Recommendation on a Hitch and 4 Bike Rack for a 2011 Subaru Forester

Question:

Hi - I need to buy all the parts to transport 4 bikes for our car AND I need recommendations in the Brooklyn, NY area for an installer who can do it for me from start to finish. I am not at all handy or skilled. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Debbie N

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. On your 2011 Subaru Forester, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver, # 75650. The Draw-Tite hitch has a 2 inch receiver opening which will allow to have a wider range of options for hitch accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers. This hitch has an easy bolt-on installation and all hardware will be included for the installation.

I recommend the Draw-Tite hitch over the Curt Hitch # C12047 for a couple reasons. The Curt hitch uses the 1-1/4 inch opening which will limit you choices of racks. Also the Curt hitch requires you to use a stabilization strap when using a non-towing accessory. The Draw-Tite hitch does not require you to use the strap.

For a 4 bike rack, I have a couple racks that I like to recommend. The Thule Hitching Post Pro 4 Bike Rack, # TH934XTR, is a great "first bike rack" for your Forester. The rack can carry 4 bikes weighing 35 lbs each. The rack uses Thule's HoldFast cradles which will hold the bike frames to prevent sway and bike-to-bike contact. The Hitching Post Pro will also tilt away, when unloaded, from the rear of your vehicle to allow you access to your Subaru's cargo area.

The other rack I like is the Thule Camber 4 Bike Rack, # TH9056. The Camber has all the features that you will find with the Hitching Post Pro, but does offer a few features that the Hitching Post Pro does not. The Camber also includes a built-in anti-rattle device that will snug up the rack in the hitch to help eliminate rattle that is a common issue between hitch accessories and hitches.

I also recommend the Thule Snug-Tite Hitch Lock, # THSTL2, with these bike racks. The Snug-Tite lock will deter theft of the rack by locking the rack to the hitch.

If you will be carrying a woman's or child's bike, then I recommend the Kuat Ubar Bike Adapter Bar, # UB01. This bike adapter will allow you to hang these type of bike frames on a hanging bike racks. The bar will connect between the seat post and handle bars and will give you a horizontal bar to hang onto the bike rack.

As for a installation shop, we do not have a list for recommended installation shops. I suggest you call a few different local shops and get some quotes. Then follow up with BBB to find a shop that has positive feedback from customers.