Transporting 4 Bikes on Hitch Rack on 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon 2.5i

Question:

Would you recommend this rack on 2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i with 1.25 factory hitch? We are going to have 4 bikes to carry. Thanks

asked by: TD

Expert Reply:

The factory 1-1/4-inch hitch on your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon is a light-duty Class I type that can handle the load of only two bikes. Even if a higher-capacity rack fits the hitch, such as the Curt # C18030, you are still limited by the Class I hitch to only two bikes.

You will want to install a much sturdier 2-inch Class III hitch to allow use of a 4-bike hitch rack. Of the three options shown on the linked page I suggest the Draw-Tite # 75673 for its combination of high tongue weight capacity (600-lbs) and price. An installation video for this hitch is linked for you.

In it you can use the Curt rack # C18030 or even one of the nicer available 2-inch racks made for biking families, such as the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465 which swings away from the car to give you full access to the rear cargo area even when you have a rack full of bikes. The linked video for this rack shows it in use.

expert reply by: Adam R