Recommended Hitch and 3 Bike Rack for a 2015 Subaru Forester

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Question:

Hi team. I would like to purchase the e98839 for a SubRu Forester 2015. I will use it for bikes and also a trailer. Please: 1. Recommend a bike carrier for 3 bikes 2. Let me know what other parts/accessories that I need to buy other than the bike carrier

asked by: Nick

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help you. The etrailer Hitch item # e98839 is confirmed to fit your 2015 Subaru Forester. It is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. It has a 2" receiver with a 525 lbs tongue weight capacity.

I have linked an installation video below along with a couple of pictures so you can see what this hitch looks like installed.

Since you plan on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # 118467 and a ball mount kit item # C45534.

I have a couple of options for a three bike, bike rack depending on the weight of your bikes.

If you are transporting heavy bikes then I recommend the Saris MHS Bike Rack for 3 Bikes item # SAR35MR. This is a wheel mounted bike rack with a 80 lbs capacity per bike for the two bikes closest to your Subaru and a 35 lbs capacity for the outer most bike.

The Saris includes keyed-alike locks that prevent theft of both the rack and your bikes. This rack is perfect for e-bikes and bikes with carbon frames or custom paint jobs. The adjustable wheel cradles can be positioned to avoid fenders as well. It fits tires up to 5" wide.

The Saris also has an option to add a fourth carrier. It is the 1-Bike Add-On for Saris MHS Bike Rack item # SAR78MR.

I have linked a review video below. The Saris weighs 76 lbs.

If your bikes are lighter then you will want the RockyMounts MonoRail Bike Rack for 3 Bikes item # RKY10004-10005. This bike rack has a 45 lbs capacity per bike. It is also a wheel mounted bike rack that can handle tires up to 5" wide.

The RockyMounts has ratcheting hooks on pivoting upright arms that will hold your bikes securely by the front wheels. These hooks can be adjusted to avoid fenders. This bike rack also has integrated locks to prevent theft.

I have linked a review video below. This rack weighs 72 lbs.

If you have any questions please email me back.

expert reply by: Jerred H

1

2015 Subaru Forester etrailer Hitch Installed
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

Thank you for the information. I see that your Buddy Bike Sport is 43 lbs and has a wheel base of 58.1 inches. For your 2016 Ram 2500, I recommend the Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" #65063 which has a 500 lb…

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Answer 2

We recently had a the Saris representative on-site and one of my questions was about carrying bikes with fenders on a hitch bike rack with carbon framed bikes. He relayed his own experience with the same problem. He said the Saris MHS Modular Bike…

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Answer 3

Between the Saris MHS Bike Rack for 2 Bikes #SAR73MR and the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes #HLY64FR I recommend going with the Hollywood Racks #HLY64FR. Reason being is; Not only does this bike rack have a higher capacity…

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Answer 4

I have an alternative solution for you but as of right now (July 2022) Saris hasn't come out with a loading ramp for the MHS modular bike rack. For a wheel-mount bike rack that has an add-on ramp available we have the Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack…

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Answer 5

The trailer hitch that I recommend for a 2020 GMC Terrain is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76419 because it has a hidden design which means you won't see the bulky, unsightly cross tube from the rear of the vehicle so you…

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Answer 6

If a bike has fenders, you'll want to go with a frame mount style rack. The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack part #HLY84FR is an excellent option for this and what I recommend using. It can carry bikes up to 50 lbs and it only weighs 37…

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Answer 7

You could do that if you wish, you'll just want to make sure that the heat shield is NOT sandwiched between the hitch and the chassis of the vehicle at any point. We frequently hear from folks with concerns about the vehicle being harmed because…

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Answer 8

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 9

Yes, the Curt hitch would be more difficult to install. On our website we have a installation difficulty rating, from 1 to 10, on hitch receivers. The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", part…

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Answer 10

For max tongue weight you will need to stay under the least rated component so even though the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98839 has a 525 lb tongue weight rating, I looked in the online owner's manual for your 2017 Subaru Forester XT and…

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Answer 11

The best hidden-style hitch receiver for your 2024 Subaru Forester is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C47HR. All of the other hitches that fit your vehicle have the crosstube exposed under the bumper while this Curt hitch just has the receiver…

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Answer 12

For your 2018 Subaru Forester XT I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch #76182 because it features a hidden design where only the receiver is visible beneath the vehicle. This provides you with a clean, OEM appearance unlike the…

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Recommended Hitch and 3 Bike Rack for a 2015 Subaru Forester

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