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2019 - 2025 Subaru Forester
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This fits: 2019-2025 Subaru Forester All
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.
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 installation hardware
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Subaru Forester All Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Receiver, 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 | — |
Yes, the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester All Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-12198-001) is designed to fit the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester.
The 2019-2025 Subaru Forester All Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-12198-001) fits the following vehicles: 2019-2025 Subaru Forester. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 2019-2025 Subaru Forester All Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-12198-001) 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" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-12198-001) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the CURT 12198 is designed for 2019-current Subaru Forester SUVs. Verify your vehicle year and model match this range before purchasing. The hitch is a weight-carrying type with a 3500 lbs trailer weight capacity and 350 lbs tongue weight capacity.
Yes, the installation procedure accommodates both single and dual exhaust configurations. For single exhaust vehicles, you remove 2 exhaust hangers from the passenger side muffler and 1 from the center front. For dual exhaust vehicles, you also remove 2 exhaust hangers from the driver side muffler. The manual specifies different heat shield attachment removal for dual exhaust systems.
The CURT 12198 has a maximum trailer weight capacity of 3500 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs when used as a weight-carrying hitch. You must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower than these specifications.
Required tools are: 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 kit includes 6 carriage bolts (1/2-13 UNC, 1-3/4", Grade 8, part 10-10272), 6 square hole spacers (0.250 x 1.00 x 2.50", part CM-SP10), 6 flange nuts (1/2-13, Grade 8, part 20-00062), and 6 pieces of 1/2" fishwire (part 1_2 FISHWIRE).
The manual does not specify whether battery disconnection is required. Contact CURT Technical Support at 877-287-8634 for clarification on this step.
Two people may be required to ease installation. The manual notes that using proper tools will greatly improve the quality of the install and reduce the time required.
Professional installation time is approximately 60 minutes. Novice (DIY) installation time is approximately 120 minutes. Actual time may vary depending on experience and familiarity with the vehicle.
Yes. You must enlarge the center hole on each frame rail to approximately 1 1/8" to allow the mounting hardware to pass through. This is done using a die grinder or drill. Additionally, you may optionally drill 5/8" clearance holes in the heat shield using dimples as guides.
Yes. You must remove exhaust hangers to allow the exhaust to be lowered. 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. The exhaust is then supported in the lowered position during installation and reinstalled at the end.
Yes. You must remove the underbody panel from the driver side frame rail by removing 2 screws and 5 push fasteners. Save these fasteners and the panel for reinstallation after the hitch is installed.
All 1/2" hardware must be torqued to 110 ft-lbs. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
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 holes remain at their original size.
After installation, verify that all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. The manual recommends periodically checking the receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners remain tight and structural components remain sound during ownership.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times during installation. Use jack stands to safely support the vehicle. If you are hesitant to undertake this task on your own, contact an authorized CURT installer for additional assistance.
Yes. The CURT 12198 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.
The CURT 12198 is designed for 2019-current Subaru Forester SUVs only. It works with both single and dual exhaust configurations.
Maximum 3500 lbs trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Ratchet, 10mm and 3/4" sockets, 6" socket extension, screwdriver, die grinder or drill, torque wrench, jack stands, and safety glasses. Two people may be required.
Yes. You must enlarge the center frame rail holes to 1 1/8" diameter. You must also remove exhaust hangers and the underbody panel. Optional 5/8" heat shield holes may be drilled.
All 1/2" hardware must be torqued to 110 ft-lbs using a torque wrench.
Professional installation: 60 minutes. DIY installation: 120 minutes. Actual time varies by experience.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound. Retorque fasteners as needed.
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