Hitch Mounted 4-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2011 Subaru Outback

Question

Question:

Hello, I have a 2011 subaru outback with a 2 inch hitch and I am looking for preferably a 4 bike rack but we could do a 2 bike rack. Looking for what the best one is - I read good things about Thule I have the bear box and Yakima. I have a womens bike and so I may need an adapter bar and we would definitely want locks. can you help?

asked by: Jennifer

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Expert Reply:

I agree that Thule makes great products, but the best bike rack that I think will meet your needs is the Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount # Y02443-2, because it will give you the four bike capacity you are looking for and it is a quality rack that will last years by a quality brand in Yakima. The value and functionality provided by Yakima is going to be very similar to Thule - think of comparing Nike and Adidas.

Compared to a hanging rack, a platform rack will provide easier loading of bikes. The HoldUp secures your bikes at both the wheels and the frame, so unless your bike has a very dramatic step-through or is a smaller children's bike, a frame adapter bar won't be necessary; in the event that you needed one, you would use # Y02531 .

This rack easily switches between a 2 and 4 bike carrier so that it takes up less space behind your vehicle and is more manageable when you need to move it. The great thing about a going with a Yakima bike rack is that since you already have a Yakima Cargo Box, you can match all of the lock cores to match and work with 1 key using the Yakima Same Key System # Y07204 (4 cores) or # Y07206 (6 cores) and the Cable Lock # Y07233 to secure your bikes to the rack. This rack comes with an anti rattle locking hitch that also can be matched to the Same Key System.

If you're more interested in a hanging style rack, the Yakima Ridgeback # Y02458 is going to carry 4 bikes up weighing up to 150-lbs total. It is lightweight and easy to take on and off your vehicle but the drawback to using a hanging rack would be having to use a Frame Adapter like # Y02531 in order to carry a women's or child's bike. To secure the bikes and rack you would need the Yakima HandCuff Cable Lock System # Y02466

expert reply by: Erik B

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Answer 1

Having a bike rack, loaded or unloaded, bounce some is common but there are measures you can take to reduce the movement of the rack. The issue is that the shank on a bike rack has to be slightly smaller than the receiver opening for it to fit…

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Answer 2

The Thule Apex Swing 4 Bike Rack (discontinued), and the Yakima FullSwing 4 Bike Rack - 2" Hitches - Swinging, #Y02465, are both very nice bike racks. I haven't heard any issues with either one regarding a snug fit. Both have quick…

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Answer 3

The absolute best option for your 2 RadRunner 1 bikes without the need for a hitch extender to clear your spare tire on your 2012 Toyota RAV4 is the Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches #S94FR. Also, in addition to the…

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Answer 4

I'm certainly glad the hitch purchase was so easy, and we do have a great option for your Townie Go 7D bikes with fenders, including one with a step-through frame. The best option for this is the Saris Freedom 2-Bike Rack #SA4412B. I really like…

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Answer 5

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 6

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Answer 7

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 8

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 9

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 10

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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Answer 11

The Curt #C13410 and Draw-tite #76227 are very similar in design and both have the same weight ratings of 600lbs tongue weight and 4,000lbs of trailer weight. I do like that Draw-Tite does add the additional plate of steel in between the hangers that…

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Answer 12

Congrats on the new car! For your 2024 Subaru Outback, I recommend the etrailer Hitch item #e25TR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. I really like this hitch because it mounts behind the rear bumper cover…

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