Can I Use a 1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Adapter on a 2015 Subaru Outback for a Bike Rack

Question:

do you have any recommendations for 1.25 to 2 inch trailer hitch adapters to accommodate putting our bike rack Yakima Longhaul designed for use on our Scamp trailer which has a 2 inch receiver on the back on our Subaru Outback which has the Subaru brand trailer hitch rated 2700 lbs pulling and 200 lbs tongue weight? We understand the adapter will lower our recommended Tongue weight to 100 lbs. Our 1.25 inch receiver has the pin hole about 1 to 1.5 inches back from the opening. Most adapter holes seem to be around 3 inches behind the 2 inch receiver leaving the adapter sticking out much further than it needs to be. Our 1.25 inch receiver is open ended on both ends so length of the adapter portion is not a problem. thanks for any advice or product recommendations you can provide.

asked by: Robert

Expert Reply:

We do have trailer hitch adapters that will work for you but lets go over some of the restrictions first when using one. For starters, if you are using the Yakima LongHaul 4 Bike Rack part # Y02476 with a class I 1-1/4" trailer hitch receiver then you will be limited to two bikes, not matter the capacity. As you mentioned, the 200 lb weight capacity of your 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon is then cut in half when using a hitch adapter so that means you have a total of 100 lbs, minus the 40 lbs of the bike rack leaves you with 60 lbs for two bikes in which neither can exceed 35 lbs. If you are only carrying two bikes that weigh less than 30 lbs each then I recommend using the Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver part # HTAD. Unfortunately, I don't have anything where the expansion tube will butt right up to the end of your receiver tube.

With that being said, if you need to carry more than two bikes then your best option would be to replace the 1-1/4" trailer hitch receiver for a 2" trailer hitch receiver. This is also going to benefit you while towing. For this, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76227 or the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75673. The part # 76227 has a hidden crosstube but will more difficult to install.

I have attached review/install videos for you as well.