Bike Rack Recommendation for Class I 1-1/4" Hitch on a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Question:

Hello! My family has always bought hitches from you and installed them ourselves, but we just got a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with the factory hitch included. It’s only 1 ¼ in., and the manual shows a gross tongue weight of 150 lbs, which doesnt seem like much to me?! Im looking at bike racks and assume I need to look for Class I compatible – maybe the Thule Camber # TH9056 or Saris Freedom – Frame Mount? We don’t ride high end bikes – we just need something easy to use. Thanks for any advice on what might work best!

asked by: Jenny

Expert Reply:

According to my available specs on your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, you are correct that the vehicle has a 150-pound maximum tongue weight capacity. It is important to make sure that you do no exceed this weight rating with the combined total weight of your bikes and the hitch because this can be extremely dangerous.

With that being said, I recommend going with the Saris Freedom # SA4412B. Not only is it compatible with Class I 1-1/4" hitches, it also is lighter than the Thule Camber # TH9056 at just 22.5 pounds. With this weight, you can maximize the capacity of the hitch. Another advantage of the Freedom is that it comes with a 8 inch rise for extra ground clearance. This prevents the possibility for bottoming out or scraping against the ground. As far as compatibility, the Freedom accommodates bike wheelbases up to 48" long and tires up to 2-1/2" wide. It is important to note that when using a Class I hitch, the per-bike weight capacity is 35 pounds.

To add theft-deterrence to the Freedom, I suggest the etrailer Cable Lock # e98891 with the Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock # SA3022.

expert reply by: Bob C