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2019 - 2026 Subaru Forester
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Select your vehicle to find the exact plug-and-play parts that fit — no cutting or splicing.
Trailer hitch weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer's stated capacities
Includes installation hardware
Installation requires hole enlargement
Includes installation hardware
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Main Body Shape: Round
Receiver Tube Size (Inches): 2 IN
Finish: GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
WC / TW (Pounds): 525 LB / 3,500 LB
Weight Carrying Capacity (Pounds): 3,500 LB
WC Tongue Weight (Pounds): 525 LB
Installation Difficulty: Novice
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 30
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 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 888-634-9494Equip your vehicle for towing and hitch-mounted accessories with a dependable CURT 2" trailer hitch. Designed for a vehicle-specific fit, CURT receiver hitches provide a strong and secure connection point for towing trailers, carrying bikes, transporting cargo and using other compatible 2-inch hitch accessories.
Our selection of CURT 2-inch receiver hitches includes options for trucks, SUVs, crossovers, vans and passenger vehicles. Each hitch is engineered to match specific vehicle mounting points, helping provide a clean installation and dependable performance. Depending on the vehicle application, available options may include Class 3, Class 4 and heavy-duty receiver hitches with different gross trailer weight and tongue weight capacities.
A 2" x 2" receiver opening is one of the most common hitch sizes and works with a wide range of towing accessories, including ball mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers, hitch steps and tow hooks. When towing a trailer, you may also need a properly rated trailer ball, hitch pin, wiring harness, brake controller or weight distribution system.
CURT trailer hitches feature a durable black finish designed to help protect against rust, scratches and exposure to road conditions. Many models install using existing holes in the vehicle frame, although drilling, trimming or temporary removal of vehicle components may be required for certain applications.
Use our vehicle fitment tools to find the correct CURT 2" trailer hitch for your year, make and model. Always compare the hitch rating with your vehicle’s towing capacity and the ratings of every component in your towing setup. The maximum towing capacity is determined by the lowest-rated component.
Shop CURT 2-inch trailer hitches at TowUniverse for vehicle-specific fitment, trusted towing performance and access to the accessories needed to complete your towing setup.
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 - 2026 | Subaru Forester | Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Visibility: Exposed |
Yes, the CURT 13409 is designed to fit 2019-2026 Subaru Forester models, so your 2023 is covered. This Class 3 hitch offers 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight capacity and 525 lbs tongue weight with a 2-inch receiver tube.
The CURT 13409 is engineered specifically for 2019-2026 Subaru Forester models with a custom vehicle-specific design. It's tested for safety according to SAE J684 standards and includes all necessary installation hardware. Always verify your specific year and trim before ordering.
Absolutely! The CURT 13409 fits 2019-2026 Subaru Forester models, making your 2026 the final model year for this part number. You'll get the full 3,500 lb towing capacity with the vehicle-specific fit and limited lifetime warranty.
Installation is rated as novice difficulty with an estimated 30-minute installation time. The kit includes all installation hardware, though hole enlargement is required for this application. Basic hand tools are typically all you need to complete the job.
Yes, CURT part number 13409 is designed for 2019-current Subaru Forester SUV models. The hitch is a Class II weight-carrying receiver hitch with a gross load capacity of 3500 lbs trailer weight and 525 lbs tongue weight. Always verify your vehicle's year and model match before purchasing.
Yes, the hitch is compatible with both single and dual exhaust systems. Installation differs slightly: for single exhaust, you remove 1 exhaust hanger from the center front of the vehicle; for dual exhaust, you remove 2 exhaust hangers from the driver side muffler in addition to 2 from the passenger side. The exhaust must be supported with a jack stand during installation.
The gross load capacity when used as a weight-carrying hitch is 3500 lbs trailer weight and 525 lbs tongue weight. However, you must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower than these figures.
The hitch weight is 60 lbs.
The hitch includes: 6 bolts (1/2-13 UNC, 1-3/4", Grade 8, yellow zinc, part 10-10272); 6 square hole spacers (0.250 x 1.00 x 2.50", part CM-SP10); 6 serrated flange nuts (1/2-13 UNC, Grade 8, yellow zinc, part 20-00062); and 6 pieces of 1/2" fishwire (part 1_2 FISHWIRE).
Required tools are: ratchet; 10mm and 3/4" sockets; 6" socket extension; screwdriver (Phillips head); grinder or drill; torque wrench; and jack stands. Safety glasses should be worn at all times during installation.
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 30 minutes. Novice (DIY) installation time is 60 minutes. Actual time may vary depending on your experience level and familiarity with the tools required.
The manual rates this installation as 'moderate' difficulty. It states: 'If you are hesitant to undertake this task on your own, contact an authorized CURT installer for additional assistance.' The installation involves exhaust removal, heat shield work, hole enlargement, and fishwire techniques, which may be challenging for inexperienced installers.
Yes. You must enlarge the center hole on each side of the frame rail to approximately 1 1/8" to allow the mounting hardware to pass through. This enlargement is required. 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 side of the frame rail must be enlarged to approximately 1 1/8" diameter to allow the 1/2" mounting hardware to pass through. The frame rail has three existing hole plugs on each side; you will remove these plugs to expose the mounting holes, then enlarge the center hole.
This is optional. You may drill 5/8" clearance holes in the heat shield using dimples as guides, then reinstall the heat shield without the rear most frame attachment. This allows the heat shield to remain in place while accommodating the hitch installation.
Fishwire is a technique to route fasteners through frame holes. In Step 4, you fishwire the 1/2" carriage bolt and spacer through the front and rear frame holes in both frame sides, then reverse fishwire the center hole on both sides. The 1/2" fishwire (included) is used to guide the hardware through the frame rail holes before the hitch is raised into place.
Follow this sequence: (1) Remove exhaust hangers and support the lowered exhaust with a jack stand; (2) Remove heat shield attachments and underbody panel from the driver side frame rail, saving all fasteners for reinstallation; (3) Remove three hole plugs from each frame rail to expose mounting holes; (4) Enlarge the center hole on each frame rail to 1 1/8"; (5) Fishwire the mounting hardware through the frame holes; (6) Raise the hitch into place and secure it with 1/2" hardware torqued to 110 ft-lbs; (7) Reinstall the underbody panel and exhaust.
You do not need to completely remove the exhaust, but you must remove the exhaust hangers and lower the exhaust system. 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 with a jack stand during installation.
Yes, you must remove the heat shield attachments. In Step 2, remove 4 heat shield attachments using a Phillips head screwdriver or 10mm socket (or 8 attachments total if equipped with dual exhaust). You may then optionally reinstall the heat shield without the rear most frame attachment after drilling 5/8" clearance holes using dimples as guides.
Yes. In Step 2, remove the underbody panel from the driver side frame rail by removing 2 screws and 5 push fasteners. Save all fasteners for reinstallation. The panel is reinstalled in Step 5 after the hitch is secured.
All 1/2" hardware must be torqued to 110 ft-lbs. This includes the 6 bolts, 6 spacers, and 6 nuts that secure the hitch to the frame rails.
The hitch uses six 1/2-13 UNC carriage bolts, 1-3/4" long, Grade 8, yellow zinc plated (part 10-10272). These are torqued to 110 ft-lbs.
The hitch uses six square hole spacers, 0.250 x 1.00 x 2.50" (part CM-SP10). These spacers are placed between the frame rail and the bolt head to distribute load.
The hitch uses six serrated flange nuts, 1/2-13 UNC, Grade 8, yellow zinc plated (part 20-00062). These are torqued to 110 ft-lbs with the bolts.
After installation, periodically check that all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. The manual emphasizes this as an ongoing maintenance requirement, not just a one-time check. Verify that all 6 bolts are torqued to 110 ft-lbs and that the hitch is securely attached to the frame.
The hitch has a gross load capacity of 3500 lbs trailer weight and 525 lbs tongue weight. However, you must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower. Check your Subaru owner's manual for the vehicle's specific towing limit.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times during installation. The exhaust system must be supported with jack stands while lowered. Use proper tools and follow all installation steps in order. If you are hesitant to undertake this task, contact an authorized CURT installer for assistance.
Yes. CURT 13409 is designed for 2019-current Subaru Forester SUV. It is a Class II weight-carrying hitch with 3500 lbs trailer weight and 525 lbs tongue weight capacity.
You need: ratchet, 10mm and 3/4" sockets, 6" socket extension, Phillips screwdriver, grinder or drill, torque wrench, jack stands, and safety glasses.
Yes. You must enlarge the center hole on each frame rail to 1 1/8" to allow hardware to pass through. Optional: drill 5/8" holes in the heat shield to reinstall it without the rear attachment.
All 1/2" hardware must be torqued to 110 ft-lbs.
Professional installation: 30 minutes. DIY (novice): 60 minutes. Difficulty level is moderate.
3500 lbs trailer weight, 525 lbs tongue weight. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
No, but you must remove exhaust hangers and lower the exhaust system, supporting it with jack stands. Single exhaust: remove 2 hangers from passenger side muffler and 1 from center front. Dual exhaust: also remove 2 from driver side muffler.
Yes, a compatible bike rack, cargo carrier or other accessory with a 2" x 2" shank can generally be used. Make sure the accessory does not exceed the hitch’s tongue weight rating, the vehicle’s limits or the accessory manufacturer’s capacity. Account for the combined weight of the carrier and everything loaded onto it.
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