Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Carrier for a 2015 Subaru Forester with Curt Class III Trailer Hitch

Question:

I have a 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium. I have a Curt Class III Receiver that I just installed on the vehicle. Im looking for a bike rack to work with this hitch and rear clearance. I was initially looking at the Thule 4 Hitch Mount Bike Carrier, however, I dont think this will fit with the given clearance. Could you give me some insight on 1 if Im correct about the Thule not fitting my Subaru Forester and 2 if that wont fit, what would you suggest as the next best fit? I really like the style of that particular rack. Thank you!

asked by: Whitney L

Expert Reply:

On a 2015 Subaru Forester with Curt trailer hitch # C13144 installed it measures 6-3/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to clear the rear of the vehicle. The Thule Apex bike carrier # TH9025XT sticks out 12 inches from the center of the pin hole to the back of the upright mast. It measures 7 inches to the pivot assembly and since the hitch is recessed so far under the vehicle that pivot assembly would likely make contact with the vehicle.

The Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR is a similar carrier that will clear the rear of your Forester. I have linked a video showing it on a 2015 Forester for you.

Or another option is the Yakima RidgeBack # Y02458 which has levers to tilt the carrier like the Vertex. I have linked a video of it on a Forester as well. Please note that with the Curt hitch, Curt requires the use of stabilization strap # 18050 for any non-trailer load such as a bike or cargo carrier per their warranty requirements.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.