Recommended 2-Bike Rack for 2015 Subaru Outback That Allows Full Cargo Area Access

Question:

I have a 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i and I was wondering if the Thule OutWay 2-Bike Rack allows access to the hatch? Will I damage my car if I open and close the back hatch with this rack installed? Thanks!

asked by: Ryan M

Expert Reply:

We do have a great option for transporting your two bikes on your Outback that lets you keep full use of your rear hatch for complete cargo area access. This solution is to install a hitch and use a hitch-mount bike rack that can tilt or swing out of the way.

Any trunk-mount bike rack, even the superb Thule OutWay 2 # TH45JV, prevents opening a car's trunk or rear hatch when the rack is installed. The hinge that holds the trunk lid or hatch is not really designed to handle the extra weight of a loaded bike rack so it is not recommended to ever try to open the trunk or hatch when the rack is in place.

I recommend 2-inch Class III hitch # 75673 from Draw-Tite since it offers the same capacity as others but does not require you to use a support strap # 18050 which is required for the Curt hitch.
An install video for this hitch is linked for you.

With your hitch in place on the Outback you can choose a 2-bike (or larger capacity) rack that fits into Class III hitches. I linked a page to show you all Class III hitch racks like the Yakima FullSwing 4 Bike Rack # Y02465 that holds up to 4 bikes and that swings completely out of the way of your rear hatch - even when it is fully loaded with bikes! A hitch rack like this also means you keep use of your rear wiper.

The linked video shows this unique bike carrier in use.