How To Safely Haul Bikes While Hauling My Trailer Without Roof Rack On My 2020 Subaru Outback

Question

Question:

Hello! We have a 2020 Subaru Turbo Outback with a factory installed hitch, 3500 lb towing capacity, 350 lb tongue weight. We are in the process of purchasing a custom built 1650 lb tear trailer, and ideally, wed like to tow the trailer, and ALSO be able to mount a bike rack. The bike rack should be able to handle 50 lbs per bike Is there a dual hitch system that you can recommend for us? What are the limitations and considerations I need to know before purchasing the hitch set up and the bike rack? And what specifications would I need to give to our tear manufacturer so that the set up would function properly and safely? Thank you for any advice you can give me !

asked by: Laura

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Expert Reply:

Getting a dual hitch converter will pose some issues with towing. Whenever using an extension of any kind, you will reduce the capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. This isn't something you will want if you plan on hauling your trailer with your 2020 Subaru Outback. There are some other options you can use, but this will depend on your trailer. You can use the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers # CC-275. I've included a video to show you how it works.

If your custom trailer is an A frame trailer, you can use this to put whatever hitch mounted bike rack you wanted. Just be sure that you do not go over the 100 lb capacity. Another option would be the Hitch-It 2 Bike Rack for Straight Tongue Trailers # LC731138. This will connect straight to your trailer tongue and has a capacity of 80 lbs. I like this option better because the weight capacity is not cut down when you put a bike rack on like the Stromberg Carlson option. The Hitch-It is a bike rack in itself. The Gen Y Shank # 325-GH-303 is not meant to be used as a multi hitch option.

If you are concerned about clearance with your bike and Subaru, you could get a different version like part # LC429756 which will go directly above your trailer jack. That is always an option.

Another rack that could eliminate the possibility of anything hitting would be # LC731157 and # LC731137 together. You would be able to have the rack mounted on your trailer tongue and then position the BikeWing so that it extends over your trailer jack and propane tank. This will 100% ensure that your bikes will not hit your Subaru even if you jack knife the trailer.

The Gen Y holes are what determine your rise or drop in your shank. Between these two options I think you can find the best solution for you. I've included a couple videos for you to check out to help you decide!

expert reply by: Adam E

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Answer 1

Yes, the Lippert Hitch-It bike rack part #LC731138 that you referenced would offer better turning clearance than the Swagman XC #S64650 mounted in the dual hitch adapter part #D210 that you also mentioned.

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Answer 2

You actually already mentioned the better option in your question, because I do not recommend using the BikeBase Trailer Tongue Adapter for BikeWing Carrier #LC731157 with the BikeWing 2 Bike Carrier for BikeBase or Bump-It Mounting Adapter…

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Answer 3

Since the trailer's tongue weight is 370 pounds you would be able to tow the trailer and carry 4 bikes using the Curt multipurpose ball mount #D210 since its total tongue weight capacity is 750 pounds combined and there is no way that your…

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Answer 4

My technical contact at Heininger told me that they have not had any complaints of the Advantage SportsRack V #HE1011 interfering with anyones turn radius to date. Just to give you a full idea of how adding the Advantage SportsRack will effect your…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 8

To me it makes the most sense to put a Bike Rack #HLY64FR on the flat towed vehicle rather than above the tow bars. Especially on heavy e-bikes as they are difficult to lift that high onto the rack, but also as it only makes sense to have the rack on…

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Answer 9

There are some subtle difference between the Kuat Piston Pro Bike Rack for 2 Bikes #KU76ZR and the Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack for 2 Bikes #KU98VR. Overall the two racks are very similar, there are just some subtle differences/upgrades on the Piston…

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Answer 10

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 #SH22G and the NV 2.0 #NV22G that you referenced are both excellent platform-style racks that will hold your bikes by the front wheels with no frame contact. These are top-of-the-line carriers and you really would not go wrong…

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Answer 11

The ideal height will actually have to do with how tall the coupler of the trailer is from the ground. The Draw-Tite #76020 will sit at 13 1/2 inches from the ground to the top of the hitch when installed on a 2016 Mazda CX-9. From what I could find…

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Answer 12

Hi Tracy, We can for sure get you a 3-bike rack for your ebike with a step-thru frame and two regular bikes. This is especially doable because your ebike is on the lighter side at just 40 lbs, and with that in mind what I recommend is a rack from…

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