Will Thule Helium Aero 2 Bike Rack Fit 2016 Subaru Outback  

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Expert Reply:

If you have an OEM trailer hitch on your 2016 Subaru Outback, you will first want to make sure that the hitch pin hole in your hitch receiver is 1-1/2 inches behind the front of the receiver tube. On certain Subaru OEM trailer hitches, the hitch pin hole is much closer to the front of the receiver. Thule has determined there needs to be at least 1-1/2 inches from the front of the receiver to the center of the hitch pin hole to support their bike racks.

The Thule Helium Aero 2 Bike Rack # TH9042PRO is designed to fit 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch trailer hitch receivers. The closest point on the bike rack from the hitch pin hole is the anti-rattle knob, measuring 4-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole. The lever as the base of the bike rack measures 11-1/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole.

I have attached a photo showing some clearance measurements for you, as well as a review video of the bike rack on a 2014 Outback.

The clearance needed on your 2016 Subaru Outback may vary based on the trailer hitch on your vehicle. You can use a yard sick or dowel rod held at the rearmost part of your bumper to measure the clearance needed from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the bumper.

If you do not have a trailer hitch on your 2016 Subaru Outback, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75673. This hitch will fit your Outback well as long as it is not the Sport model. It has a 2 inch hitch receiver, is rated for up to 4,000 pounds towing capacity, and up to 600 pounds tongue weight.

expert reply by: Victoria B

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