Can 2013 Subaru Forester Rear Hatch Be Opened with Thule Hitching Post Pro Tilted Down and Loaded

Question:

I need quick/frequent access to dogs in back potty breaks. Im ok with hoisting ~60# of bikes up while tilting but wondering if its even an option.

asked by: Ted

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you but the Thule Hitching Post Pro bike rack # TH934XTR is not designed to be tilted with the bikes loaded. But if you were to do it anyway it is unlikely that you would be able to open the rear hatch on your 2013 Subaru Forester because it could not tilt down far enough with bikes loaded.

If you have a 2" hitch, I recommend is to use a bike rack like the Inno Tire Hold Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting # INH142 or the Yakima FullSwing 4 Bike Rack - 2" Hitches - Swing Away # Y02465. They both carry 4 bikes. The Inno is a tire-hold carrier and will easily tilt away with the bikes loaded. The Yakima is a hanging rack like the Hitching Post that you asked about. Instead of tilting away, the Yakima swings away tot he side with the bikes loaded. Either one will easily allow you access to your hatch so you can take care of your pups. Check out the video of these two carriers.

If you have a 1-1/4" hitch, I would go with the Thule Hitching Post # TH934XTR, but you would have to remove the bikes before you tilted the rack to get to your hatch.

expert reply by: Michael H