Extending Hitch for Bike Rack on 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

I just had U-Haul install a 2” trailer hitch on my 2019 Subaru Outback wagon. The hitch is recessed nearly 4” inside from the rear bumper, so I would like some help finding a way to extend this hitch so that I can use a bike rack. The hitch is rated for 4000 pounds and 650 pounds tongue weight, but Subaru says the maximum tongue weight is 200 pounds, so I’d like to find a solution that does not reduce this weight down to 100 pounds, like many extenders do. Is there a part that will allow me to extend the length of my hitch AND preserve the full capacity of 200 pounds tongue weight? Item # RM-077-8 looks promising because I don’t see anything about diminished weight capacity, but I’d like to ask your guidance. I really don’t need two receivers but I’d buy it if this is the only way to solve my problem. Please let me know if there are any other things I might try to achieve my objective of carrying two bikes. Thank you very much.

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

There are many bike racks compatible with the 4 inch recessed hitch. You will just want to find one with a long shank. Each bike rack we carry will have the measurement from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack so you can confirm fit. For example, the RockyMounts MonoRail 2 Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Tilting - Wheel Mount # RKY10004 measures 11 inches when carrying and 6-1/4 inches when folded close to the vehicle.

Using a hitch extender will reduce the hitch capacity by 50% but that will still put you well over the tongue weight capacity of your vehicle as you stated. The issue will be the additional movement of the rack due to the additional part and leverage under load. Like I mentioned even 1/2 the capacity of your 650 lb hitch rating is over the 200 lbs of the vehicle rating so if you want an extender use # e88YR.

expert reply by: Jason S