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2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester
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Complete CURT Class 3 2" trailer hitch and 5-flat wiring kit (with 4-way to 5-way adapter for surge brakes) 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 your task at hand -- whether it's launching that boat before daybreak, setting up your camper before the rush or getting a final load to the dump before close -- CURT class 3 trailer hitches offer the strength needed for serious towing. They make it easy to hitch up and Bring It, offering a vehicle-specific fit and the weight capacity to handle a variety of trailers. Custom class 3 hitches are the most common type of receiver hitch for pickup trucks and SUVs. Because of their weight range, they are also found on full-size cars, crossovers and minivans. Each custom-fit class 3 hitch package is made for vehicle-specific mounting. This particular kit fits certain years of the Subaru Forester (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 3,500 lbs. GTW and 525 lbs. TW. CURT class 3 trailer hitches are typically used to attach and haul utility trailers, boat trailers, campers, snowmobile or ATV haulers and more (NOTE: Never exceed the lowest-rated towing component). Each class 3 hitch has a 2" receiver tube and is tested in accordance with SAE J684 for safety. To ensure that CURT class 3 receiver hitches have what it takes for serious trailering, they are designed using a hands-on approach and are constructed with rugged, high-strength steel and precise welding. We also protect our class 3 hitches in a co-cured finish of liquid A-coat and black powder coat for superior resistance to rust, chipping and UV damage.
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 | — |
The 14 - 18 Subaru Forester Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13435 (Part #5W-CHW-2750) 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.
Yes, the 14 - 18 Subaru Forester Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13435 (Part #5W-CHW-2750) is designed to fit the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester.
The 14 - 18 Subaru Forester Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13435 (Part #5W-CHW-2750) fits the following vehicles: 2014-2018 Subaru Forester. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 14 - 18 Subaru Forester Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13435 (Part #5W-CHW-2750) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, CURT part number 13435 is designed for all 2014–2018 Subaru Forester models. The hitch is a Class II weight-carrying receiver rated for a maximum trailer weight of 3,500 lbs and tongue weight of 525 lbs. Always verify that your vehicle's towing capacity does not exceed these limits before towing.
The CURT 13435 is rated for a maximum trailer weight of 3,500 lbs and a tongue weight of 525 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 the hitch rating.
Required tools are: safety glasses, ratchet, 10 mm socket, 11/16" socket, 6" extension, screwdriver (Phillips head), torque wrench, pry bar, rotary cutting tool, aviation shears, and jack stands. A torque wrench is essential because all fasteners must be torqued to 70 lb-ft.
Two people may be required to ease installation. The manual recommends reading all instructions thoroughly before beginning and notes that using proper tools will greatly improve the quality of the install and reduce the time required.
Yes. In step 1, you must remove the exhaust hangers and support the lowered exhaust with a jack stand. For single-exhaust vehicles, remove 2 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.
Yes, trimming is required. You must trim the heat shield (both sides if equipped with dual exhaust) and trim the rear fascia. The manual provides trim diagrams showing the required cuts. Heat shield trimming is done before installation; fascia trimming is done after removing 2 push pins and bending the push pin mounting tabs away from the rear of the vehicle.
All hardware must be torqued to 70 lb-ft. This applies to the 7/16" bolts, nuts, and washers that secure the hitch to the frame. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
The kit includes: 6 bolts (7/16-14 UNC, 1-3/4", Grade 8, yellow zinc, part 10-10314); 6 nuts (7/16-14 UNC, Grade 8, yellow zinc, part 20-00147); 6 washers (7/16" S-CON, yellow zinc, part 30-00163); 6 square hole spacers (0.250 × 0.88 × 2.25", part CM-SP2); and 6 pieces of 7/16" fishwire (part 7_16 FISHWIRE). All fasteners are Grade 8 and yellow zinc plated.
Fishwire is a flexible wire used to route the 7/16" carriage bolts and spacers through the access holes in both sides of the frame into the three mounting holes. In step 3, you thread the bolts and spacers through the access holes using the fishwire as a guide before raising the hitch into place.
The heat shield is trimmed in step 2 and reinstalled in step 3 using the 2 outer-most fasteners, sandwiched between the sideplate and the frame. The rear fascia is trimmed in step 4 after removing 2 push pins and bending the push pin mounting tabs away from the rear of the vehicle. Use the trim diagrams provided as a reference for the cuts.
1. Remove exhaust hangers and support lowered exhaust with jack stand. 2. Remove heat shield screws and hole plugs; trim heat shield. 3. Fishwire bolts and spacers through frame access holes into mounting holes; reinstall trimmed heat shield using outer-most fasteners. 4. Remove rear fascia push pins, bend mounting tabs, mark and trim fascia. 5. Raise hitch into place, secure with 7/16" hardware, torque all fasteners to 70 lb-ft, and reattach exhaust hangers.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times while installing this product. Additionally, you must support the lowered exhaust with jack stands during removal and reinstallation. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity when using the hitch.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. The manual does not specify a retorque interval, so inspect before each towing use and at regular intervals thereafter.
Professional installation time is approximately 120 minutes. Novice (DIY) installation time is approximately 60 minutes. Actual time may vary depending on your experience level and familiarity with the tools required.
The installation is rated as moderate difficulty. The manual recommends reading all instructions thoroughly before beginning and notes that if you are hesitant to undertake this task on your own, you should contact an authorized CURT installer for additional assistance.
Yes. 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 the product is found to be defective, CURT may repair or replace it at their option when returned prepaid with proof of purchase. Alteration, misuse, or improper installation voids the warranty.
The CURT 13435 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.
Yes, CURT 13435 is designed for all 2014–2018 Subaru Forester models. It is rated for 3,500 lbs trailer weight and 525 lbs tongue weight. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
You need: safety glasses, ratchet, 10 mm and 11/16" sockets, 6" extension, Phillips screwdriver, torque wrench, pry bar, rotary cutting tool, aviation shears, and jack stands. A torque wrench is essential for tightening all fasteners to 70 lb-ft.
Yes. Trimming of the heat shield and rear fascia is required. No drilling is required; the frame already has mounting holes. Trim diagrams are provided in the manual as a reference.
All 7/16" hardware must be torqued to 70 lb-ft. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
You must remove the exhaust hangers and support the lowered exhaust with a jack stand. For single-exhaust vehicles, remove 2 hangers from the passenger side and 1 from the center-front. For dual-exhaust, also remove 2 from the driver side. Reattach after hitch installation.
The hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs trailer weight and 525 lbs tongue weight. However, never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower.
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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