Hitch and 4-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2018 Subaru Outback
Question:
I have a 2018 Outback with a factory hitch. I want to get a 4 bike rack to use with it. I was looking at the Yakima Ridgeback and the Thule Hitching Post Pro 4 bike rack. What are the pros/cons of each on the Subaru factory hitch. Are any hitch racks for 4 bikes setup for the shallow pin location on Subaru hitches?
asked by: Rick
Expert Reply:
The factory 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch on your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon can only carry up to 2 bikes at a time due to it's lower weight capacity so you'll have to replace it with an aftermarket 2 inch hitch if you want to be able to carry up to 4 bikes. For that the Draw Tite hitch part # 76227 is the winner. This is a 2 inch hitch with plenty of capacity that will work great. It also has a concealed crosstube too which means it won't be quite as visible either. Unlike the Curt hitch that fits your vehicle as well it does not require a stabilizer strap when carrying a non-supported load like a bike rack too.
The Yakima Ridgeback 4 bike rack part # Y02458 would also be a great bike rack to use. It has cushioned cradles, can tilt, has a hitch lock (bike lock/cable lock # Y02466 separately), and is really easy to use. The Thule rack you mentioned is getting phased out but this rack is basically the Yakima version of it. I attached a review video for the Ridgeback for more info.
If you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- Kuat
more information >
Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >
Yakima HandCuff Cable Lock for RidgeBack and SwingDaddy Bike Racks
- Bike Locks
- Cable Locks
- Keyed Unique
- Steel
- 3 Feet Long
- Gray
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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