Subaru Forester — 2009 - 2013 — Trailer Hitch by EcoHitch®
IN STOCK
Looking for a solid trailer hitch for your Subaru Forester? This one offers impressive performance and a quality build you can count on.
Are you a proud owner of a 2009-2013 Subaru Forester? If so, you’re in luck! EcoHitch® presents the Subaru Forester trailer hitch – boasting a fully concealed design that is easy and hassle-free. Bid farewell to tedious alterations and welcome this effortless installation that keeps your vehicle’s appearance sleek and untouched. Say yes to convenience, say yes to EcoHitch®.
Unlike bulky “diaper hitches” that hang low across your bumper and scrape, our streamlined design features a 100% concealed cross tube with a receiver that is angled upward just enough, offering you superior ground clearance and assuring your rack and bikes remain level and avoid scraping damage.
Featuring our 2" receiver, EcoHitch delivers unparalleled stability with a tongue weight rating of 525 pounds, this hitch is designed to haul E-Bikes, cargo trays, camping gear, or other adventure essentials without breaking a sweat. Engineered for seamless compatibility, it lets you use all your existing hitch accessories without the need for extra adapters that cause rattling, noise, or instability—giving you a smooth, quiet, and secure driving experience every time.
Built to outlast and outperform, EcoHitch is the ultimate hitch solution for Subaru Forester owners.
Subaru Forester trailer hitch part numbers: x7164 (2")
Hitch receiver type: Hidden
Receiver size: 2”
Weight Rating: 3,500 pounds towing, 525 pounds tongue weight at the trailer ball ***
2009-2013 Subaru Forester EcoHitch® Hidden Trailer Hitch Torklift Central
This kit ships complete. Kit includes bolt/accessory kits
More Accessories:
- SKU
- XV1SUBFOR01
Shipping Info
All Torklift products ship in 5 business days or less.
If you order multiple products, they may ship from different warehouses in separate shipments
Don't see your EcoHitch® listed? Click here!
Applications Include:
- 2009 Subaru Forester trailer hitch
- 2010 Subaru Forester trailer hitch
- 2011 Subaru Forester trailer hitch
- 2012 Subaru Forester trailer hitch
- 2013 Subaru Forester trailer hitch
Key Features:
- Versatile Combo Rack and Tow Hitch: The EcoHitch allows you to tow or use a bike rack without needing any additional accessories. Some other hitches require separate adapters for towing, the EcoHitch is designed to do it all, providing seamless integration for all your towing and bike rack needs.
- Completely Concealed Hidden Design: Only the receiver is visible, maintaining your Forester’s sleek appearance.
- Easy Installation: 100% bolt-on installation, no drilling required, meeting national SAE J684 towing safety standards.
- Impressive Towing Capacity: Rated for 525 pounds tongue weight at the trailer ball and 3,500 pounds towing weight.***
- E-Bike Rated: Planning your set up? Be sure to use our new Maximum Hitch Weight (Tongue Weight) Estimator to be certain you are not overloading your trailer hitch or your vehicle. EcoHitch features many hitch designs engineered to handle the extra weight of E-Bikes without requiring the use of additional straps. EcoHitch offers some of the highest tongue weight capacity available— for securely transporting bikes, cargo trays, additional gear, etc.
- Class 3 Compatible? – Check Your Setup: Most E-Bike rack manufacturers require a Class 3 hitch. Many EcoHitches feature designs similar to Class 3 performance standards, but not all hitch offerings support every one of the Class 3 standards. Whether you're using an EcoHitch or another hitch, maintain your confidence that your hitch combination can safely carry your E-Bike setup- use our Maximum Hitch Weight (Tongue Weight) Estimator to estimate your set up.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Does not interfere with auto-latching and unlatching hatches on vehicles that include this feature.
- Unmatched Ground Clearance: Every EcoHitch is designed to be angled upward just enough to keep your hitch accessories level and avoid scraping.
- Aerodynamic Compatibility: Complements the aerodynamic contours of your Forester.
- Armor Pro Finish:Torklift’s exclusive premium finish, engineered to outperform traditional powder coat with a tougher barrier against rust, road salt, harsh weather, moisture, and everyday towing abuse. Armor Pro Finish is backed by 2,000+ hours of salt spray testing, up to 8x longer than standard powder coat finish.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with 100% recycled and recyclable materials.
- Lightweight: No added bulk to your vehicle:
- Free Shipping: Available for the lower 48 states.
- Made in the U.S.A.: Proudly American-made.
- Legendary Lifetime Warranty: Rest assured with our unwavering commitment to quality.
Simple Installation
Designed for simplicity, our hitch offers a 100 percent bolt-on installation that won’t disrupt your vehicle’s aerodynamics or require roof-mounted cargo.
EcoHitch® Trailer Hitch Strength
Coated in high-impact powder coat with a Chasm Black finish, our hitches are meticulously sandblasted for maximum durability. Made from a combination of up to aerospace-grade aluminum, stainless steel, and steel.
American-Made with a REAL Warranty
Proudly Made in America, our Forester hitch is backed by our Legendary Lifetime Warranty. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with installation and support.

***IMPORTANT NOTICE:
While EcoHitch®️ trailer hitches are built with high-strength materials and tested for exceptional weight ratings, your vehicle’s factory towing capacities are the ultimate limit. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine its maximum towing and tongue weight ratings. No aftermarket hitch or accessory can increase your vehicle’s factory-rated towing capacities.
Using hauling accessories like extensions, cargo trays, bike racks, or other accessories that extend the load out from the trailer hitch, will significantly reduce the tongue weight capacity of your hitch system.
To estimate how your setup will affect tongue weight, we recommend using our Maximum Hitch Weight (Tongue Weight) Estimator before hauling your payload (cargo trays, bike racks, etc).
Disclaimer:It is the user’s responsibility to ensure safe towing practices and to confirm that all loads fall within the limits of the lowest-rated component in the towing system. Torklift is not liable for any damage or injury resulting from the misuse or overloading of towing/hauling equipment.
Additional Online Part Numbers: ECHX7164 Meyer
*Depending on the application, the product can include a combination of up to three qualified materials
This video is intended to give a general overview of how this hitch is installed. For more specific information or details, please refer to the written instructions.
What years of Subaru Forester does this EcoHitch fit?
The EcoHitch trailer hitch fits 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Subaru Forester models, providing a vehicle-specific hitch option engineered around the Forester’s rear mounting locations for consistent fitment. This year-range compatibility reflects application development that focuses on the 2009–2013 Forester platform so the hitch integrates as intended for those model years.
What are the towing and tongue weight capacities of this hitch?
The EcoHitch towing and tongue weight capacities are rated for 3,500 pounds towing weight and 525 pounds tongue weight at the trailer ball. Use our Maximum Hitch Weight (Tongue Weight) Estimator to verify allowable load and ensure you are within safe limits.
Does this hitch require drilling for installation?
No, the EcoHitch does not require drilling for installation because it uses 100% bolt-on installation with no drilling required and meets national SAE J684 towing safety standards for this Subaru Forester application. That bolt-on approach is specified to align with the vehicle’s existing mounting points while still matching the towing safety standard referenced in the original information.
What receiver size is available for the 2009–2013 Subaru Forester?
The 2009–2013 Subaru Forester EcoHitch is offered with a 2-inch receiver, part number X7164, to support common towing and hitch-mounted accessory needs on this platform. The 2-inch receiver size is selected for broad compatibility with standard hitch accessories while maintaining the concealed hitch packaging described for the Forester.
Will the hitch be visible on my Subaru Forester?
The EcoHitch will not be visually prominent on your Subaru Forester because it uses a completely concealed hidden design where only the receiver is visible, preserving the vehicle’s rear appearance. This hidden hitch layout is intended for owners who want a functional receiver without an exposed cross tube showing under the bumper.
Can I use this hitch for bike racks and cargo trays?
Yes, the EcoHitch can be used for bike racks and cargo trays because it is designed as a versatile combo rack and tow hitch that works with bike racks, cargo trays, and towing without needing additional adapters. This direct accessory compatibility supports quick changes between rack use and towing while keeping the setup centered on the receiver interface.
Is this hitch rated for E-Bikes?
Yes, the EcoHitch is rated for E-Bikes with a 525-pound tongue weight capacity, supporting heavier hitch-mounted loads like e-bike racks when used within the stated tongue weight rating. Use our Maximum Hitch Weight (Tongue Weight) Estimator to verify allowable load and ensure you are within safe limits.
What warranty does this EcoHitch come with?
The EcoHitch comes with a Legendary Lifetime Warranty and is proudly made in the U.S.A., providing long-term coverage backed directly by the same source that designs and manufactures the hitch. This warranty statement applies to the EcoHitch product itself and is part of the ownership support included with the hitch.
Will this hitch provide better ground clearance than other hitches?
Yes, the EcoHitch provides better ground clearance than other hitches because, unlike bulky "diaper hitches" that hang low and scrape, it uses a streamlined design with the receiver angled upward for superior ground clearance. That upward receiver angle is specified to help reduce scraping risk and keep hitch-mounted accessories positioned more level behind the vehicle.
