Trailer Hitch Bike Carrier that is Compatible with Factory Trailer Hitch on 2016 Subaru Outback

Question:

Im looking to purchase a Yakima2 or 3 bike rack and had my eye on the Hilite. I like its light weight and integrated locking hitch and bike lock cable. Ive found in reviews especially on the Subaru blogs that there is an issue with these racks and the Subaru factory hitch. Seems the receiver pin hole is not set back far enough. Can you be advise it that indeed is a problem and if yes, any suggestions?

asked by: Dave B

Expert Reply:

Yes, there is an issue with the Subaru factory trailer hitch and pretty much all accessories that could fit in it. The pin hole is much to close to the end of the receiver and this does not allow enough of the bike rack shank to fit inside the receiver making it unsafe for that application.

The solution is a different bike carrier with a longer shank. I have been recommending the NEO2 # B01748 for this exact reason. This carrier is light weight at only 15 pounds but lacks the locks that the HighLite has. But if you used a cable lock such as # CAB-10 you could secure the bikes and carrier to the hitch safety chain loops.

The 1-1/4 inch hitch on your 2016 Outback is likely a Class I hitch (check the hitch for a sticker) and if so then Class I hitches are limited to 2 bikes.

Another option is to replace the hitch. If the factory hitch is NOT welded on then you could remove it and install an aftermarket hitch such as # 75673 which will not have any of the problems that the factory hitch has.

expert reply by: Michael H