Hitch to Bumper Clearance with Draw-Tite # 75673 Installed on 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Proper fit of hitch mount accessories like bike and cargo carriers is affected by the amount of clearance at the back of a vehicle. Some of these carriers need more clearance than others. In the case of the Class III Hidden Hitch # 87568 when installed on your car the end of the receiver tube will be about 3-inches from the back of the bumper cover. The hitch pin hole will be 4-1/2-inches from it. Please refer to the linked video at the :20 second mark for illustration of these dimensions.

If you want to use a carrier that requires more clearance than this an extender can be used but this is not ideal. ANY hitch extender or adapter will cut your hitch capacity by 50-percent. For example, Brophy # HE06 will give you 7-inches more clearance, but it will also drop your hitch's 600-lb tongue weight rating to 300-lbs. This may well be enough tongue weight capacity for your needs but the other issue with using adapters is that they allow for more random motion of the carrier.

The best solution is to choose a bike or cargo carrier that has enough clearance built into its design.
This avoids the cost of an adapter, the loss of hitch capacity and the more wobbly ride.

I have linked you to our pages for Class III bike and cargo carriers. For each item we ALWAYS indicate the clearance distance from the hitch pin hole that is required. Let's say you needed a cargo carrier like the etrailer # e98874. This would work great for you WITHOUT an adapter since it provides over 19-1/2 inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the edge of the basket. If you need a bike carrier then a rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR would be a great choice since it provides 13-1/2 inches clearance from the hitch pin hole.

The two linked articles will be of value to you as you decide on what items will best fit your requirements.

expert reply by: Adam R

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