Recommended Hanging Hitch Bike Rack for Transporting 4 Bikes on 2012 Subaru Forester

Question:

Hello! I am looking for a hanging bike rack for a 2012 Subaru Forester that holds 3 adult bikes and 1 kids bike 1 1/4inch hitch. I see there are many options! Are the bike adapter bars for kids and womens bikes universal from brand to brand? I really like the Thule Hitching Post Pro but the extra $150 for the adapters seems a little steep. Any other ideas or suggestions? cheers!

asked by: Jason K

Expert Reply:

You can transport 4 bikes on your 2012 Subaru Forester by using a 4-bike hitch-mount rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR as long as your Forester's hitch is either a 1-1/4-inch Class II or a 2-inch Class III. Your hitch will have a safety sticker that indicates its class rating and its maximum tongue weight (TW) load capacity. The combined weight of the rack and bikes needs to remain within the hitch TW capacity.

The Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR 4-bike rack fits both 1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III hitches and it can be locked to your hitch by adding the mating anti-rattle lock # THSTL2. The rack's arms are spaced at 13-1/2-inches (outside to outside) so you can compare this measurement to the bikes' frames to see if this arm spacing will be compatible with all or if some might need an adapter bar.

We offer many of these items (see the link provided) and they are all universal-fits so you do not have to use any specific brand. They do differ in their length adjustment so this should be considered. For example, the lowest cost adapter bar is Advantage # HE6009 which adjusts from 15-1/2- to 28-inches in length. Measure the bikes from their handle bar stems to their seat posts to see which bars will fit best.