Recommended Bike Rack For 2013 Subaru Outback Wagon With 2 Inch Trailer Hitch  

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When using any hitch mounted accessory one of the most important things to know is whether the hitch mounted item will clear the back of the vehicle. You can take a simple measurement to find out. You will need a tape measure and a straight edge like a yardstick or a dowel. Place the straight edge vertically against the back of the spare tire, letting it extend below the trailer hitch receiver opening. Then measure from the center of the hitch pin to the straight edge. This will give you the distance you need to clear the spare tire.

On the hitches we installed on a 2013 Outback the measurement is 5-1/2 inches.

For a platform bike rack that will work with your Outback I recommend the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack, part # S64670. This bike rack secures the bike at 3 different positions and can handle bikes with a wheelbase up to 66 inches and tire width up to 2-1/2 inches. The bike rack has a distance of 8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest wheel hoop. Since this rack can be used with 1-1/4 or 2 inch trailer hitches, it has an adapter sleeve that fits over the shank for a 2 inch hitch.

To lock the bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle I recommend part # S64031.

For a platform-style bike rack that has no adapter sleeve and is designed for 2 inch hitches only I recommend the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider, part # HR1450Z. This carrier can hold bikes with up to a 60 inch wheelbase and tires up to 3 inches wide. This rack comes with a hitch lock and the ratchet arms also have built in locks to secure the bikes to the carrier.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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