Recommended Bike Rack for 2019 Forester Touring Hitch to Minimize Interference with Back-up Camera

Question:

Bike Rack for 2019 Forester Touring Hitch to minimize interference with back up camera We recently purchased the 2019 Forester Touring. We want a hitch bike rack for 2 bikes mountain and road that does not interfere with our back-up camera. We want it to be light enough that a petite women can remove it frequently and the ability to get into our cargo area while the bikes are loaded. What would you recommend? Hitch wise It looks like the best hitch is Draw Tite part 76271? We are only installing this for a bike rack. Do we still need to purchase and install a harness? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Julie L

Expert Reply:

The 2019 Subaru Forester Touring has the nice backup camera integrated just above the license plate and close to centered. When using a trailer hitch like the Draw-Tite Max-Frame # 76271 for instance, you will want to account for the hitch pin hole to outermost bumper to ensure you have the clearance needed. For example this hitch pin is 5 inches recessed from the outer bumper so it will not allow folding of the Kuat Transfer # KU74FR for example.

Because of the location of the camera, I recommend the wheel mounted platform style rack to get as much interference out of that camera view as possible. I recommend the Yakima HoldUp 2 # Y02443 which will be a great rack for your road bike and mountain bike. This rack will tilt away to give you cargo access with bikes loaded and will give you a couple inches of clearance when folded up for storage. This rack weighs 49 lbs and is easy to install and comes with the hitch and bike locks to secure your investment.

When using a trailer hitch for bike rack use only, you do not need to install a wiring harness. That is only required for trailer lighting or lighted accessories.

expert reply by: Jason S