Do Hollywood and Swagman 4-Bike Racks fit 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon With Ecohitch?

Question:

Looking at either the HR1400 or the Swagman XTC4 racks for a 2017 Outback. Recently installed 2 inch Ecohitch on vehicle. Hitch capacity shouldn't be issue but tongue weight for Outback is limited to 200 lbs. Looks like both of these racks would fit fine and bike weights plus rack weight will be in spec with the 200 lb limit 74lb rack + 3x25lbs + 1x32 lb bike. Don't see a video of the HR1400 on an Outback but I assume it fits this vehicle with no issues. Is this the case? Also, just wondering if there is a factor that needs to be added to the weight to account for bikes on the tail end of the rack. Effectively, the farther out they rest, the more stress imparted on the rack arm, hitch and vehicle frame. Or will simple summing of bikes and rack provide the total to compare to tongue weight limits?

asked by: Gregory B

Expert Reply:

Each of the racks you mentioned, the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 4-Bike Rack # HR1400Z and Swagman XTC4 4-Bike Rack # S64665 will fit fine on your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon. There is 2-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole on your Ecohitch # 306-X7601 to the edge of the bumper on your Outback, and the closest part of the Hollywood Sport Rider is 5" when it is folded up, while the closest part of the Swagman is 3-1/2" when folded up.

Of the two racks, I recommend going with the Hollywood # HR1400Z; I'd rather have that little bit of extra room from rack to bumper when folded up, you can tilt the rack down with your bikes loaded to gain access to your Outback's rear hatch, and you can use it as a 2-bike receiver by removing the 2-bike extension unit. I've added links to video reviews of each rack for you to take a look at.

As for the issue accounting for bikes on the tail end of the rack, your bikes are all relatively the same weight and the sum of the rack and bikes will be the deciding factor when it comes to tongue weight.

expert reply by: Kyle S