Compatibility of Yakima RidgeBack # Y02458 4-Bike Rack with 2003 Subaru Forester
Question:
I just purchased a 2003 Subaru Forester x and was curious if it would work well.... I have owned the Bighorn in the past and had it with a custom hitch for a BMW 325........ I was VERY happy with the Bighorn, but I am interested in the Ridgeback...
asked by: Bear
Helpful Expert Reply:
If your Forester has a Class II or III hitch, the Yakima # Y02458 RidgeBack 4 Bike rack will work great for you. Your hitch should have a sticker on it that lists the capacity and class of the hitch.
If your hitch is a Class I, you'll need to use a Class I compatible bike rack which will limit you to carrying only two bikes. A Class I hitch has a limited capacity, and any additional bikes added after the first two will place the load too far away from the rear of the vehicle, which applies a great deal of leverage to the hitch. This can damage the hitch or its attachment points to the vehicle. Which would be bad.
If you have a Class I hitch, the best course of action would be to replace the hitch with a Class II like part # 36311. The Class I and II use the same size receiver opening, but the Class II has a higher capacity, and would allow you to use the KingPin bike rack and carry 4 bikes.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >
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