Trailer Hitch Recommendation for Carrying a Bike Rack with a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Question:
I am looking to carry 2 bikes and hear conflicting reviews on factory vs other. I am concerned about install of aftermarket affecting crumple zone per subaru. Can you provide some details? I have a 2018 subaru crosstrek. I would prefer the hitch look like it was made for the care and am willing to spend a bit more for that reason. Thoughts?
asked by: Patti L
Expert Reply:
For some reason Subaru likes to tell people that aftermarket trailer hitches will cause extra damage to their vehicle if it were in an accident and the fact of the matter is that is just not true. From what we have been told the extra material of an aftermarket hitch will actually help to give the vehicle more rigidity. Since you are wanting an OEM look I highly recommend the EcoHitch Stealth # 306-X7365 because it gives you a 2" receiver that you can remove in the event that you want your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek to look like it doesn't have a trailer hitch installed.
If you don't already have a bike rack then I highly recommend the Kuat NV 2.0 Base # BA22B because it is one of the nicest bike racks out there and it comes with a matte black finish for a really stylish look. This bike rack is a platform style and it secures your bikes by the wheels so it is compatible with any style of bike frame that doesn't utilize a front fender.
Additionally there are a handful of add-ons that you can use later down if you'd like. These include the bike adapter for a fat tire bike # APBK, and extra 2 trays # BA02B. One of my favorite accessories is the BackSwing # Y02483 because it allows you to have unrestricted access to the rear hatch of your Crosstrek without removing any of your bikes.
Attached are some photos of the EcoHitch installed on a Crosstrek for you to reference as well as some review videos for the NV 2.0 Base and the Swing Away Adapter.
Products Referenced in This Question
Phat Bike Adapter Kit for Kuat Bike Racks
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Wheel Adapters
- NV 2.0
- Transfer
- Kuat
more information >
2-Bike Add-On for Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2" Hitches - Aluminum - Matte Black
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Bike Add-On
- NV 2.0
- Kuat
more information >
Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches
- Hitch Adapters
- Swing-Away Hitch Adapter
- Bike Racks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 250 lbs
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Completely Hidden
- EcoHitch
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: RockyMounts Hitch Extender LS w/ Hitch Pin and Lock - 2" Hitches - 8" Long
- Shop: Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches - Driver's Side
- Q&A: Differences Between Kuat NV 2.0 Base and Non-Base Model
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2017 Subaru Crosstrek - Curt
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended Lithium Battery Compatible Power Converter For Parallax 7355
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: dust cap
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement