are not heavy-tow trucks.
  • Read tongue-weight figures when two Class 3 SKUs cover the same years.
  • Plan for salt season — rinse the receiver and plug it when spring arrives.
  • Fascia and exhaust notes matter on many Forester sheets — budget time if you DIY.

Related guides

Outback Buyer’s GuideSubaru wagon sibling Ascent Buyer’s GuideThree-row Subaru Crosstrek Buyer’s GuideCompact Subaru crossover Wiring GuideHarnesses that fit Brake Controller GuideWhen electric brakes need one Towing Guides HubAll guides

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