2017 Subaru Forester Hitch Adapter Compatibility With Hitch Bike Rack  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your question. Adding a hitch extender to your hitch receiver reduces the maximum tongue weight of your hitch receiver by 50%. That means the weight of your hitch bike rack and the weight of your bikes, when added together, cannot exceed that amount. The hitch receiver you have installed on your vehicle is a Subaru hitch receiver with a maximum tongue weight of 200lbs. With the Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # HTAD, your new maximum tongue weight would be 100lbs. Rather than using the hitch adapter I recommend using a 1 1/4" hitch bike rack. Your maximum tongue weight would go back to 200lbs and that will give you more flexibility with your hitch bike rack options.

Your factory hitch pin depth on your 2017 Subaru Forrester's hitch receiver is shallow. The Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack For 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount, part # TH903202. This rack has a weight limit of 65 lbs per bike. It comes with a ramp to ease in the loading and unloading of bikes. It has an anti-rattle hitch pin to reduce movement between the hitch receiver and the hitch bike rack. The pack has independent padded arms to clamp the tube of your bike. Since it uses straps to hold the wheels it is perfect to carry bikes with fenders. Please keep in mind the shallowness of the hitch receiver still might preclude the use of this rack.

In order to get the most flexibility out of your hitch receiver I recommend upgrading to a Class III hitch model. My hitch receiver recommendation would be the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", part # e98839. This hitch receiver has a maximum tongue weight of 525 lbs and a maximum gross trailer weight of 3,500 lbs.

I have included product description links, video review links, and a installation video below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

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