Lightweight Easy to Load Bike Rack Recommendations for 2018 Subaru Forester

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Question:

I need to replace my current Thule bike rack which was damaged in an accident and was looking at the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. I am an older woman and would prefer a light weight rack which this is. I need something easy to install myself. I currently have a 1 1/4 hitch. Would this rack work for my 2018 Forester with this size hitch? Thanks.

asked by: Marsha

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Expert Reply:

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 part # SH12G that you referenced is a really great bike rack. It's lighter weight like you want at 32 lbs, is a platform style rack which means it's very easy to load and unload, and also only touches the bikes at the tires which protects delicate frame materials or paints.

If you have an aftermarket hitch installed on your 2018 Subaru Forester like the EcoHitch part # 306-X7216 that you referenced this rack would be a perfect solution for you. If your hitch is the Subaru brand of hitch then that means it has a shallower hitch pin hole and this rack would not fit, so instead you could install the EcoHitch in place of it or you could go with the Swagman Titan 2 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting, Item # S63400 which does fit the factory Subaru hitches. It's also lightweight too at approximately 30 lbs. It's pretty easy to load too since you just set the wheels onto the cradles.

I attached review videos for both racks for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

The total weight of the EcoHitch part #306-X7216 that you referenced is 53 lbs. The total weight of the Draw Tite hitch part #76182 you also mentioned is 35 lbs. I know you didn't ask for this, but I can't help but also feel compelled to you…

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Answer 2

The hitch we offer for your 2015 Subaru Forester that would be the least visible would be the Draw Tite part #76182 that you referenced since only the hitch opening will hang below the rear bumper as opposed to the crosstube of the hitch. I was able…

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Answer 3

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76182 weighs right at 35 pounds. The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch # 306-X7216 is just a tad heavier at 37.5 pounds. Both hitches are confirmed to fit your 2018 Subaru Forester and feature a similar…

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Answer 4

For your 2018 Subaru Forester XT I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch #76182 because it features a hidden design where only the receiver is visible beneath the vehicle. This provides you with a clean, OEM appearance unlike the…

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Answer 5

Both the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #CU64FR and Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76182 are going sit virtually flush with the rear bumper on your 2018 Subaru Forester. If I had to give one the slightest edge it would be the Draw-Tite. The…

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Answer 6

There are quite a few and it can be rather confusing. For starters I recommend getting a Class III trailer hitch on your 2018 Subaru Forester. A Class III hitch has a higher weight capacity and is the larger 2 inch receiver. There are more accessory…

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Answer 7

If you check out the attached photos of the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7216 and the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76182 you can see that they sit in relatively the same place. I went out to the warehouse and found that…

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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

I agree it is the right time to upgrade to a Lithium charger/converter as not all are Lithium compatible. I recommend using the Progressive Dynamics Mighty Mini AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger - 60 Amp #PD4060K which is a replacement for your…

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Answer 11

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

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Answer 12

Brake systems are not dependent on the hub bolt pattern. So you can use the Electric Trailer Brake Kit #AKEBRK-7-SA for 12 inch hub/drums or #AKEBRK-35-SA for 10 inch hub/drums. Then use #10-1-1 wire sold by the foot for your brake magnet wiring.…

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Lightweight Easy to Load Bike Rack Recommendations for 2018 Subaru Forester

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