Can Hitch Pin Hole On 2015 Forester OEM Hitch Be Enlarged For Swagman Chinook Bike Carrier

Updated 06/13/2017 | Published 06/11/2017

Question:

As has been noted in other posts here, the Subaru OEM hitch hitchpin hole is very close to the outer end of the hitch. With the Swagman Chinook rack, there are two holes in the bar that slides into the hitch. I believe the first hole further from the rack is the one that is intended for the hitch pin and the second hole for the bolt to add the assembly converting the rack bar for a 2 hitch. The hitchpin hole is a larger diameter than the second hole the swagman threaded hitchpin wont go through the second hole. It would seem that the Chinook rack could be used on this hitch if the second hole was used for the hitchpin, leaving a longer bar inside the hitch. To do that, it would require drilling that second hole out to be a slightly larger diameter so the hitchpin could go through. Is there any reason not to do that? Thanks for your advice!

asked by: Phil

Expert Reply:

I do not advise opening up the hole on your trailer hitch to accommodate the Swagman Chinook # S64683 hitch pin hole. That would void the warranty on both the hitch and the bike carrier installed in the hitch. The Subaru OEM hitch is notorious for the shallow hitch pin and it makes it very tough to find something that will work well with it.

The bike carrier I recommend is the Yakima HoldUp # Y02445. This bike carrier is designed for 1-1/4 inch hitches, and has a weight capacity of 60-lbs per bike.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L