Recommended Class III Hitch for Carrying Bike Rack on 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

I am looking for a trailer hitch, with a 2inch receiver, for a 2015 Subaru Outback. You carry three models two are identical. Between the Curt and the DrawTite, which receiver will protrude further? I have seen one that looks similar to DrawTite, and it is not long enough to work for a 1UPUSA bike rack. Thanks

asked by: Brad C

Expert Reply:

When you're planning on using a hitch for a bike rack, and you're trying to determine if the two will be compatible, the important measurement is the distance between the hitch pin hole and the furthest rearward part of the bumper. The FAQ article I've linked shows how to take this measurement.

I checked out the 1UP USA racks, and saw that they're all compatible with the 2 inch receiver provided by a Class III hitch, so that's what I'm recommending you go with. The 2 inch receiver has a better selection of accessories, so if you're needing an accessory like a cargo carrier at some time in the future, you'll have more models to choose from.

When we installed the Draw-Tite Class III # 75673 on a 2014 Outback Wagon, we found that the hitch pin hole to rear bumper distance was 4-1/2 inches, which is plenty for most bike racks. To see if your rack will be compatible, you'll need to take a measurement from the shank that slides into the receiver. Measure the distance from the hitch pin hole to the closest upright part of the rack. If this distance is greater than the 4-1/2 inch clearance distance, the rack will fit wonderfully.

We haven't yet had the opportunity to install the Curt Class III # C13206 hitch, so I don't have a clearance dimension to provide you. However, Curt's warranty requirements state that a stabilizing strap like part # 18050 needs to be used for all non trailer loads (like bike racks). That's great, but on many vehicles (especially those with the spoiler on top of the rear hatch like your Outback) there's not a good place to attach the strap, so I typically recommend avoiding hitches that have this requirement. The Draw-Tite hitch has no such requirement, so that's what I'd recommend you go with.

If you're planning on doing some towing, you'll need a few additional items to complete your towing system:

Trailer wiring harness, part # C56040
Ball mount, part # C45010
1-7/8 inch trailer ball, part # 19260
2 inch trailer ball, part # 63845
(Your trailer coupler will have the proper ball size stamped into the metal)
Locking hitch pin, part # e98882