Carrying Bikes and Towing Pop-Up Camper Silmutaneously with 2015 Subaru Forester
Question:
Looking for a bike carrier for a 2015 Subaru Forrester, and will also be pulling a pop up trailer
asked by: JoAnne W
Expert Reply:
In order to carry bikes as well as tow, you'll first want to install a trailer hitch. Using a Class III hitch like the Draw-Tite # 75876 with the more common 2 inch receiver tube opening will provide you with the most flexibility in the future, as there's many more hitch accessories available for the Class III hitch.
Even though you have a hitch in place, you could still use a trunk mounted rack, but I'd recommend a hitch mounted rack, because it'll be much easier to install and remove quickly and a hitch mounted rack won't be in direct contact with the painted surface of your vehicle. Swagman makes inexpensive yet rugged and feature filled racks like the Trailhead, which is available in a 2 bike model as part # S63360.
If you were planning on towing and carrying the bikes at the same time, a multipurpose ball mount like # D210 would be ideal. If you have some free space on the trailer tongue, the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk # CC-275 would be a good alternative instead of the D210.
If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance.
To complete your towing set-up, you'll need the following:
Trailer wiring harness, part # 118467
1-7/8 inch trailer ball, part # 19260
2 inch trailer ball, part # 63845
(The necessary ball size will be stamped into the coupler of the trailer)
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers - 2"-100 lbs
- RV and Camper Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Platform Rack
- Tongue Mount Hitch Rack
- 2 Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Mountain Bikes
- Travel Trailer
- Stromberg Carlson
more information >
Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Built-In Dual Hitch
- CURT
more information >
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Is etrailer Tonneau Cover For 2022 Ram 1500 With 5-1/2 Foot Bed Sturdy & Easy to Remove
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Recommended Platform Bike Rack for a 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring and Hitch that Fits 2024 Kia Telluride SX with LED Taillights
- Q&A: 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Model Trailer Hitch Fitment
- Q&A: How Difficult is Installilng a Trailer Hitch on a Fiat 500e
- Q&A: Swagman Bike Rack that Can be Used at Rear of Motorhome
- Article: Hyk Outdoors Teardrop Campers: Happy Camping Without the Hassle
- Article: How to Choose a Roof Mounted Bike Rack
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Recumbent Bikes (2023)
- Article: Carrying Bikes While Towing a 5th Wheel Camper Trailer