Clearance Of Kuat Transfer 2 And Hitch On 2021 Subaru Forester

Question:

Hi! I have a 2021 Subaru Forester Sport and a Kuat Transfer 2 bike rack. Im looking to add a hitch to my forester and I am concerned about having enough clearance between the back of my car and bike rack. I am debating between the Curt and Draw-Tite Class III hitches. Can you recommend which would be better and/or if they both will provide enough clearance for the bike rack I have? Thank you in advance!

asked by: Zeke M

Helpful Expert Reply:

I suggest the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III Part # C13409. The reason being, the measurement from the center of the hitch pin hole, to the edge of the bumper has been measured at approximately 4". The measurement with the Draw-Tite option is 5". This means that the Draw-Tite is one inch further tucked under the bumper and will cause an issue when adding your Kuat bike rack.

I have researched and found that the measurement of the Kuat Transfer 2 in the folded, upright postion, from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest point of the rack is 5". When the rack is in the folded down position and in use, that measurement is 7.5" from the center of the hitch pin hole, to the closest point folded down.

My only concern would be when it is in the folded upright position for storage use. You have roughly a 1" gap, and this is an approximate. I would NOT want to be traveling or parked in a tight space, and possibly have the cradles or the rack dent or scratch the hatch of the vehicle.

I suggest the Kuat Hi-Lo Hitch Extender Part # HL20B as an option to allow plenty of clearance between the rack and the vehicle no matter which hitch you decide on. The extender has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and comes with the anti rattle bolt to keep everything secure.

Below you will find an installation and review of the Curt hitch, as well as some product information of the Kuat Hitch Extender.

expert reply by: Andrew J