Recommended Platform Style Bike Rack for Use on 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon with Curt Hitch C13206

Question:

Recently installed Curt 13206 receiver. Looking for a platform style bike carrier, 2 bikes 4 is ok. It looks like the pin hole on the receiver is about 10inch from the bumper. What do you recommend?

asked by: Jonathan B

Expert Reply:

When we installed Curt 2-inch Class III hitch # C13206 on a 2017 Subaru Outback wagon we noted the hitch pin hole was only 2-1/4-inches forward of the rear edge of the bumper cover. You can see this measurement in the linked installation video at the 1:55-minute mark. Perhaps you were referring to the hitch height measurement, also shown in the video.

To ensure no contact between the rack and car (or between the bikes and the car) you can choose a platform carrier that provides plenty of clearance. All are shown on the linked page.

An excellent high-value platform rack choice for your Outback is the Swagman Dispatch 2 Bike Platform Rack # S44FR. This rack includes locks for your bikes and for the rack itself, it has a hefty 45-lbs-per-bike weight rating, lots of rise in the shank for good ground clearance and it has 12-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the nearest part of the rack. Please refer to the linked video for more.

We do have racks with fancier construction and perhaps some nice added features but I give this Swagman platform rack very high marks for overall design and value and I recommend it for your Outback.

Per Curt's warranty policy you will need to use support strap # 18050 to help support the rack load.