Can a 4-Bike Rack Be Used On a 2019 Subaru Forester Sport with 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

If the trailer hitch receiver you have on your 2019 Subaru Forester Sport is a class I 1-1/4" then the maximum number of bikes you can carry regardless of weight is two. This has to do with the inability for the the class I trailer hitch receiver to handle the increased leverage of the additional bikes further away from the vehicle.

If the trailer hitch receiver you have on your 2019 Subaru Forester Sport is a class II 1-1/4" then you can haul four bikes however, as you mentioned the weight of the bike rack and four bikes will need to be under the weight capacity of the trailer hitch which is asking a lot.

Therefore, the best option for you to haul your four bikes safely is to install a class III 2" trailer hitch receiver, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76271. The Draw-Tite Max-Frame offers an easy bolt-on installation that installs using pre-drilled holes in the frame rail. It should only take you around 30 minutes or so not including the time it will take to remove the trailer hitch you have now. The 2" receiver tube opening that the Draw-Tite Max-Frame offers is truly best for your Forester because it will allow you to carry the widest variety of hitch mounted accessories and you don't have to worry about weight capacities with your four bike rack. The hitch will also allow you to tow a much larger trailer if the need should ever arise.

In order to determine what class the trailer hitch you have now is, you can either look for a sticker on the actual hitch itself or call the dealer with your VIN. I have attached an install photo of this hitch for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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