Recommended Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for 2013 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question

Question:

My in-laws have a 2013 Subaru Outback wagon and are looking at bike racks. I suggested the following: Thule Hitching Post Pro - Folding Tilting 4 Bike Rack w Anti-Sway - 1-1/4inch and 2inch Hitches - TH934XTR and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4inch - 36493 any compatibility issues? They are in there 60s so I thought a hitch rack would be easier that lifting the bikes onto a roof rack. Thanks

asked by: Jayson

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Starting with the trailer hitch for the 2013 Subaru Outback Wagon, the Draw-Tite Class II Frame Receiver Hitch # 36493 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit this vehicle and will provide a 1-1/4 inch receiver with a tongue weight capacity of 300 pounds.

This trailer hitch will work great for transporting bikes with a hitch-mounted bike rack, however I recommend considering the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch # 75673, which is also confirmed to fit the Outback Wagon. I recommend going with a higher class trailer hitch because of the larger 2 inch receiver opening that it will provide. If your in-laws ever decide to go with a different bike rack or other hitch-mounted accessory like a cargo carrier, they will have many more options to choose from with a 2 inch hitch receiver. A Class I or Class II trailer hitch with a 1-1/4 inch opening will simply be more limited when looking for compatible accessories.

Regardless of the hitch you decide on, the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR you also referenced is a great choice. There will be no compatibility or rear bumper clearance issues with either of the above trailer hitches. This is a really nice bike rack that can transport up to 4 bikes at 35 pounds each. The tilting center mast will allow for easy cargo access on the Subaru. I recommend adding the Thule Hitch Lock # THSTL2 to secure the rack to the vehicle and the Cable Lock # TH538XT to secure the bikes to the rack.

With this hanging-style rack, they might also need an adapter bar like the Kuat # UB01 if they plan on carrying any children's, woman's or alternative frame bikes. This will provide a horizontal attachment point for level transport and improved ground clearance. I have included a demonstration video on this product so you can see exactly how it works and why it might be needed.

I have attached video demonstrations on all of the products mentioned for you to check out.

expert reply by: Chris R

1

Answer 1

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "direct fit" because all three of the Class III trailer hitch receivers we carry for your 2014 Subaru Outback are custom made and designed for your vehicle. The hitch that has the most factory-like…

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Answer 2

The best trailer hitch for your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon to use with your existing 2 inch bike rack is the Draw-Tite Class III #76227. This is because it pairs strength (600 pound tongue weight rating is highest available for the Outback) with…

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Answer 3

The stabilizing straps are a warranty requirement that Curt recommends to help support the hitch. The strap reduces some of the tongue weight load on the hitch, reduces the tendency for attached items to move around while the vehicle is in motion,…

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Answer 4

The best trailer hitch we offer for a 2017 Subaru Outback with hidden design is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76227. The Draw-Tite hitch installs behind the rear bumper so it will be the most hidden and the receiver tube is…

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Answer 5

For your 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon, I actually recommend looking at the Curt Class III Round Tube Receiver Hitch #C13206. Between the three Class III options confirmed to fit your vehicle, the Curt model provides the shortest distance from the hitch…

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

For your 2011 Subaru Outback Wagon the best hitch for ground clearance is the Curt #C13410 which fits very tightly to the rear bumper of the vehicle but also doesn't have a crosstube that hangs below the bumper either which helps with ground…

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Answer 8

While we don't carry the 1UP bike rack brand we do know that the Draw Tite hitch for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon part #76227 would be a great choice so you'd have a really great bike rack setup on your Outback!

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Answer 9

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7162 is a fit for your 2013 Subaru Outback. We recommend removing the bumper fascia because the fascia will require trimming, but Torklift doesn't require it. Their installation details offer two…

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Answer 10

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 11

The Class II Curt Hitch #C12136 and Class II Draw-Tite Hitch #36493 for your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon are very similar, but every Class I and Class II and some Class III Curt Hitches require stabilizing straps to be used when towing non trailer…

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Answer 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Recommended Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for 2013 Subaru Outback Wagon

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