Best Trailer Hitch for a Bike Rack Hauling on a 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

Looking for a trailer hitch for my 2020 Outback Wagon. I see you guys have a couple but what are the differences between them? I'm needing to use it for a bike rack.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

Great question! When hauling a bike rack I look at the tongue weight rating of the hitch to determine which is going to be the strongest. This helps eliminate and twisting or flexing that your hitch might experience from loading it with the bike rack and the bikes.

With that said I have two options for you. To start the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" part # C67JR is a solid choice. It has a very nice look when on the vehicle. Basically all you will see when it's installed is going to be the receiver tube opening leaving the rear of your outback nearly unchanged. It has a Maximum tongue weight of 600 lbs. which is great for bikes and bike racks.

The second and more costly option is the Stealth Hitches Rack Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" part # 391SUOB20 . Now both of these install just the same the big difference is that when you aren't using the hitch the Stealth allows you to completely remove the receiver tube opening leaving the appearance of your Outback unchanged. It also has a Maximum tongue weight of 600 lbs but is not rated for use in towing applications where as the Curt is! It is rated for a Maximum gross trailer weight: 4,000 lbs

My pick is the Curt, Small change in appearance to the vehicle but equal as far as bike racks plus I can still tow with it if needed!

If you do expect towing at some point use the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C56040. This is a very quick and easy installation to perform and it will give you a working 4-way flat trailer connector.