Recommended 2-Inch Hitch for 2016 Subaru Forester for Transporting 4 Bikes

Question:

Hello! I am planning to buy a car which can use trailer hitch for 4 bikes rack. The first in line is Subaru Forester. But Subaru has only hitch class II and one of their product specialist says that Forester cant use trailer hitch class III. On your website it seems that Forester 2016 has third party trailer hitch in class III. How can I be sure for safety reasons to buy the right trailer hitch for rack with a 4 bikes? Thank you for your time and helping me.

asked by: Mijat

Helpful Expert Reply:

To transport 4 bikes on a hitch-mounted rack on a 2016 Subaru Forester you will definitely be better off using an aftermarket 2-inch Class III hitch like Draw-Tite # 75876. This hitch offers a substantial 525-lb tongue weight rating (TW is downward force on the hitch from what is loaded on it). 2-inch hitches will give you a far better safety margin and also give you more choices of carrier.
I linked an installation video for this hitch showing a 2016 Forester.

Your new vehicle may have a TW rating that is lower, and if this is the case then you must abide by that lower rating. Always check the owner's manual to confirm the car's capacity since it could be less than the hitch capacity.

Often swing-away type hitch racks are preferred for carrying a load of family bikes and we do offer racks like the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465 which can swing over to the passenger side of the car even when it is loaded up with bikes. This gives you full access to the car's rear hatch without having to unload the bikes, a great advantage when you're carrying lots of gear in the car. A video on this rack is linked for you too.

For a more cost-effective hitch rack the Swagman Original 4 # S64400 is a good option in a fixed (non-tilting/non-swinging) rack with 4-bike capacity. A link to all 2-inch hitch racks and articles to help you choose the best option are included for you.

If you prefer a Class II rack for use in the Subaru OEM hitch then a good option is the 4-bike Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR shown in the linked video on a 2015 Forester.