Availability of Trunk Mount Bike Rack For 2009 Subaru Forester XT Limited With Spoiler

Question:

Hi, can you point me in the direction of a trunk mounted bike rack that will fit a 2009 Subaru Forster XT limited WITH Spoiler? The Spoiler is my main concern, and I know that there are racks that fit this Forester, but curious if you can tell me which ones can accomodate the spoiler and which ones cannot. Thanks!

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

The best way to carry bikes on your 2009 Subaru Forester XT Limited with a spoiler is to use a hitch and a hitch bike rack.

Thule, Yakima, and most bike rack manufacturers do not recommend using the trunk mount racks on vehicles with spoilers. According to the manufacturers, the racks are not test fit on spoiler equipped vehicles, and a fit cannot be guaranteed.

The top hooks on a trunk bike rack, like the Thule OutWay 2 Bike Rack, part # TH45JV, need to hook on to the top of the vehicles hatch lid. The straps on the bike rack should not be against the spoiler, otherwise, the spoiler could be damaged when the straps are tightened down. If the spoiler has openings that the straps can go through and allow the bike rack to be tightened down without contacting the spoiler, then the bike rack might work. However, I cannot guarantee that any trunk mount bike rack will fit if the car has a spoiler.

What I recommend is to add a trailer hitch like, Draw-Tite Class III 2 Inch Hitch, part # 75650, and a hitch mount bike rack like the Swagman 2 Bike Platform Rack, part # S64670. This is one of our most popular bike racks and the platform design makes loading and unloading the bikes easier than the hanging design bike racks. I am including links to the instructions on the hitch and the hitch bike rack.

expert reply by: Jeff D