Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendations for 2002 Subaru Forester

Published 06/20/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device

(602)

$64.45

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

(203)

$220.84

Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 2

(795)

$54.95

Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock - 6' Long

(113)

$49.95

Question:

Hi. I would like to purchase a bike rack for my 2002 Subaru Forester and Im wondering if I have all the parts I need for an effective and safe carrier for our 4 bikes. Im planning on purchasing: Curt Class II Receiver Hitch 1 1/4, C12038 Thule Hitching Post ProFolding Tilting 4 with Anti-Sway 1 1/4inch and 2inch hitches, TH934XTR Snug Tite Hitch Lock THSTL2 for locking the rack to the hitch Are all these parts compatible with each other and with my vehicle? Do I need any additional parts? And can I use any bike lock to secure our bikes to the carrier? Thanks for you help

asked by: Laura P

Expert Reply:

You nailed it!

All the parts you've mentioned, the Curt Class II # C12038, the Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR, it's # THSTL2 lock are all compatible, and would all work excellently for you. There's not any one particular bike lock you'd need to secure the bikes to the rack, but Thule offers one, part # TH538XT. The neat feature with this lock is if you purchase two lock cores, part # TH450200, you can key both the Snug Tite lock and the cable lock alike, so you won't need to carry two keys around.

Another good option for locking your bikes to the rack would be the Master Lock Tuff Links Chain, part # 8291DPS. The chain uses unique square-link chain which is nearly impossible to cut with bolt cutters (I've tried.)

You can see some product demonstration videos and installation instructions by clicking the provided link.