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2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester
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Complete CURT Class 2 1-1/4" trailer hitch and 4-flat custom wiring kit engineered for the 2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester. Vehicle-specific fit, plug-and-play installation, all hardware and instructions included.
This custom kit fits the following vehicles:
All Hardware and Installation Instructions Included!
Whatever the next checkpoint is on your adventure -- whether it's getting your bike on the trail before sunrise or making it to the campground before dark -- CURT class 2 hitches let you Bring It with confidence. These receiver hitches are made to handle most light-duty towing applications and offer a custom fit for your vehicle. Typically used on full-size cars, crossovers, compact SUVs, minivans or even compact pickup trucks, a CURT class 2 trailer hitch complements the design of smaller vehicles. This particular class 2 hitch is made to be a custom hitch for certain years of the Subaru Forester (to verify vehicle compatibility, see application info). It offers a weight carrying capacity of 3,500 lbs. GTW and 350 lbs. TW. Class 2 trailer hitches can typically be used to tow a variety of lightweight trailers, such as a small utility trailer, small fishing boat trailer or popup camper (NOTE: Never exceed the lowest weight capacity of any towing component). They are also perfect for adding cargo space to your vehicle with a bike rack or cargo carrier. This class 2 hitch features a 1-1/4" receiver tube to accept a ball mount shank or other hitch-mounted accessory. For safety, it is tested in accordance with SAE J684. A custom trailer hitch design requires extra care, and as such, CURT class 2 hitches are engineered using real vehicles and hands-on research. We use high-strength steel, robotic welding and rigorous testing to produce hitches that are built to fit your lifestyle. To ensure that each hitch will be a reliable extension of your vehicle, we also finish our hitches in a co-curing of liquid A-coat and black powder coat, giving them long-lasting rust and wear resistance.
CURT custom wiring connectors are the easiest way to outfit your vehicle with a CURT trailer wiring connection. They are built with some of the most advanced technology in the industry, and each one is custom-fitted to work with a specific make and model. Some automotive manufacturers install a special socket on the vehicle to be used for vehicle-to-trailer wiring. Although this special socket is not equipped on every vehicle, a CURT custom wiring connector -- also called a T-connector -- utilizes the socket for simple, stress-free installation. Rather than requiring you to cut, splice and solder into your vehicle's wiring system, the custom wiring connector uses a single OEM-compatible plug and instantly provides a standard, universal vehicle-to-trailer wiring connection, typically in the form a 4-way flat. All CURT custom wiring connectors are made vehicle-specific for the easiest possible installation and the best fit. This particular plug-in connector provides a 4-way flat socket and is designed to be a custom wiring option for certain years of the Subaru Ascent, Forester, Outback, Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek (to verify your vehicle compatibility, see application info). It comes with all necessary hardware to establish a solid connection. It also comes with a dust cover to keep the connector socket clean when not in use. To ensure long-lasting reliability, all CURT custom wiring connectors are thoroughly tested for optimal functionality. Stress is the last thing you should feel when towing a trailer -- whether you're hauling your RV to that favorite camping destination, your ATVs up to the hunting grounds or your fishing boat to the new hidden hotspot. At CURT, we think your towing equipment should add to the enjoyment of your experience, not detract from it.
CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494One-Year Limited Warranty
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 - 2018 | Subaru Forester | — |
Yes, the 14 - 18 Subaru Forester Curt 1-1/4", Class 2 Trailer Tow Hitch + 4-flat Wiring Kit 12100 (Part #CHW-2748) is designed to fit the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester.
The 14 - 18 Subaru Forester Curt 1-1/4", Class 2 Trailer Tow Hitch + 4-flat Wiring Kit 12100 (Part #CHW-2748) fits the following vehicles: 2014-2018 Subaru Forester. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 14 - 18 Subaru Forester Curt 1-1/4", Class 2 Trailer Tow Hitch + 4-flat Wiring Kit 12100 (Part #CHW-2748) fits 2014-2018 Subaru Forester models. The 2018 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 14 - 18 Subaru Forester Curt 1-1/4", Class 2 Trailer Tow Hitch + 4-flat Wiring Kit 12100 (Part #CHW-2748) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, CURT part number 12100 is designed for 2014-current Subaru Forester SUVs. This is a Class II receiver hitch with a maximum trailer weight capacity of 3500 lbs and tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs. Always verify your vehicle's manufacturer towing capacity before towing, as you must never exceed it.
CURT hitch 12100 is designed for use with ballmount #45518, euro ballmount #45551 (1 7/8" ball), or euro ballmount #45552 (2" ball). These ballmounts are sold separately.
The maximum trailer weight capacity is 3500 lbs and the maximum tongue weight capacity is 350 lbs when used as a weight-carrying hitch. However, you must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower than these hitch ratings.
Required tools are: ratchet, 10mm and 3/4" sockets, 6" socket extension, Phillips head screwdriver, grinder or drill, torque wrench, and jack stands. Safety glasses must be worn at all times during installation.
The hitch includes 6 bolts (1/2-13 UNC, 1-3/4", Grade 8, part 10-10272), 6 serrated flange nuts (1/2-13 UNC, Grade 8, part 20-00062), 6 square hole spacers (0.250 x 1.00 x 2.50", part CM-SP10), and 6 pieces of 1/2" fishwire (part 1_2 FISHWIRE).
Yes, you must remove and support the exhaust system. For single exhaust vehicles, remove 2 exhaust hangers from the passenger side muffler and 1 from the center front. For dual exhaust vehicles, also remove 2 hangers from the driver side muffler. Support the lowered exhaust with a jack stand. The exhaust is reattached in the final step.
Yes, you must enlarge the center hole on each side of the frame to approximately 1 1/8" diameter to allow the mounting hardware to pass through. This enlargement is required on both the driver and passenger sides. A grinder or drill is needed for this task.
Fishwire is a routing technique to guide bolts through frame holes. In step 4, you thread the 1/2" carriage bolt and spacer through the front and rear frame holes on both sides using the fishwire, then reverse the fishwire process through the center hole on both sides. This allows the hardware to be positioned before the hitch is raised into place.
All 1/2" hardware must be torqued to 110 ft-lb. A torque wrench is required to achieve this specification.
Yes, you must remove 4 heat shield attachments using a Phillips head screwdriver or 10mm socket. If your vehicle is equipped with dual exhaust, remove heat shield attachments from both sides. These are removed in step 2 before exposing the frame mounting holes.
Three hole plugs are removed from each side of the frame in step 2 to expose the mounting holes. The manual states these removed items should be returned to the customer, but does not specify whether they are reinstalled after the hitch is mounted.
All non-trailer (wheel-less) loads applied to this hitch must be supported by CURT stabilizing straps part number 18050. Failure to properly support non-trailer loads will void the product warranty. See the CURT catalog or visit www.curtmfg.com for further information on these straps.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times during installation. The exhaust system must be supported with jack stands when lowered. If you are hesitant to undertake this installation yourself, contact an authorized CURT installer for assistance. Technical support is available at 877-287-8634.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. This ongoing maintenance is essential to safe operation.
The installation is rated as moderate to challenging difficulty. The manual states that if you are hesitant to undertake this task on your own, you should contact an authorized CURT installer for additional assistance. Two people may be required to ease installation. Technical support is available at 877-287-8634.
Yes, this product complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5 and SAE J684.
CURT Manufacturing warrants this product to be free of defects in material and/or workmanship at the time of retail purchase by the original purchaser. If defective, CURT may repair or replace the product at their option when returned prepaid with proof of purchase. Alteration, misuse, or improper installation voids the warranty. CURT's liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective products and excludes incidental or consequential loss or damage.
Yes, CURT 12100 fits 2014-current Subaru Forester SUVs. Maximum capacity: 3500 lbs trailer weight, 350 lbs tongue weight. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's towing capacity.
Yes, you must enlarge the center hole on each frame side to 1 1/8" diameter using a grinder or drill. This is a permanent modification required for proper hardware fit.
Ratchet, 10mm and 3/4" sockets, 6" socket extension, Phillips screwdriver, grinder or drill, torque wrench, jack stands, and safety glasses. Two people may be required.
Yes, you must remove and support the exhaust system with jack stands. For single exhaust, remove 2 hangers from passenger side muffler and 1 from center front. For dual exhaust, also remove 2 from driver side muffler. Reattach after hitch installation.
All 1/2" hardware must be torqued to 110 ft-lb. A torque wrench is required.
All non-trailer loads must be supported by CURT stabilizing straps part 18050. Failure to do so voids the warranty. See www.curtmfg.com for details.
Compatible ballmounts: #45518, euro #45551 (1 7/8" ball), or euro #45552 (2" ball). Sold separately.
Yes, the Curt 56040 vehicle-to-trailer connector fits Subaru Forester models from 2009 onwards, including 2009–2013 and 2014+ versions. However, the wiring harness location differs between these model years, so follow the instructions specific to your year. The connector does not fit Subaru Crosstrek or XV Crosstrek Hybrid models.
No. The Curt 56040 is designed for Subaru Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek models, but explicitly excludes Hybrid versions. If you have a Hybrid model, contact Curt Manufacturing or your vehicle manufacturer to confirm compatibility.
The Curt 56040 is rated for Signal Circuits at 3.0 amps per side and Tail/Running Circuits at 6.0 amps total. The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a 10-amp maximum fuse. Do not exceed the product rating or your tow vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower, as exceeding it can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
You will need a 10mm socket, a ratchet, and a panel trim removal tool. These are the only tools specified in the manual. Additional tools such as a drill may be needed if you must drill a pilot hole for the ground screw, depending on whether a suitable existing screw is available in your vehicle.
Yes. The first step of installation is to locate the vehicle battery on the driver side under the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal. This must be done before proceeding with any other installation steps.
On 2009–2013 Forester models, the vehicle wiring harness connectors are located on the driver side under the trays in the trunk. You must first remove all trunk floor coverings and the plastic fasteners securing the trays in the center and on the driver side to access them.
On Subaru Outback models, the vehicle wiring harness connectors are tucked up behind the driver side inner fender trim, visible near the rubber grommet in the floor and the cargo anchor. You must first remove trunk floor coverings and trays to access this area.
On 2014+ Forester and XV Crosstrek models, the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors are located on the driver side behind the rear trim panel. Pull back on the rear trim panel to locate them.
Insert the custom connector end into the vehicle connector. Make sure the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place. Do not proceed until the connection is secure and the locking tabs are engaged.
Not necessarily. First, locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame. If no suitable existing screw is available, you may drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided screw. Before drilling, check for miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury.
Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame, or drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided screw if needed. The area should be free of rust, dirt and paint. Secure the white ground wire using the ring terminal and provided screw.
Locate a flat spot inside the vehicle, near the taillight, and adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape. Ensure the surface is clean and flat to allow the tape to bond securely.
Install a red 10-amp fuse into the in-line fuse holder. This is the maximum fuse rating allowed; do not use a fuse with a higher amperage rating.
When in use, route the 4-flat to the center of the vehicle. When not in use, roll it up and store in a convenient, out-of-the-way location. Secure any loose wires with the provided cable ties to prevent tangling and damage.
After installation, reinstall all items removed during the install and reconnect the negative battery terminal. Install the provided 4-flat dust cover to help prevent corrosion. Test the connector for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer.
Test the connector for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer. All steps must be followed to ensure the wiring connector will function properly.
Yes, the Curt 56040 fits Subaru Ascent, Forester (all years), Outback, Crosstrek, and XV Crosstrek—but excludes Hybrid models. Confirm your model year and drivetrain before purchasing.
You need a 10mm socket, ratchet, and panel trim removal tool. A drill may be needed if no existing ground screw is available.
Yes, disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting installation.
Drilling is not required if an existing screw with nut is available in the vehicle frame for the ground connection. If not, drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided screw.
The maximum fuse rating is 10 amps. Do not exceed this rating or the tow vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
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