Best Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for 2018 Subaru Outback and Electric Bikes With Fat Tires

Question:

What kind of hitch and bike rack for Rad Mini e bikes fat tires. First we have no idea what type or size hitch we need for our 2018 Subaru Outback. Then we are trying to figure out a bike rack that can hold the minis which have fat tires. Weight is 60lbs, but we will be removing the batteries for transport. Thanks!

asked by: Collette

Expert Reply:

We have the exact parts you need so you can carry your RadMini Electric Bikes with fat tires on your 2018 Subaru Outback.

Let's start with the hitch, and you will need a 2 inch hitch because it will allow you to use a bike rack that can carry heavy bikes and the best hitch for your 2018 Outback is the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 76227 because it will give you the most bumper and ground clearance, and also does not require drilling into your Outback's frame to install. This hitch also has a hidden crosstube to ensure your Subaru maintains a clean look so this is the perfect hitch for your vehicle. The accompanying photo is of this hitch installed on an '18 Outback.

The other option for a 2" hitch is the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75673, which is more cost-effective, but does not have as much bumper and ground clearance as part # 76227, and also requires drilling to install on your Outback. I have added links to videos of both hitches being installed on a 2018 Subaru Outback for you to take a look at.

The bike rack I very strongly recommend to carry your RadMini Electric Bikes with fat tires is the Thule EasyFold XT 2 E-Bike Platform Rack # TH903202 along with the Fat Bike Straps for Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack # TH985101 because of its 65 lb per-bike capacity and because it is by far the simplest bike rack in the industry to use, particularly for heavy E-bikes.

The EasyFold XT comes with an aluminum ramp so you can easily load your RadMini Electric Bikes, which is one of the quality-of-life features that make it the most effortless bike rack on the market to use. It allows for simple access to your Outback's rear cargo area via a foot lever that you can press to tilt the rack down, tightens in your hitch with the twist of a knob, and uses knobs that audibly click when they are secured around your bike's frame.

This bike rack also gives you security with integrated locks in the clamps that secure your bikes to the rack and a lock in the knob that secures the rack to your Subaru's hitch, protecting your investment. The EasyFold XT # TH903202, true to its name, completely folds up and has wheels and a handle so once you remove it from your Subaru you can roll it to its storage space. I've added links to video reviews for you to check out as well.

The only other option to take a look at is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack # HLY84FR which has an 80 lb per-bike capacity and works with tires up to 5" wide. This is a solid option that will get the job done and effectively carry your heavy bikes, though it won't be as easy to use as the EasyFold XT, particularly when loading your bikes. I've added a link to a video review of this rack for you to take a look at.