Recommended Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Question:

Hello, I have a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek and I am looking to purchase a bike rack and was wondering what you would suggest hitch wise for the Yakima Holdup bike rack. Ive never had a hitch so really new to this and any help would be great. Thank you very much for the help!

asked by: Sean P

Expert Reply:

For your 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76084. This is a Class III trailer hitch that will provide a tongue weight capacity of 525 pounds. The reason I recommend a higher class trailer hitch when all you are wanting to do is use a bike rack is because of the 2 inch receiver opening that it provides. A 2 inch receiver will have many more compatible options to choose from as far as hitch-mounted accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers. A lower class hitch will have a smaller 1-1/4 inch opening that will limit the available accessories that are compatible.

I have attached the installation details for this trailer that you can look through.

A hitch-mounted bike rack like the Yakima HoldUp 2 Bike Rack # Y02443 referenced in your question will work great on this hitch and your vehicle. This is a very nice bike rack that can hold up to 2 bikes at 60 pounds each. I really like the spring-loaded pin in the base of the rack that allows the rack to be tilted down for rear cargo access on your Subaru. A bike and hitch lock are also included to secure everything into place and help to deter theft.

I have attached a video demonstration on this bike rack so you can see all of its features in action.

expert reply by: Chris R