Bike Rack Does Not Fit 2019 Subaru Forester Tow Package Factory Hitch
Question:
I have a tow 1/4” tow package with electrical. What hitch should I put on this? I’m pulling a small 300 lb trailer 600lb loaded. I have a Subaru stock receiver. Will a saris freedom 2 fit? I have a Thule that expands to a 2 inch and completely reduced to the the 1 1/4 ithe expander blocks the rack from going in. There’s a Sleeve inside that seems to make it less than a 1 1/4. Baffled and confused. I was reassured that it was a 1 1/4 receiver. I’ll be taking it into them to discuss this. the saris probably won’t fit then?
asked by: Glen
Helpful Expert Reply:
It sounds like you have a factory Class I 1-1/4 inch hitch on the 2019 Subaru Forester. Some Subaru Class I hitches are designed with the pin hole much closer to the front of the receiver and some are designed with a weld stop inside the receiver. This stops accessories from fitting that are not Class I to keep users from exceeding the low tongue weight of the hitch. I checked the owner's manual and the maximum tongue weight capacity for the 2019 Subaru Forester is 150 lbs so you can tow your trailer with the existing hitch as long as you do not exceed the 150 lb tongue weight rating.
The Saris Freedom 2 part # SA4412B does fit a Class I hitch but may not pin into the Subaru hitch. If you keep the Class I hitch on the Subaru you will need to get a Class I bike rack with a shorter shank that fits into the hitch. Yakima has confirmed their bike racks to fit the Subaru factory hitches. I recommend the Yakima HoldUp EVO part # Y02480 if you decide to replace your bike rack instead of the hitch. The HoldUp can be used in a Class I hitch and carries up to 2- 50 lb bikes.
If you decide to switch out the hitch, I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 306-X7391 for the Subaru because it is the only concealed cross tube design available for the Subaru Forester. The receiver portion of the hitch is the only part of the hitch visible after installation. The EcoHitch also gives you a 2 inch hitch receiver so you can use your Thule bike rack.
Please keep in mind changing the hitch does not change the weight rating on the vehicle. You are still only able to tow 150 lbs of tongue weight with the trailer or bike rack.
Products Referenced in This Question
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Saris
more information >
Yakima HoldUp EVO Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- EcoHitch
more information >
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