Recommended Hitch Mount 4-Bike Rack for 2016 Subaru Outback w/ Factory Receiver Hitch

Question:

We have a 16 outback with a factory hitch. We are looking to get a hitch mount bike rack. I saw on a question for a Thule hitch mount on a 14 forester that said there was an issue with the factory hitch and Thule racks. I wanted to know if that issue will be an issue with our outback. Thank you

asked by: Dan B

Expert Reply:

The Subaru factory hitch has the pin hole very close to the front of the receiver tube. Many bike racks won't be suitable because their shank won't protrude far enough into the receiver to provide the necessary stability.

Yakima provides the Subaru branded bike racks for Subaru, so their racks are designed to work with the Subaru factory hitch.

The # Y02458 RidgeBack is very similar to the Thule Hitching Post Pro you mentioned, but the controls on the RidgeBack for folding down the arms or tilting the rack rearward are much nicer than the snapper pins used by the Hitching Post Pro. It's an all-around nicer rack that's compatible with the hitch on your Outback.

A keyed alike hitch lock/cable lock combo is available as part # Y07238, or for the hitch lock only, use part # Y07235.