How to Carry 2 Electric Bikes on a 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

I’m moving forward with purchasing a bike rack but had another question. Will the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Platform Rack work with the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch part # 75673 that you recommended? One reviewer of the Thule said that the Subaru factory installed trailer hitch for their Outback would not work with this model of the Thule. Thule doesn’t show this on their web site but this person learned about it after they bought the Thule. I don’t see why the Draw-Tite wouldn’t work with the Thule bike rack on a 2012 Outback. Thanks for your assistance.

asked by: Kirk

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual for your 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon, this vehicle has a maximum tongue weight (TW) capacity of 200 lbs meaning the rack and two bikes cannot exceed this figure. The best trailer hitch receiver we have for you would be the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch part # 75673 which is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver tube opening. A 2" receiver tube opening will allow for a far greater amount of bike racks to be used in comparison to 1-1/4" receiver tube openings.

If you also need a bike rack for your 2 e-bikes I recommend using the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 2-Bike Carrier part # HLY84FR which has a weight capacity of 80 lbs per bike. This rack combined with your 2 60 lb e-bikes will not exceed the TW capacity of your vehicle and will work well for you. The rack also comes with locks to secure the rack to the vehicle and your bikes to the rack.

expert reply by: Conner L

Kirk

5/16/2018

Conner L.

5/16/2018

Yes, the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Platform Rack part # TH903202 will work with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75673 while installed on your 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon. The receiver tube opening of the hitch matches the shank on the bike rack and the clearance from the rear bumper is sufficient so there would be no reason as to why it would not work. The biggest draw of the EasyFold is that it has aluminum ramps that will help you load/unload your heavy e-bikes without having to lift them. If you haven't seen the ramps in action you can take a look at the review video I have attached for you.