Carrying 4 Bikes on 2016 Subaru Outback w/ Factory Hitch
Question:
I have a 2016 Subaru Outback with a factory installed 1-1/4inch trailer hitch with a 200 lb. tongue weight. I am interested in purchasing a 4 bike hitch mounted rack, but am concerned about the online comments regarding the location of the safety pin hole. It is only 1inch from the end. Are there any Thule or Yakima models recommended for use with the factory installed hitch? Are there any concerns with compatibility?
asked by: Kathy
Expert Reply:
The factory Subaru is a Class I hitch. The bike rack manufacturers all agree that no more than two bikes should be carried on a rack installed in a Class I hitch. Even though the weight of the rack and the 4 bikes might come in under the 200 lb tongue weight maximum, adding the third and fourth bike will move the load further away from the receiver. The greater this distance, the more leverage is applied to the hitch. This leverage can compromise the hitch's attachment point to the vehicle, which could result in damage to the vehicle or the hitch, and the loss of the bike rack while in transit.
You could carry the remaining two bikes on the roof, using roof racks like the # RKY1201 BrassKnuckles by RockyMounts. The racks would mount to the factory crossbars of your Outback.
Products Referenced in This Question
RockyMounts BrassKnuckles Roof Mounted Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Black
- Roof Bike Racks
- Wheel Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Locks Not Included
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Black
- RockyMounts
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
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