Hitch-Mount 4-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2011 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

Good morning. I am about to purchase the Draw-Tite, Trailer Hitch for the Subaru Outback Wagon, 2011 and want to make sure a bike rack will fit . Could you give me some pointers on a bike rack. I will need to transport 2 kids and 2 adult bikes. Thank you.

asked by: Declan

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Class III hitch # 75673 that you have chosen for your 2011 Subaru Outback Wagon is an excellent choice for use with a 4-bike hitch rack since it offers a high 600-lb tongue weight rating. This gives you all the weigh capacity you'll need for any bike rack and your 4 bikes along with a nice safety margin, which is always a good idea.

Once installed your hitch will sit under the bumper with its hitch pin hole 7-inches forward of the back edge of the bumper. This means you'll want to choose a bike rack that provides at least this same amount of clearance. This will ensure the rack clears the rear of the vehicle without making contact with it. The hitch placement is shown at the end of the linked video and the included article Illustrates how the measurement is taken if you're interested.

If you want to go for a really user-friendly rack I suggest the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465 which gives you easy access to the cargo area. Please check out the linked video.

It is often easiest to load bikes with the heaviest ones closest to the car, which helps reduce rack sway, and to face the adjacent bikes in opposite directions to avoid interference between their pedals.

Some bikes that have unusual frame designs - and some women's and kid's bikes - will benefit from using an adapter bar like the Kuat # UB01, or one of the other similar items shown on the included link. These adapter bars mount to the handlebar and seat posts to provide a level mounting surface to mate with the carrier's arms. These help ensure safe ground clearance.