Recommended Hitch and Bike Rack for a 2014 Subaru Legacy and Townie Electra Bike

Question

Question:

I have a 2014 Subaru Legacy 2.5, and want a platform type bike rack. Type of rack and hitch? Am 67 yr old and can not lift my 34 or 35 pound bike well. Am working on lifting wts. To improve that.If the Thule was completely highly rated I would get that despite price but there have been some really bad reviews from people in my age group. Tried to fit it into a Sarius bike rack but water bottle was in the way.

asked by: Linda S

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Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch that I recommend you use for carrying a bike rack with your 2014 Subaru Legacy is the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7205 because the crosstube is hidden which means you only see the hitch receiver and it gives you a really clean look. If you'd rather go with a trailer hitch that is a little more cost-effective then I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75673 because it is a little easier to install than the Curt # C13158. Please note that the EcoHitch is the only option that doesn't require drilling for the installation but it does require fascia trimming.

When it comes to the bike rack the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 is really hard to beat because of how easy it is to use. If you are concerned about reviews you have read about the EasyFold XT and your Electra Townie doesn't have a front fender then I highly recommend going with the Kuat NV 2.0 Base # BA22B instead. This bike rack secures bikes around the wheel and it can accommodate bikes weighing up to 60 lbs. The best part is that you can add the Access Ramp # ANVBRB to help you load your 35 lb bike!

The NV 2.0 Base weighs about 10 lbs more than the EasyFold XT but since it has an aluminum construction with a black matte powder coat finish and includes locks you can leave it installed on your Legacy. There is a pedal on the NV 2.0 Base and lets you easily fold the rack up when you aren't using it and to give you more rear clearance.

If you do have fenders and you are struggling to lift your 35 lb bike then your best bet is the EasyFold XT or to have a friend help you load your Electra Townie in a different bike rack like the Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT # TH92BJ which is a more cost-effective version of the EasyFold XT.

I have attached some review videos on the products mentioned above for you to check out. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to reach out.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

Thanks for passing that on! I am posting this on our site so that it can help other customers!

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Answer 2

Honestly, going with a 1-1/4 inch hitch is only going to gain you 3/4 of an inch of increased ground clearance which is pretty minimal, I'd recommend going with the more versatile Class III hitch. If you're concerned about the bottom of the…

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Answer 3

I do have an option for you, however the Curt Class II Trailer Hitch Receiver #C12290 referenced in your question is not confirmed to fit your 2014 Subaru Legacy. This particular hitch is designed for certain model year Subaru Outback Wagons, as you…

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Answer 4

The only bike rack that you can add onto that is like the Kuat Sherpa #SH22G is the Kuat NV #BA22B by using this add on #BA02B.

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Answer 5

There are both Class I and Class III trailer hitches available that are confirmed to fit your 2010 Honda CR-V. The available Class I hitches, such as the Draw-Tite Sport Frame #24792, feature a square tube design, while the Class III hitches like the…

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Answer 6

Since you have the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" Item #C13200 on your 2017 Toyota Highlander you aren't limited to a certain type of rack because your hitch is a class III hitch receiver. Both the Thule Apex XT 4…

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Answer 7

Normally when there is a choice between a powered converter and a non-powered converter I go with the powered converter. The reason is that the powered converter, in this case #118511, gets most of the power for the trailer lights from the vehicle…

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Answer 8

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 9

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 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 11

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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