Best Choice for Lightweight Folding Platform Bike Rack for 2015 Subaru Forester

Question:

I have a 2015 Subaru Forester with a Draw-Tite 2inch hitch installed. I have been looking mainly at the Thule Doubletrack and the Swagman XTC-2 racks. I would like something that is sturdy, relatively cost-effective and user-friendly. I would like the rack to be light enough that I can easily install and remove it without help, but also sturdy enough to support our two large, steel-frame touring bikes with accessories. I would like something that can be folded up against the car, although I wouldn't plan on leaving the rack on there while not in use. I've also been reading that there is an issue of bumper clearance with some hitch and bike rack combinations. Will either or both of these racks have enough clearance? And are the extra features worth the extra price tag of the Thule?

asked by: Lara S

Expert Reply:

The Swagman XTC2, part # S64670 is a high quality bike rack, but it wouldn't be able to fold up flat against the rear of the vehicle. The wheel cradles of the XTC2 fold up to the mast, but this won't place the rack closer to the rear of the vehicle. As for the Thule Doubletrack, part # TH92BJ, you'll need to take a quick measurement on the back of your vehicle to see if there will be enough clearance in order to use the folding feature.

So, at this point, you'd need to determine which factor is most important to you. The XTC2 is the lightest rack at just under 30 lbs, it's also the least expensive of the three, but it won't fold completely up against the rear of the vehicle and has a 35 lb per bike capacity. The locking hitch pin/cable lock combo would cost extra, it's part # S64031. The Doubletrack is a bit more heavy at 32 lbs, it has 35 lbs per bike capacity and the locks are included. The TwoTimer is a little heavier than the Doubletrack, but it has a higher capacity at 45 lbs per bike. It's about the same price as the Doubletrack, and the lock to secure the rack in the hitch is included, but the cable lock # Y07233 is sold separately.

Swagman, Thule and Yakima all make an excellent product, but when all three racks are placed side by side, the fact that the Yakima and Thule racks are of superior quality becomes clear. To fold the rack, nicely engineered latches are used, instead of the more rudimentary linch pins on the Swagman rack.

I've linked you to product demonstration videos.