Hitching Up Your Subaru
Many Subaru owners lead active outdoor lifestyles. Adding a trailer hitch to your Subaru creates flexible storage options no matter your Montana destination.
Posted: 05/27/2022
Automotive Subaru Accessorize
With their capable all-wheel drive systems and powerful engines, Subaru's have always been rugged, capable companions for Montana drivers. While they aren't going to haul as much as a pickup truck, all of Subaru's crossovers and SUVs have the ability to tow when equipped with a towing hitch, and many offer enough towing capacity to move any of your toys.
Benefits of adding a trailer hitch to your Subaru:
- Maximizing the cargo space of your vehicle by towing necessary items such as tools, firewood, camping supplies, and sporting goods
- Attaching a bike rack for sightseeing and adventure road trips
- Using it to support a camping hammock so you can sleep or relax anywhere you can park your Subaru
- Adding a crash-tested safety bumper for extra protection
How to Choose a Subaru Trailer Hitch
Receiver hitches are divided into 5 classes, depending on their towing capacity and receiver tube size. The higher the class number, the higher the capacity and the larger the receiver tube is.
While it is helpful to distinguish between the various tow hitch classes, it is important to note that most receiver hitches are made vehicle-specific. In other words, not all 5 classes are available for each vehicle.
| Hitch Class | Common Applications | Receiver Size | GTW Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Cars and Crossovers | 1-1/4 Inch | Up to 2,000 |
| Class 2 | Cars, Crossovers, and Minivans | 1-1/4 inch | Up to 3,500 |
| Class 3 | Crossovers, vans, SUVs, and Truck | 2 inch | Up to 8,000 |
| Class 4 | Trucks and SUVs | 2-inch | Up to 10,000 |
| Class 5 | Trucks and SUVs | 2-inch | 16,000 - 17,000 |
A Class 2 trailer hitch like the CURT 12100 Class 2 Trailer Hitch works with a small SUV, in this case the Subaru Forester. It can tow up to 3500 pounds and has a 1.25-inch receiver hitch to accommodate a fishing boat, small trailer, or small pop-up camper.
A Class 3 trailer hitch like the CURT 13135 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is compatible with the Subaru Crosstrek and Crosstrek XV models. It's rated for up to 3,500 pounds and has a versatil 2-inch receiver you can use to connect a tow hook, bike rack, cargo carrier, or ball mount. Curt hitches use durable black powder coating that resists dirt, rust, and UV rays. All CURT trailer hitch models undergo thorough safety testing and meet SAE J684 specifications.
How to Install a Subaru Trailer Hitch
Disclaimer: The guidelines in this story are general and not meant to replace instructions for your specific vehicle. Please consult your owner's manual or repair guide before attempting repairs.
It's important to note that every trailer hitch is different and the installation steps will vary depending on the vehicle. Read the manufacturer instructions for your trailer hitch carefully before deciding to pursue DIY installation. To ensure the best fit and safety guidelines we recommend having MARS of Billings install your Subaru trailer hitch.
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