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2019 - 2025 Subaru Forester
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This fits: 2019-2025 Subaru Forester All
A CURT trailer hitch is the key to pursuing your passions, whether you're taking the family boat out for an afternoon on the water or packing up the mountain bikes for a day on the trails. This CURT class 2 hitch is perfect for towing a small trailer, such as a boat trailer, lightweight camper or utility trailer. It can also be used to mount a hitch cargo carrier or bike rack (never exceed the lowest-rated towing component). Like all CURT custom hitches, this class 2 trailer hitch is made for a vehicle-specific fit. It is engineered to seamlessly integrate with select years of the Subaru Forester (see application info to verify fitment). It is rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight. It is also equipped with 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" hitch receiver to accept the included ball mount. The ball mount that comes with this hitch kit has a 3/4" trailer ball hole and can be positioned in the drop or rise orientation for level towing with your specific trailer (trailer ball not included). Like all CURT custom receiver hitches, this class 2 hitch is designed, manufactured, finished and tested with the utmost care. It is engineered for a precise fit, easy installation, maximum towing strength and an integrated look on the vehicle. It is also tested to SAE J684 protocols for safety. This class 2 trailer hitch is finished with our industry-leading dual-coat process for unparalleled rust, chip and UV resistance. It is descaled for a smooth surface, submersed in liquid A-coat for rust prevention inside and out, covered with a highly durable powder coat, and finally co-cured for a dependable shield against the elements. This class 2 hitch comes with a ball mount, hitch pin and mounting hardware for a complete installation.
Trailer hitch weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer's stated capacities
Not compatible for use with vertical hanging bicycles (bike racks that require the bicycles to be hung / mounted vertically)
Includes ball mount, installation hardware, pin & clip
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Subaru Forester All Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Ball Mount, Select Subaru Forester
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 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 - 2025 | Subaru Forester | — |
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The 2019-2025 Subaru Forester All Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Ball Mount (Part #CHD-121983-001) fits the following vehicles: 2019-2025 Subaru Forester. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester All Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Ball Mount (Part #CHD-121983-001) is designed to fit the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester.
The 2019-2025 Subaru Forester All Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Ball Mount (Part #CHD-121983-001) fits 2019-2025 Subaru Forester models. The 2025 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 2019-2025 Subaru Forester All Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Ball Mount (Part #CHD-121983-001) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The CURT 12198 hitch is rated for a maximum trailer weight of 3500 lbs and a tongue weight of 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 the hitch rating. Check your Subaru owner's manual for the specific towing limit for your Forester model year.
Yes, CURT part number 12198 is designed for 2019-current Subaru Forester SUV models. The manual confirms this is the correct hitch for these model years.
Required tools include: ratchet, 10mm socket, 3/4" socket, 6" socket extension, screwdriver (Phillips head), die grinder or drill, torque wrench, and jack stands. Safety glasses must be worn at all times during installation.
The hitch includes: 6 Grade 8 1/2-13 UNC 1-3/4" carriage bolts (part 10-10272), 6 square hole spacers 0.250 x 1.00 x 2.50" (part CM-SP10), 6 Grade 8 1/2-13 flange nuts (part 20-00062), and 6 pieces of 1/2" fishwire (part 1_2 FISHWIRE). All hardware is provided for mounting to both frame rails.
Yes, you must remove exhaust hangers to access the frame rails. 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. Support the lowered exhaust during installation. The exhaust is reinstalled in the final step.
Remove the underbody panel from the driver side frame rail by removing 2 screws and 5 push fasteners. Also remove 4 heat shield attachments using a Phillips head screwdriver or 10mm socket (both sides if equipped with dual exhaust). Save all removed components for reinstallation.
Yes, drilling is required. You must enlarge the center hole on each frame rail to approximately 1 1/8" diameter to allow the mounting hardware to pass through. This is done using a die grinder or drill. Additionally, there is an optional step to drill 5/8" clearance holes in the heat shield using dimples as guides if you choose to reinstall the heat shield without the rear most frame attachment.
The center hole on each frame rail must be enlarged to approximately 1 1/8" diameter to allow the 1/2" carriage bolts and spacers to pass through. The front and rear frame holes remain at their original size.
All 1/2" hardware (carriage bolts, spacers, and flange nuts) must be torqued to 110 ft-lbs. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightness and structural integrity.
Fishwire is a technique to route the carriage bolts and spacers through the frame holes before raising the hitch into place. Route the 1/2" carriage bolt and spacer through the front and rear frame holes on both frame sides using the fishwire. Then use reverse fishwire to route the center hole on both sides. This allows the bolts to be positioned correctly before the hitch is raised and secured.
Two people may be required to ease installation. While one person may be able to complete the installation, having a second person will help with managing the exhaust system, supporting components, and raising the hitch into place.
Professional installation time is approximately 60 minutes. For a novice DIY installer, the installation time is approximately 120 minutes (2 hours). Actual time may vary depending on experience level and vehicle condition.
After installation, verify that all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. Periodically check the hitch to ensure all fasteners remain tight and structural components remain in good condition. This ongoing inspection is important for safe towing operation.
The CURT 12198 hitch is rated for 3500 lbs trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight. However, you must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower. Always check your Subaru Forester owner's manual for the specific towing limit for your model year and follow the more conservative limit.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times while installing this product. The installation involves grinding or drilling to enlarge frame holes, which creates metal shavings and debris that can injure eyes. Proper eye protection is essential for safe installation.
Yes, CURT part 12198 is designed for 2019-current Subaru Forester SUV models.
The hitch is rated for 3500 lbs trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight, but you must not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Yes, you must enlarge the center frame hole on each side to approximately 1 1/8" diameter using a die grinder or drill.
All 1/2" hardware must be torqued to 110 ft-lbs.
Yes, you must remove exhaust hangers to access the frame rails. For single exhaust, remove 2 from the passenger side muffler and 1 from the center front. For dual exhaust, also remove 2 from the driver side muffler.
Professional installation takes approximately 60 minutes; novice DIY installation takes approximately 120 minutes.
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