What Bike Rack and Trailer Hitch do you Recommend for my 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

I plan on purchasing a Swagman Chinook bike rack. I also need to purchase a trailer hitch for my 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon not a sports model. Please advise me on which trailer hitch you would recommend. I plan to use the hitch only for the bike rack and not for towing a trailer. However, I do want to be sure that the back of the wagon can be opened with the tilting of the bike rack not sure if the ion of trailer hitch makes a difference. Thank you.

asked by: Janice J

Expert Reply:

I recommend the Draw-Tite Hitch Class III # 75673 for your 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon. This hitch is confirmed to fit your vehicle by Draw-Tite and we have test fitted the hitch on your 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon. This hitch does not require welding to be installed and uses an easy bolt-on installation. The black powder coat finish covers an e-coat base for great rust protection. This hitch does fit with the Swagman Chinook bike rack.

The Swagman Chinook 2 Platform rack # S64683 works great with this Draw-Tite trailer hitch and your Subaru Outback. The mast of the rack folds down once the bikes are removed, allowing access to the rear cargo area. The type of trailer hitch does not impact the tilting mechanism of a bike rack. If the bike rack can tilt and fit in the hitch receiver as is the case here, you do not need to worry.

The Chinook holds onto the frame to secure your bikes to the rack. However, if you have any women's, children's, or alternative framed bikes, the frame may not have a horizontal crossbar. If this is the case, I recommend to get a bike adapter bar similar to # 64005 so the bike rack can easily grab onto the bike securely.

I have attached a video of the Draw-Tite Hitch installation on a 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon, and a review video of the bike adapter bar you may want to check out.

expert reply by: Sarah H