Will the Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack Have Bumper Clearance When Folded on a 2011 Subaru Outback

Question:

Will this rack clear the bumper folded and unfolded on a 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i with a Hidden Hitch 87568 2 hitch?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

To determine if the Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack will work on your vehicle when carrying bikes and folded on your 2011 Subaru Outback, the measurement from the center of the hitch pin hole to the farthest back portion of the rear bumper is needed.

We installed the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 36493, on a 2011 Outback and measured 7 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the farthest back part of the rear bumper, see video link.

The XTC4 bike rack has 12-3/4 inches clearance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier when in the bike carrying position, so it would work great in that position, but in the folded position the closest part of the bike rack is only 3 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole and would contact the rear of your vehicle before getting to the fully folded position.

At this time we do not have a folding 4 bike rack that will fit on the back of an Outback with 7 inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole needed.

expert reply by: Robert G