Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2012 Subaru Legacy and Thule Bike Rack

Question:

Subaru dealer tells me they dont offer a trailer hitch for my model because Subaru doesnt recommend putting a trailer hitch on it. I want to use it for a Thule bike rack. Do you know why they wouldnt recommend it and should I refrain from purchasing this one and having it installed?

asked by: Nancy B

Expert Reply:

Adding a trailer hitch to your 2012 Subaru Legacy is permitted. There is a whole section on it in the vehicle owner's manual, section 8. Since you will not be towing you wouldn't have to worry about doing any additional maintenance to the vehicle as stated in the manual.

With a trailer hitch such as # 36493 installed you can use your Thule bike rack as long as it has a 1-1/4 inch shank. But the vehicle tongue weight capacity is 200 pounds meaning the combined weight of the bike rack and bikes cannot exceed 200 pounds (even though the hitch is rated higher).

expert reply by: Michael H