Bike Rack Options for a 2008 Subaru Outback Wagon
Question:
What are my options?
asked by: MC
Expert Reply:
According to Thule and Yakima, the 2008 Subaru Outback Wagon is not suitable for use with a trunk mounted bike rack because the rear hatch is not strong enough to carry the weight of the carrier and the bikes.
This leaves a roof or hitch mounted system as your remaining options. I would recommend going with the hitch mounted option, which would involve installing a receiver hitch like the Draw-Tite Class II receiver, part # 36334. This hitch will fit your Outback as long as it is not a Sport model. The 3 bike Swagman Trailhead, part # S63365 would be a good budget-priced option.
For womens bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # 64005 is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike has greater ground clearance and is not carried at an angle.
If you decide to carry the bikes on the roof, you will need crossbars for the bike rack to attach to. If your Outback has the rails on the side of the roof that run from front to rear, crossbars can be installed using the Thule Evo Raised Rail Feet # TH710401 and 53" WingBar Evo Crossbars # TH711420. Once crossbars are in place, you could use 3 of the Swagman Rooftop Bike Carriers, part # S64720.
Of the two options, the hitch and hitch mounted rack would be the easiest to use.
I have linked you to the products I recommended. To see install details and some product demonstration videos, click the provided links.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 3 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount
- Roof Bike Racks
- Frame Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Bike Lock
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Black
- Swagman
more information >
Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
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