Fit of Thule OutWay # TH45JV on 2012 Subaru Impreza 5 Door Hatchback With Spoiler

Question:

Hi, is this Thule OutWay going to fit 2012 Subaru Impreza 5-door with rear spoiler and wiper? Where would you put the top straps?

asked by: Mehul

Expert Reply:

According to Thule, their OutWay bike racks, like the # TH45JV won't fit your Subaru Legacy 5 door w/ the spoiler. The attachment straps for the spoiler would need to pass over the top of the spoiler, and the weight of the bikes and the carrier would likely damage the spoiler.

The good news is that Hollywood Racks offers a 2 bike rack that is compatible with your vehicle, the # HRF2. This rack would rest on the vehicle in three places, rather than the usual two, which spreads the weight out better on the vehicle. This prevents the weight of the rack and bikes from hanging on the spoiler, which prevents the spoiler from being damaged.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance.

expert reply by: Mike L