Recommended 4 Bike Carrier For 2017 Subaru Outback With 1-1/4" Hitch Receiver  

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The Saris SuperClamp EX 4 Bike Platform Rack # SA4026F has a weight of 63lbs. If you have the bike rack at full capacity, there will be another 190lbs added on, totaling about 253lbs all together. If you were to use an adapter to make this 2" carrier work with your 1-1/4" receiver, the hitch receiver's overall weight capacity will be reduced by 50%. The 1-1/4" receivers available for you vehicle have a tongue weight of 300lbs, which would only leave you with 150lbs of weight that could be added on after taking the 50% reduction into account. This is not recommended.

You will either need to go with a 1-1/4" bike rack or a new receiver for your vehicle. Your options are pretty limited when looking for a 4 bike rack to fit your receiver, but you could go with Thule Hitching Post Pro - Folding Tilting 4 Bike Rack w Anti-Sway # TH934XTR. This has a weight capacity of 35lbs per bike and fits 1-1/4". However, if you have a class 1 hitch then you can only carry 2 bikes at a time. If you have class 2 hitch or higher, then this will work for you. This "hanging" style is the only type of 4 bike carrier that will work with your setup.

If you have a class 1 hitch, then I highly recommend going the route of installing a new 2" receiver on your vehicle so that you can use the Saris SuperClamp # SA4026F or any other 2" bike rack. The Draw-Tite # 76227 is an excellent hitch receiver that is confirmed to fit your 2017 Subaru Outback. This is class 3 and has a max tongue weight of 600lbs. This offers a simple installation process that requires no drilling or welding. I have attached an installation video for this product.

expert reply by: Andrew N

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