Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendation for 2016 Subaru Outback

Published 09/30/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(132)

$49.00

Question:

Hello Etrailer, Im looking at setting up my 2016 Outback with a rear receiver hitch but Im on the fence about how anything Im carrying - primarily for a rear bike carrier will block the cars lights brake lights and turn signals and the license plate. I was wondering if you could point a potential customer to how I can get a work around for this. Again, this will primarily be set up to use for carrying bicycles. It looks like in Europe the laws are much sticter and the bicycle carrier manufacturers make their products with these concerns in mind. Thank you,

asked by: Andre

Expert Reply:

In general bike racks and bikes mounted to them blocking the view of the rear license plate of a vehicle is not a huge issue. We haven't heard of anyone coming back and having issues with the police in there area due to this and we sell a ton of bike racks. Now if the taillights were getting blocked that would be another story as that would be dangerous. But the racks themselves don't block the lights and typically the bikes aren't long enough to obstruct the view either. Also, the longest part out on a bike would be the wheels and they can easily be seen through due to the spokes.

For a hitch for your 2016 Subaru Outback you would want the Draw Tite hitch part # 75673 which is a confirmed 2 inch hitch that would work well for carrying a bike rack. I attached an install video for this hitch as well.

The most popular bike rack we carry that has been confirmed to fit this vehicle is the Thule Camber 2 part # TH9058. We asked our demo and install guys to name their favorite, most easy-to-use bike racks and this one showed up in nearly everyone's top three. Check out the review video I attached for more info that shows the rack being demoed on a 2016 Outback just like yours.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 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.

expert reply by: Jameson C