Can the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75673 be Used to Carry 4 Bikes with a 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

Is it safe to install a 2 inch hitch on outback 2018 to carry 4 bikes? Will the installation damage the car?

asked by: Zoe

Helpful Expert Reply:

From what I could find online it looks like you can safely carry 4 bikes on your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75673, but you will want to double check your owner's manual to make sure that you can safely do so. Since the Draw-Tite hitch has a Tongue Weight (TW) capacity of 600 lbs your Outback Wagon will most likely be the limiting factor.

Since platform bike racks tend to be on the heavy side it would be to your benefit to use a hanging bike rack so that you will have more TW capacity left for your bikes.

I recommend going with the Yakima RidgeBack # Y02458 when it comes to the bike rack. This bike rack can carry up to 4 bikes as long as their combined weight isn't over 150 lbs and the cradles are adjustable and lock in place along the arms to accommodate a variety of bike sizes and styles. The RidgeBack comes with bike and rack locks as well to help deter theft.

Please note that it you have any bikes with a frame that does not have a horizontal cross tube, like a traditional man's bike does, you will want to use an Adapter Bar # UB01 to carry the bike(s) level and improve ground clearance.

I have attached an installation video of the trailer hitch for you to follow as well as an installation video of the RidgeBack for you to check out.