Recommended Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for Carrying 2 Bikes with a 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question

Question:

We have a 2018 subaru outback that needs both a 2-inch hitch and a 2 or 3-bike rack. I am concerned that a 2-bike rack does not allow enough room for 2 mountain or 2 road bikes without them touching and rubbing against one another. We would not be taking 3 or 4 bikes at one time. One mountain bike uses the top-bar adaptor. We will not be using the hitch for towing. What do you propose we should buy? Want to be able to lock the bike rack and hitch together with a locking mechanism/bolt/key. Enjoyed your video on how to mount a Class III tow bar/hitch on the 2018 Subaru. Very informative! Of course, a bike rack hitch should be much easier, I think? My concern is having enough room between the bikes so that they don’t make contact, especially with odd-length handlebars on our mountain bikes. Also, want a hitch/rack system that doesn’t hang down so much that it bottoms-out as we use gnarly forestry roads. Maybe a platform-style rack could work but what I’ve seen have a long horizontal extension that can easily bottom-out. Anything you can suggest is appreciated. Thank you,

asked by: Loretta O

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Expert Reply:

For a trailer hitch I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver # E98847 because it has the most bumper clearance and comes with a matte black finish that does a better job of hiding scratches and dings over the glossy black options. Trailer hitches are used for both trailers and accessories like a bike rack so there is no difference in the installation.

If you'd like one with a hidden crossbeam (for a cleaner installed look) then I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76227 because it will give you the most bumper clearance out of the available Class III trailer hitches that feature the hidden crossbeam. Once installed this option has more of a sleek look over the etrailer.com mentioned above but it does have a more difficult installation process.

Then for a bike rack I recommend the Kuat NV 2.0 Base # BA22B because it is a platform rack that secures your bikes why the wheel (so it is compatible with any style that doesn't have a front fender), it has a 3-1/2" rise in the shank for ground clearance, and it has an aluminum construction with an anodized black matte powder coat finish meaning it won't ruse or corrode when exposed to the elements. Kuat backs this up with a limited lifetime warranty and customer service that is truly "face-melting".

The NV 2.0 Base also comes with integrated bike and rack locks that use the same key so it is easier to keep track of the locks (since they are on the rack) and you only have to carry one key for the whole rack. I am attaching a review video and a picture of the Kuat NV 2.0 # NV22B for you to reference. The 2.0 is an upgraded version of the Base as it comes with the bike repair stand that can also be added to the 2.0 Base with part # TDKB for on-the-go repairs.

If you would like a recommendation that is a little more cost-effective then let me know but since it sounds like you are looking for something that is durable, handles a lot of use well, and gives you great ground clearance the NV 2.0 Base is the way to go.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

Sounds like you're trying to replace the shank on the original Kuat NV with a 2" shank from the newer NV? No, that will not be possible. There are so many design differences between the two bike racks that a retrofit like that will…

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Answer 2

The Kuat replacement bike repair stand in black is offered as part #TDKB which fits their NV 2.0 Base platform rack #BA22B. It also works with their Tri-Doc Repair Stand models #TDSNVG (gray) and #TDSNVO (orange).

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Answer 3

The Kuat Trail Doc Bike Repair Stand #TDKB is a fit for your Thule T2 but only with an adapter. If you don't already have the adapter, it is no longer an available part to add to your rack. My contact at Kuat said they have discontinued…

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Answer 4

The Trail Doc for Kuat NV 2.0 Base Platform Rack part #TDKB which is for the Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes part #BA22B will hold 45 lbs.

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Answer 5

There were quite a bit of updates for the new NV which Kuat spent three years working on. One of the biggest differences the new Kuat NV 2.0 part #NV22G has over the previous version is that the wheel cradles can now accommodate tires up to 4.8…

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Answer 6

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 #SH22G and the NV 2.0 #NV22G that you referenced are both excellent platform-style racks that will hold your bikes by the front wheels with no frame contact. These are top-of-the-line carriers and you really would not go wrong…

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Answer 7

For the most part the Curt #13268 and the Draw-Tite #75671 and #76116 are going to be the same hitch; they're all square tube designs and provide you with a 2" receiver. I generally prefer Curt hitches when available since…

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Answer 8

You are correct, the 2013 Honda Accord sedan does have a listed towing capacity of 1,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 100 pounds tongue weight. Even though the hitches available, such as Curt hitch #C11681, are rated higher you will still need…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 12

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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