2018 Subaru Forester Hitch and 3 Bike Rack Recommendation  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Lets start with the hitch, I recommend the # e98839 hitch that is confirmed as a fit for your 2018 Subaru Forester. This offers a 2 inch receiver tube that sits just at the edge of your bumper and offers great access for bike racks and other accessories.

The kind of bikes that you are carrying would be a determining factor for the bike rack you choose. If you are carrying bikes with standard frames then a hanging style bike rack would work, but if you have specialty bikes, such as a carbon fiber frame or an e-bike, then a platform style bike rack would be a better option.

My recommendation for you would be the Thule Helium Pro # TH9043PRO bike rack. It is designed to carry 3 bikes, has a tilting option for access to your Forester hatch if needed. It also has an integrated hitch and bike lock system to secure your bikes. My favorite feature of this bike rack is how light weight it is, the bike rack itself only weighs 20 pounds. It is lightweight and easy to stash away when not in use, and you don't feel like you have to leave the bike rack on your vehicle when it is not needed.

For a basic hanging style bike rack you could consider the Swagman Trailhead bike rack # S63365. It has anti-sway cradles and offers nice tilt away feature. It does not include locks for the bike to the rack or the rack to the hitch.

If you have a bike rack that does not have a standard horizontal top tube you may need to use an adapter bar like the Thule Adapter bar # TH982XT. This will allow you to secure your bike in a level position on a hanging style bike rack.

If you have specialized bikes that may require a platform rack please let me know, and I would be happy to provide additional recommendations.

expert reply by: Rachael H

0