Published April 13, 2010 | 
So you have a 2009, 2010, or newer Subaru Forester and you are wondering about getting a trailer hitch for it. The one that comes from Subaru bolts right on and is designed for the vehicle, but its kind of expensive. Most people cant get the Subaru trailer hitch it to their door for under $300, and then they have to install it themselves… Or get the Subaru dealer to install it for an arm and a leg.
What about aftermarket trailer hitches? There are definitely a few options, but I chose the one from U-HAUL. My parents have ALWAYS gotten their trailer hitches done by U-HAUL and have always been happy with them. Not only that, but the prices are great. I got the trailer hitch and the install done for just under $200. I just had to drop my 2009 Forester XT off at the local U-HAUL place for 2 hours and then it was finished. It looks great too. The paint is nice and glossy, the steel tubing is robust, sleek, and round. Its also capable of towing 4000lbs (400lb tongue weight). I know the Subaru Forester has a max towing limit of 2,400lbs, but its definitely not a bad thing to know your hitch is rated for more, just in case.
As far as the trailer wiring harness goes.. U-HAUL wanted $100 bucks for that, but you can pick up an aftermarket wiring kit for about $40 bucks shipped from etrailer.com and it will plug right into your trailer wiring harness socket right in the trunk of your forester, no splicing required! You can watch them install it here too (installation video link)
I have a few images of the u-haul trailer hitch installed below. It sits nice and tight up close to the bottom of the vehicle. I was worried the trailer hitch it would hang too low, but I’m definitely very satisfied with how the install it came out.
Pics:
subaru forester trailer hitch under vehicle view
view of aftermarket trailer hitch installed
16 Responses to 2009 Subaru Forester Trailer Hitch Installed
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Is this a 2″ hitch?
yes, it is a 2″ hitch
Nice and cheap upgrade, but is it really necessary? I mean, do you even tow more than 2,400 lbs?
The point is that it has a full sized 2″ hitch receiver that is compatible with much more trailers than the tiny one that can come from the factory. At the moment I have not towed more than 2,000lbs but you never know what the future holds.
This post is very informative and useful. There are a number of trailer hitch accessories that make the hitches easier to operate safely. Make sure to select the right hitch for your object.
I have a problem where the muffler knocks against the uhaul hitch during hard cornering on my RAV4, switching to Forrester and I’m wondering if you have that problem too?
I have not had this problem. Sounds like cheap muffler mount on the Rav-4. My trailer hitch is completely silent and solid feeling.
Very thoughtfull of you to show us the pictures of what it looks like. Think I will get it done. Thanks.
Had my trailer hitch done at uhaul. What kind of rise do you use to tow? 4 inch?
Yup, something like that. I guess it’s supposed to lower the tow ball on most vehicles, but I flipped it and put the ball on the other side. I’d say its about a 4″ riser.
can a 2010 subaru forester 4 cyn stick have a hitch and actually tow a trailer? I have to get furniture from utah and bring it to wisconsin. will it burn my engine out? I am thinking towing is the way to go as moving prices are outlandish.
thanks for the help and any imput.
Thank you for this post, really appreciate the photos. You really helped us with our Forester XT hitch decision. Yes Elizabeth, your standard shift Forester can tow a trailer. Check your owners manual for weight limits, but you won’t “burn out” your Subie’s engine.
Thanks for posting this. I have a 2009 Forester XT. To get a hitch installed by Subaru will cost $400 for the hitch and close to $200 for install. Not only that – I was told that they would have to cut into my bumper. Have you ever heard of that? Going to UHAUL would be the first time that my car would be touched by anyone other than the dealer. I feel better knowing that I’ll be installing something that can tow more (than Subaru install) and it seems that it can be done by UHAUL without cutting into the bumper.
Went to U Haul today and after two hours, the guy finally admitted he couldn’t drill a hole big enough for one of the bolts to go through and he put back the muffler set and left. They are supposed to credit me for the purchase price tomorrow. They couldn’t even do THAT tonight. I’ve got a new 2011 Forester. Don’t think I’ll try U Haul again.
I just got my Outback fitted at Uhaul with a 2″ hitch for a new bike rack. I made a 7am appointment. Because Saturday morning is a busy time at Uhaul the work didn’t get started until 9am and wasn’t completed until 12:30pm. I had been given an estimate of one hour. Moral of the story: don’t go on the busiest day of the week, and get a real time estimate. Thankfully there was a coffee shop nearby!