Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
CURT
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
1998 - 2008 Subaru Forester
Confirmed to Fit
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Select your vehicle to find the exact plug-and-play parts that fit — no cutting or splicing.
| Finish | GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT |
| Main Body Shape | Square |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Mount Type Description | Blank |
| Receiver Tube Size | 1-1/4 IN |
| Side Application Type Description | Blank |
| Tongue Weight (TW) | 350 LB |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts) |
| Weight Carrying Capacity (WC) | 3,500 LB |
| Side Application Type Description | Blank |
| Tongue Weight (TW) | 350 LB |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts) |
| Drop | 3-1/4 IN |
| Finish | GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT |
| Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) | 3,500 LB |
| Material | Blank |
| Mount Type Description | Blank |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 - 2008 | Subaru Forester | — |
Yes, the 98 - 08 Subaru Forester -- 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA2271 (Part #HWA2271) is designed to fit the 1998-2008 Subaru Forester.
The 98 - 08 Subaru Forester -- 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA2271 (Part #HWA2271) fits 1998-2008 Subaru Forester models. The 2008 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 98 - 08 Subaru Forester -- 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA2271 (Part #HWA2271) fits the following vehicles: 1998-2008 Subaru Forester. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 98 - 08 Subaru Forester -- 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA2271 (Part #HWA2271) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, Curt part number 12038 is designed for the Subaru Forester. The hitch is designed for use with ball mount D-55003 or 45503. Confirm your vehicle model matches before purchase.
The gross load capacity when used as a weight-carrying hitch is 3500 lbs trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight. However, you must not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower.
No, drilling is not required. The hitch uses existing weld nuts on the frame rail and the vehicle's existing 12mm fasteners.
You must remove: (1) the carbon canister and its bracket from the passenger-side frame rail, (2) tie-down brackets from each frame rail, (3) the rearmost exhaust hanger and its bracket from the frame rail, and (4) the center fascia bracket if present. The tie-down and exhaust brackets are returned to the customer after installation.
Yes, the tow hook pad must be modified as needed to provide clearance for hitch installation. The specific amount of modification depends on your vehicle's configuration.
The hitch includes one 7/16-14 UNC Grade 8 hex head cap screw (part 10-10497) and one 7/16-14 UNC Grade 8 serrated flange nut (part 20-00103). The vehicle's existing 12mm fasteners are reused to mount the hitch.
The carbon canister bracket is sandwiched between the hitch and the right frame rail during installation. After the hitch is mounted, the carbon canister is re-mounted to its bracket.
The rubber exhaust hanger is re-mounted directly to the hitch's left side plate using fasteners provided with the hitch. This is done after the hitch is mounted to the vehicle.
Torque the 12mm fasteners to 79 lb.-ft.
Torque the 7/16" fasteners to 59 lb.-ft.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound.
The Curt 12038 is designed for use with ball mount D-55003 or 45503.
Yes, the Curt 12038 is designed for the Subaru Forester and works with ball mount D-55003 or 45503.
No. The hitch uses existing weld nuts and the vehicle's existing 12mm fasteners—no drilling required.
One 7/16-14 UNC Grade 8 hex head cap screw and one 7/16-14 UNC Grade 8 serrated flange nut. Vehicle's existing 12mm fasteners are reused.
Torque 12mm fasteners to 79 lb.-ft. and 7/16" fasteners to 59 lb.-ft.
3500 lbs trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight, but do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound.
On Sale Today
Original price was $456.80. Current price is $357.60.You save $99.20 (22%)
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Tue, Aug 18 - Fri, Aug 21
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
No reviews have been added for this product.