Best Trailer Hitch for 2017 Subaru Forester to Carry a Bike Rack

Question:

I have a 2017 Subaru Forester and would like to know which hitch would be best for bike rack, require no additional parts. I get the impression that may be the class III Draw-tite but want to confirm before making purchase. We have no intention to ever use the hitch for anything other than a bike rack. Thanks for your time.

asked by: Jeremy

Expert Reply:

Your impression was absolutely correct, the Draw-Tite # 75876 will be the best hitch for your 2017 Subaru Forester to use a bike rack.

The reason is that the Draw-Tite has a 2" receiver and Class III rated, which means you have much greater options for the type of bike rack and the weight of the bikes it can carry.

The only thing to keep in mind with regards to a bike rack on your Forester with this hitch is that the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of your Forester's bumper is 5", so you need a rack that has more than 5" from the center of its hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack.

For example, a 2-bike platform bike rack, the Saris Freedom # SA4412B is 12" from the center of its hitch pin hole to the closest wheel tray.

expert reply by: Kyle S