Bike Rack Recommendations for 2010 Subaru Outback
Question:
I have a 2010 Subaru outback and a Schwinn Ladies bike no bar as in a mans bike. What type of bike rack would you recommend?
asked by: Joan
Expert Reply:
The two best bike carrying options for your Outback would be a trunk mounted rack or a hitch mounted rack.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A hitch mounted rack would be initially more expensive, but having the receiver hitch would offer more flexibility. If the need should arise, you could tow a small trailer or use a hitch mounted cargo carrier. For bike carrying purposes, the biggest advantage offered by the hitch mounted rack would be the fact that the rack would not be in direct contact with the vehicle, and could not scratch anything.
If you decided to go with a hitch mounted rack, you would need to purchase and install a hitch if you do not already have one. The Draw-Tite Class III, part # 75673 would work great for you as long as your Outback is not the sport model. If you were only needing the hitch as an attachment point for the bike rack, a Class II hitch like the Draw-Tite # 36493 would be a less expensive option. The Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360 is a good bargain-priced choice. We recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005 that would allow you to carry your Ladies bike so that it is level. The adapter bar attaches to the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post to provide a level attachment point. The Swagman Trailhead rack would be compatible with either hitch I recommended.
A trunk mounted rack would be a good option for somebody who does not plan on towing anything in the future. A trunk mount rack is less expensive than the cost of the hitch plus the hitch mounted bike rack, and can be removed fairly easily when not in use. Although we offer many different trunk mounted racks (see the provided link), I can highly recommend the Thule OutWAy, part # TH45JV. The OutWay uses2 rubber-coated straps instead of the 6 straps that other trunk mounted racks use, allowing it to be installed or removed in seconds. The fewer the attachment points, the less the chance of the vehicle being scratched. Because the rack is in direct contact with the vehicle finish, the possibility that the vehicle might be scratched exists. You can minimize this risk by making absolutely certain that the surfaces of the rack and the vehicle that will touch are perfectly clean and free of grit before installing the rack. The adapter bar I mentioned above would work just fine with the OutWay rack.
I will link you to the installation details for the hitch and the bike racks I recommended. I have also linked you to some product demonstration videos that you might find helpful in making your decision.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 2 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Side Window Vents
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Bug Shield
- Video: Curt Trailer Hitch Installation - 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Video: Hollywood Racks Express Trunk Bike Racks Review - 2012 Nissan Versa
- Video: WeatherTech Easy-On Stone and Bug Shield Deflector Review
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon - Draw-Tite
- Video: WeatherTech Side Window Air Deflectors Installation - 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Shop: WeatherTech Side Window Rain Guards with Dark Tinting - Front and Rear - 4 Piece
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Express 3 Bike Carrier - Fixed Arms - Trunk Mount
- Shop: Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Shop: WeatherTech Easy-On Stone and Bug Shield Deflector
- Shop: T-One Connector Assembly w/Upgraded Circuit Protected ModuLite HD Module
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Video: Yakima Trunk Bike Racks Review - 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Best Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon for Bike Rack and Towing
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: hitch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: bike rack
on Trunk Bike Racks
