Carrying Bikes and Towing Pop-Up Camper Silmutaneously with 2015 Subaru Forester  

Question:

Expert Reply:

In order to carry bikes as well as tow, you'll first want to install a trailer hitch. Using a Class III hitch like the Draw-Tite # 75876 with the more common 2 inch receiver tube opening will provide you with the most flexibility in the future, as there's many more hitch accessories available for the Class III hitch.

Even though you have a hitch in place, you could still use a trunk mounted rack, but I'd recommend a hitch mounted rack, because it'll be much easier to install and remove quickly and a hitch mounted rack won't be in direct contact with the painted surface of your vehicle. Swagman makes inexpensive yet rugged and feature filled racks like the Trailhead, which is available in a 2 bike model as part # S63360.

If you were planning on towing and carrying the bikes at the same time, a multipurpose ball mount like # D210 would be ideal. If you have some free space on the trailer tongue, the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk # CC-275 would be a good alternative instead of the D210.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance.

To complete your towing set-up, you'll need the following:

Trailer wiring harness, part # 118467
1-7/8 inch trailer ball, part # 19260
2 inch trailer ball, part # 63845
(The necessary ball size will be stamped into the coupler of the trailer)

expert reply by: Mike L

0