Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

Question:

my current accessories fit a 2 inch hitch are there any available for 2011 wrx 5 door? and what is the difference between the curt #11317 and the curt#c11120? which is better? the 11317 looks much bigger but is it harder to install? also, do you carry the curt 1 1/4 to 2 inch adaptor #45785? trying to use my old swagman 4 bike carrier is there a 2 inch hitch available? any other hitch manufacturers make appropriate hitch so i dont have to use strap? thanks

asked by: Ted T

Expert Reply:

The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX has different configurations and depending on which one you have will determine which hitch, if one is available, fits. If it has single exhaust, there is no hitch option available. But, if it has quad exhaust, you can use Curt hitch # C11120. I have included a link to the installation details for you.

Curt hitch # 11317, fits a 2008 to 2012 Subaru Impreza Sedan, but not the STi models. It does not fit the 5 door model (wagon). Curt hitch # C11120 fits a 2011 to 2012 Subaru Impreza Wagon with Quad Exhaust.

We do carry a 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch trailer hitch adapter that will fit the Curt Class I trailer hitches. It is # HTAD. We do not currently have the Curt brand adapter. The use of an adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. For hitch # C11120, by using the adpater the capacity will be reduced from 200 pounds down to 100 pounds.

A 2 inch hitch is not available for your vehicle. There are only Class I, 1-1/4 inch hitches available. You could use an adapter but you must be aware that the tongue weight capacity will only be 100 pounds. The weight of a bike rack and 2 bikes on it can easily exceed the capacity and damage the vehicle.

A Class I trailer hitch is only rated to carry 2 bikes. The reason is not the weight of the bikes and rack. The problem is the amount of weight of a third or more bikes and the distance they are away from the receiver. The more weight that is added further from the receiver, the more torque and stress is on the hitch.

I recommend avoiding using an adpater and going with a bike rack designed to be used in a Class I trailer hitch like the Swagman Trailhead, # S63360. This rack is compatible with a Class I hitch, it holds 2 bikes, and it tilts down for greater access to the rear of the vehicle. I have included a link to the isntallation details for the rack.

Currently, Curt is the only manufacturer we carry that offers a hitch that fits a WRX model. The strap, # 18050, is required by Curt for their warranty. The strap is made to take up some of the stress from the bike rack and does actually help with movement of the rack in the hitch.