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2" reciever hitch for Subaru Forester?

36K views 17 replies 12 participants last post by  FitForLifeMTBer 
#1 ·
Just picked up a 2001 forester. I already own a Kuat Envy two bike rack but it's a two inch
receiver hitch. All the hitches I've found so far are inch and one quarter, Is there a 2inch for this car available? I had heard there is an adapter to make this work but do not like the idea
of extending the distance the bikes would hang out from the back of the car.
Does anyone have any practical experience dealing with this sort of problem?
Thanks in advance for any worthwhile advice:)
 
#5 ·
This is the text from the website mentioned... Looks like 2" to me<g>

Bob

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" - 2012 Forester by Subaru
Fully welded Subaru Forester trailer hitch is strong and durable. Draw-Tite's Tested Tough guarantee ensures that this hitch exceeds industry standards. The combination of an e-coat base and a powder coat finish provides excellent rust protection.
Features:
Custom fit is designed specifically for your Subaru Forester
Computer-aided, fully welded steel construction ensures strength and durability
Tested Tough - safety and reliability criteria exceed industry standards
Easy, bolt-on installation - no welding required
Complete hardware kit and installation instructions included
Lifetime technical support from the experts at etrailer.com
Black powder coat finish covers e-coat base for superior rust protection
Sturdy, square-tube design
Ball mount, pin and clip sold separately
Made in USA

Specs:
Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
Rating: Class III
Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
Maximum tongue weight: 350 lbs
Not rated for use with weight-distribution systems
Limited lifetime warranty
 
#6 ·
I have a 2004 Forester with the Curt 1.25 receiver. Its the same as the OEM receiver sold by Subaru and bolts right up. They didnt start making 2 inch receivers for the Foresters until the complete redesign in I believe 2007 when the Forester got bigger.

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#7 ·
Subaru has never made a 2 inch reciever for the Forester... you'd have to go aftermarket, I certainly have seen aftermarket 2" hitches but not sure how far back they go. I forget offhand if the 98-02 hitches are compatible with the 03-08 hitches. It wouldn't surprise me if they were the same, but they likely could be different.

Actually I just searched all over and I don't think you can get anything other than 1 1/4" for 98-08 Fozzies.

If it's just for a bike rack, you could always take a Class 2 hitch and have a machine shop cut out the 1 1/4" reciever and mount a 2" reciever.
 
#9 ·
They do make a 2" receiver for the newer model Foresters. The 03-07 receivers won't fit the later models. For one, they switched to a dual tip exhaust after 07 and there's no way the old receivers will fit over both tips. I'm sure the bolt patterns are different as well. Also check Subaru parts places. I'm pretty sure they make a 2" receiver for 08+ Foresters.

Google it.

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#11 ·
They do make a 2" receiver for the newer model Foresters. The 03-07 receivers won't fit the later models. For one, they switched to a dual tip exhaust after 07 and there's no way the old receivers will fit over both tips. I'm sure the bolt patterns are different as well. Also check Subaru parts places. I'm pretty sure they make a 2" receiver for 08+ Foresters.

Google it.

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2008 is still an SG Forester. You must be thinking 2009+.

That plus on 2009-12 models, the OEM hitch completely replaces the bumper beam, and is only 1 1/4 or whatever (the smaller size). Aftermarket hitches do come in 2" but they mount differently.

Anyways, OP has an SF Forester so this is all a moot point. I think he's out of luck.
 
#12 ·
:thumbsup:I knew somebody must have dealt with this! Thanks Admin X, I tend to agree with you I would rather shell out 180 than trust some converter that will probably wobble. roof trays are around that price for one bike so 180 really is ok for my piece of mind.
Thanks everybody for the advice and help. One of the good things about the internet for sure is easy access to lots of advice and technical help.:)
 
#17 ·
I dont know whats available, but an option is to buy the 1 1/4 hitch for ~$140 and have somebody weld in a 2" receiver. I was looking for a hitch for my impreza recently and I saw this on a forum, but I have no idea where it was. Might have been nasioc.com. I just bought my 1 1/4 hitch from Auto Anything. I paid just under $130 for it. These things are super easy to install yourself if you find what you nee.d
 
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