Hitch Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2015 Subaru Forester with a 1-1/4 inch OEM Hitch
Question:
I am buying a 2015 Subaru Forester and am considering sticking with the factory hitch. I also plan on upgrading my rack to a Thule Apex 4 bike. I believe the OEM hitch is a class 2, so in theory the rack will fit just fine, but I dont know the distance between the center of the hitch pin and the end of the bumper. I also saw an answer to a question regarding platform rack on the 2014 Subaru OEM hitch which mentioned the pin hole being too close to the end of the hitch and that only Yakima products would be safe. Will there be any known stability or fit issues with the hitch and rack combo that I want?
asked by: Chris M
Expert Reply:
Since the pin hole on the factory Subaru hitch on the 2014 Forester is so close to the end of the receiver, the only racks that are really safe to use in that hitch are the Yakima racks. So the HoldUp, # Y02445, is a great option.
Another great option would be the Yakima RidgeBack part # Y02458. This rack has is Yakima's answer to the Thule Apex that you referenced.
If you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Swagman Easy-Out Women's and Alternative Frame Bike Adapter # 64005 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Yakima
more information >
Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
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