Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2014 Subaru Forester with Factory Hitch
Question:
I have a 2014 Subaru Forester with the OEM 1 1/4inch factory hitch. I know that with some hitch-mounted bike racks, it is not recommended to carry more than 2 bikes on a class 1 hitch. Im looking at the Yakima Ridgeback 4 in particular. Will I have this issue with the Forester? Im also looking at a new Subaru Outback in the future. The Outback has a higher tongue weight and towing capacity, but still a 1 1/4inch hitch. Will the Outback be able to carry 4 bikes at a time?
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
Subaru factory 1-1/4 inch hitches are pretty bizarre in their design because of the very short distance from the center pin hole to the outside edge of the hitch.
Yakima is currently the only rack manufacturer that we recommend for the Subaru OEM hitches so for a 4 bike rack that would work well for you I would recommend the RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack # Y02458. Since you have a Class I hitch you would be limited to only carrying 2 bikes.
If the Outback you end up going with has a Class II 1-1/4 inch hitch you would be able to use the # Y02458 and be able to carry all 4 bikes.
Check out the review video I attached for this bike rack as well.
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
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