Compatibility Of The Swagman Current On My Subaru Outback

Question:

I have a few questions. My car is a Subaru Outback 2013. I have a 2” hitch from Uhaul mounted on the chassis, 4,500lb rating. The distance from the center hole to the bumper is 8”. I have a Haibike ~55lbs, 3” tires and Pedego ~50 lbs, 2.5” tires. I currently use a Tule 4-Bike rack, but it is challenging to use. 1 Because Of the weight, I’m considering the E-Spec. It looks like it will fit my 3” tires. I believe your maximum distance from the center hole to the bumper is around 5-3/4”, which allows folding of the rack,correct? Harbor freight makes a 2”x12” extender https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-hitch-extender-69882.html. Do you think this will work? 2 if yes to the above, as my tires are 3”, do you have any concern about the wheel holder? Do you think the Current would be a better choice? Thank you!

asked by: Ty

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, for the Swagman Current # S64678 you will need at least 5-3/4 inches from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack when folded to be able to use that feature. It weighs about 50lbs and can handle 60lbs per bike. Before grabbing an extender I do recommend confirming the distance between the center hole to the bumper is 8". I don't see a whole lot of vehicles with the hitch recessed that far in from your bumper.

Your hitch can handle the weight so that's good, but you need to think about what adding an extension will do for the weight rating of your hitch. The further out you go, the less your hitch can handle. I usually say you loose about 50% of your hitches capacity when you use an extension. Since you need at least 8" from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack, a hitch extender may be necessary if the rack doesn't have more than 8" from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack.

Based on how the Swagman Current # S64678 is designed and using the measurements you provided, we really only need about 2-1/4 inches MINIMUM for it to clear. That being said, I think that a 12 inch extension may be a little overkill. A better size extension would an extender like the Curt Hitch Extender Item # C45791. This will bring the hitch pin hole right at where your bumper ends which will give you sufficient clearance!

I've included some videos for you to check out and see if the current is the right rack for you!

expert reply by: Adam E