What do You Recommend for Transporting My 88-Pound E-Bike on a 2018 Subaru Outback?

Question

Question:

Hi! Im looking for a hitch and bike trailer for my heavy e-bike. I have a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6r. The bike I have is an Ariel Rider Grizzly, and it weighs 88 pounds without the two batteries. The tires are 20x4. What options do I have? Thank you,

asked by: Jason G

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you are looking for a way to transport your 88-pound Ariel Rider Grizzly, we do not have a standard bike rack that can accommodate that weight. However, the best and easiest route is to use a dirt bike/moped carrier like the Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier for 2" Hitches - With Ramp # UF48-979033. This carrier comes with an inside track width of 5 inches wide, so it is plenty of room for your 4-inch wide tires. It also comes with an included ramp to make loading a piece of cake. For a locking hitch pin for theft-deterrence, I recommend the etrailer Hitch Lock # e98882.

However, if you are set on a trailer with your 2018 Subaru Outback, I recommend using the Detail K2 Mighty Multi Utility Trailer - 6' Long - 1,295 lbs # K2MMT4X6. This trailer easily accommodates your e-bike. The back gate also doubles as a ramp for easy loading. If you wish to mount the bike upright on the trailer, I recommend using the Tow-Rax Removable Wheel Chock w/ Wood Screws - 6-1/2" Wide Tires # TWSPWC along with the mounting hardware # TWSPWFKM. In order to use this trailer, you need a 1-7/8" ball like the Curt Fusion Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1-7/8" # C45131. If you need a 4-way wiring harness for your Outback to activate the trailer's taillights, that is the T-One Wiring Harness # 118467. It is important to note that this trailer has a 16-inch coupler height, so you may need a rise/drop hitch depending on the current ground clearance of your hitch in order to make the connection level. I went ahead and attached a product listing of all our available drop hitches.

If you need a 2-inch hitch for your vehicle, I recommend the Curt Hitch - 2" # C13206. Not only does this hitch provide you with 600 pounds of maximum tongue weight and 4,000 pounds of gross towing weight capacity, it also comes with a gloss outer coat over the base powder coat that provides better protection against rust/corrosion than our other brands.

For straps to secure your e-bike to the motorcycle carrier or the utility trailer, I recommend the Erickson Ratchet Tie-Down Straps w/ Web Clamps and S-Hooks - 1-1/4" x 12' # EM31353.

As with all hitch applications, I recommend consulting with your Subaru owner's manual to make sure that your vehicle can accommodate the weight you wish to transport.

expert reply by: Bob C

1

Answer 1

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 2

The best hitch for a 2024 Subaru Outback is the etrailer item #e25TR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver, that has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity and a 350…

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Answer 3

The big difference between the two trailers is the EcoLight trailers like part #MAL43FR were made to be lighter weight for smaller vehicles and have lower weight capacities. This weighs 145 lbs and has a 400 lb capacity whereas the MicroSport…

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Answer 4

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 5

Yes, it does. The Hollywood Racks LED Light Bar item #HLY54RR is wired for a 4-way but comes with an adapter that will plug into a 7-way like yours to power the lights.

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Answer 6

With the size of your Champion Generator 200953(23.4" wide, 27.9" long and 21.7" tall I recommend using the 32x48 Reese Solo Cargo Carrier #PS1040100. This has a 47-3/4" long by 31-3/4" wide inner tray and can support up to…

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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

Hey Jerry, the install of the Aries Bull Bar part #AAB35-4015 do require you to permanently remove the tow hooks to install. It looks like the similar Westin Ultimate Bull Bar part #32-3645 does allow you to keep them though.

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