Will Yakima KingJoe 3 Bike Rack # Y02620 Fit a 2010 Subaru Forester With Rear Spoiler

Question:

Can this model work with a rear spoil on the Subaru Forrester 2010?

asked by: Deidre

Expert Reply:

Yakima does list the Yakima KingJoe 3 Bike Rack, part # Y02620, as a fit on a 2010 Subaru Forester, but makes no mention of a fit with a spoiler. Most trunk bike rack manufacturers do not test fit the trunk bike racks on vehicles with factory spoilers, so they can not verify that the rack will fit correctly.

The installation directions on the Yakima bike rack say to place the top clips in the gap at the front edge of the top of the hatch. I would check your vehicle and determine if the top clips can attach to the top edge of your hatch without touching the spoiler. If the straps can attach without interfering with the spoiler you should be able to use the trunk bike rack. You do not want to use the rack if the straps will come in contact with the spoiler.

The other option to carry bikes on your Forester would be to install a hitch on your vehicle, like the Draw-Tite Max-Frame, # 75650, then add a hitch bike rack like the Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack, part # S63360. This setup will allow you to carry bikes on your vehicle without any interference with the rear spoiler.

I am including links to the instructions on the hitch and the Swagman bike rack.

expert reply by: Jeff D