Can The Kuat NV Or Kuat Sherpa Be Used On Subaru Outback 1-1/4 Receiver?

Question:

My wife owns a 2019 Subaru Outback, we bought it new without trailer hitch installed, but as the dealership was having a promotion, we got an OEM 1.25” hitch installed about 1.5 years after our purchase. I measured the distance from the hole on the hitch to the end and its about 1inch : We’d like to get a Kuat NV or Kuat Sherpa rack, but after reading am not sure if these will work out with our setup. Ideally I’d like to NOT spend more money on getting a different hitch installed - but is there a simple way to use the mounting/drilling that’s already been done to install the Subaru OEM hitch to install a better 2” hitch? Also, if we decide to stay with the Subaru OEM 1.25” hitch could we safely install a Kuat NV or Sherpa for 2 bikes? If not what racks could we use with this hitch that are similar to the Kuat racks? Thanks in advance for the help.

asked by: Ryan

Expert Reply:

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount # SH12P and Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount # NV12B would both fit the 1-1/4" receiver on your Subaru. Both of these carriers secure the bike by the wheel and also tilt back for access to the trunk on most vehicles.

You can certainly upgrade to a 2" receiver such as the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2" # e98847. However, the 1-1/4" receiver you currently have on your Subaru won't have any issue accommodating either bike rack mentioned above. I attached demonstration videos for you.

expert reply by: Andrew N