Compatibility of Yakima RidgeBack # Y02458 4-Bike Rack with 2003 Subaru Forester

Updated 02/21/2015 | Published 02/20/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(228)

$458.95

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(247)

$208.03

Question:

I just purchased a 2003 Subaru Forester x and was curious if it would work well.... I have owned the Bighorn in the past and had it with a custom hitch for a BMW 325........ I was VERY happy with the Bighorn, but I am interested in the Ridgeback...

asked by: Bear

Helpful Expert Reply:

If your Forester has a Class II or III hitch, the Yakima # Y02458 RidgeBack 4 Bike rack will work great for you. Your hitch should have a sticker on it that lists the capacity and class of the hitch.

If your hitch is a Class I, you'll need to use a Class I compatible bike rack which will limit you to carrying only two bikes. A Class I hitch has a limited capacity, and any additional bikes added after the first two will place the load too far away from the rear of the vehicle, which applies a great deal of leverage to the hitch. This can damage the hitch or its attachment points to the vehicle. Which would be bad.

If you have a Class I hitch, the best course of action would be to replace the hitch with a Class II like part # 36311. The Class I and II use the same size receiver opening, but the Class II has a higher capacity, and would allow you to use the KingPin bike rack and carry 4 bikes.

expert reply by: Mike L