Recommended Carriers for 2 Bikes and 2 Kayaks on 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

We have a 2014 Subaru Outback with 11/4inch factory hitch. We would like to carry 2 bikes and 2 kayaks what would you recommend to be the best racks. Is it possible to carry them all on the roof at the same time.

asked by: Ken C

Expert Reply:

My best recommendation is to carry the two kayaks on the roof and to carry the two bikes on a hitch-mounted rack in your factory-installed Class I hitch. You will not be able to carry both the two bikes and the two kayaks on the roof at the same time due to the space required. The total weight is also likely to be more than the roof can handle.

Standard adult bikes usually weigh in the range of 30-35-lbs each but kayaks can vary a lot in their weight depending on the size and type of boat. Fishing kayaks, for example, can weigh up to 150-lbs each when equipped for serious anglers. So the best starting point is to confirm the weight of the two kayaks and bikes as best you can so that you can then check your Outback owner's manual for the car's roof weight capacity. Naturally, you cannot exceed this limit.

For a cost-effective and lightweight kayak carrier I suggest the foam block type such as # MPG152 or one of the others shown on the linked page. These are low in cost, lightweight, simple to install and store and they do not require a roof rack. These are fine for short trips to a local pond, for instance, but not for hours of travel on the interstate.

For your bikes you can use a Class I-compatible 2-bike carrier in your factory hitch. You'll again want to check the hitch's sticker or your owner's manual to confirm the hitch tongue weight (TW) rating. The combined weight of the bikes themselves plus the rack's weight must remain within the hitch capacity. A Class I hitch can carry only 2 bikes at most.

For a low-cost and lightweight rack for your 1-1/4-inch hitch I suggest the NEO2 rack # B01748. This racks fits both 1-1/4- and 2-inch hitches, weighs only 15-lbs, and offers a foot of clearance from the hitch pin hole which means more room for your bikes.

If you'd care to add a hitch lock use # e98879 to lock the rack to your hitch. And for a cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack use # e98891.