Hitch Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2013 Subaru Outback With Factory Class I Hitch

Question:

I have a 2013 subaru outback with a factory installed hitch receiver. This is a class 1 hitch receiver. I am looking for a Thule hitch bike rack and hoped to get a four bike rack. I am reading in your descriptions that class 1 receivers can only carry two bikes. Is this true? Not at minimum three? Secondly, which do you recommend? I am looking at the Vertex, Apex, and Helium. Advice? Any of these on sale? Thanks so much!

asked by: Lane

Expert Reply:

You are correct, Class I trailer hitches are limited to a maximum of 2 bikes. This issue is not the overall weight of the bikes, but the distance from the trailer hitch where the weight of the third bike is placed. Since the third bike is further away from the trailer hitch, it applies more leverage that the hitch cannot handle. It is similar to using pipe extension on a wrench to break a rusty or stubborn bolt. If you were to carry 3 bikes and something fails, there would be no warranty coverage from the bike rack or vehicle manufacturer.

With that in mind, I recommend using the Thule Helium Aero 2 Bike Rack, # TH9042PRO. This is a lightweight aluminum bike rack that is great for Class I trailer hitches. It also offers all of the best bike rack features such as an anti-rattle shank, anti-sway bike cradles, a cable lock and a hitch lock.

If you want to carry a third or fourth bike, I recommend looking into roof mounted bike racks like the Thule UpRide, # TH599000. Roof mounted bike racks require a roof rack with crossbars that run side to side. If you have a factory roof rack, both of this bike rack will fit without any additional parts. If you only have the raised side rails, then you will also want to pick up a roof rack like the Thule Evo Raised Rail Feet # TH710401 and 53" WingBar Evo Crossbars # TH711420. This will require more of an investment, but it is the safest way to carry 3 or more bikes on your vehicle.

I have attached a link to all of our roof mounted bike racks so you can see our entire selection.

expert reply by: John H