How to Allow a Thule Helium 3 Bike Rack to Fit a 2017 Subaru Forester OEM Hitch
Updated 06/08/2017 | Published 06/06/2017
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Question:
Can we purchase a different base that would fit the receiver tube on our 2017 forester since the pin hole on the receiver tube is only about 1/2 inch from the end of the tube. We have the 9043 helium areo 3
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
I have a solution for you, however, there is no replacement bike rack shank to allow you to use the Thule Helium Aero 3 Bike Rack, # TH9043, on you 2017 Subaru Forester's OEM hitch.The issue, as you probably found out, is the Thule Helium Aero 3 Bike Rack will not fit completely in to he OEM hitch.
I have a couple options for you. One is to replace the OEM hitch with an aftermarket hitch, like the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III Hitch # 75876. The hitch pin hole on the Draw-Tite hitch is located farther back on the receiver tube than the OEM hitch. The location of the pin hole on the Draw-Tite hitch will allow you to mount the Thule rack to you vehicle.
However, if the OEM hitch is welded on and not bolted on to the frame of your Forester, then replacing the hitch will not be an option.
The other option that I mentioned would be to replace your bike rack with a model that will work in the OEM hitch of your Forester. The Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack , # Y02458, uses a wedge to secure the bike rack in the hitch receiver. The pin is used as a secondary safety measure and does not need to be inserted into the pin hole of the OEM hitch. The wedge tightens by spinning the orange SpeedKnob at the bottom of the rack. When tight in the tube, the SpeedKnob can be lock to secure the rack in the hitch.
I have attached videos on both installation of the Draw-Tite hitch and a product review of the Yakima rack for you to evaluate.
