Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2014 Subaru Forester

Question:

Hello, I am considering getting the Thule OutWay 3 Bike Rack for my husbands birthday. My hesitation is that he has a 2014 Subaru Forester. I think it has an electronic tailgate assuming that that means that you can only popinch it open with a button on the key i.e., there is no actual keyhole on the door itself. What I dont understand is why it matters for use of this bike rack whether or not the tailgate has a keyhole. Am I totally misunderstanding this? Please explain. Thanks!

asked by: Sara H

Expert Reply:

I spoke to my contact at Thule and she informed me that they do not fit any of their trunk mounted bike racks to vehicles that have electronic tailgates, which means one that will lift on it's own with a motor.

Since it sounds like the tailgate on your husband's 2014 Subaru Forester just doesn't have a key hole on it the Thule OutWay # TH56BV would work fine.

What makes this rack far superior to the others is the attachment system. It uses 2 retractable coated steel cables to attach to the vehicle rather than 6 nylon straps like other racks. This makes installation quick and easy and the cables also last longer.

The cables store inside the rack so there are no loose straps ends to flap around. The cables can also be locked into position to deter theft of the rack. And there is also an integrated cable lock in the last bike position to deter bike theft.

This rack also features the latest and greatest in road dampening technology which protects bike frames better than other cradles.

If you plan on carrying any women's 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.