Carrying Four Bikes with 2011 Subaru Outback w/ Factory Class I Trailer Hitch  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The hitch and bike rack manufacturers all agree that no more than two bikes should be carried on any bike rack used on a Class I receiver hitch. The limited tongue weight capacity (maximum amount of downward force that can be safely applied to the hitch) is one reason, but additional bikes after the first two move the load further rearward away from the receiver tube. As the distance between the load and the receiver tube increases, more and more leverage is applied to the receiver tube. Excessive leverage can damage the hitch or cause the hitch attachment points to the vehicle to fail during travel. Which would be not so good.

This leaves you with a few options:

1) You can use a trunk mounted bike rack that carries up to three bikes. Thule makes numerous models that will work (see link), but I really like the OutWay 3 bike model, part # TH56BV. The OutWay uses only 2 attachment cables instead of the clumsy 4-6 strap and buckle arrangements used by other racks. The cable system allows the cables to be adjusted with the twist of a knob, which allows the rack to be installed or removed in moments. The cables are lockable, and the rack includes an integrated cable lock to secure the bike to the rack. The Passage, part # TH911XT lacks the cables for the easy install or the locks, but it is still a quality rack.

2) Remove the existing Class I hitch, and replace it with a Class II hitch like the Draw-Tite # 36493 or the Class III, # 75673. Both hitches are compatible with regular Outback models, but NOT the Sport model. Once the hitch is removed, the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR would be an outstanding choice.

I've linked you to some install and product demonstration videos that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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