Is there Clearance for Installation of a Hitch Bike Rack on a 2011 Subaru Forester

Published 05/11/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

(99)

$202.79

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$16.01

CR Brophy Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Hitch Receivers - 5-3/4" Long

(111)

$83.18

Question:

I have a two bike rack with about 4 1/2 from pin hole to upright. Installing on a 2011 Subaru Forester. Will I need an extension for the upright to clear bumper?

asked by: Tim C

Expert Reply:

You would most likely need an extension to be able to use a bike rack with only 4-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier. We have a video of a hitch installation on a 2010 Subaru Forester, see link, that shows the hitch pin hole on that vehicle ends up about 7-1/2 inches back from the farthest out part of the rear bumper.

You would only need about 3 inches of extension, so the Brophy Hitch Extender, # hes6, with 6 inches of extension would work well on your 2011 Forester, as long as the weight of the bike rack and bikes does not exceed 1/2 the rating of the hitch or vehicle tongue weight capacity. When using any sort of adapter, that extends the weight of items farther away from the vehicle, the weight capacity of the lowest rated item is reduced by 50 percent.

With the Curt Trailer Hitch, # 12047, Curt recommends that you use a stabilizing strap to help secure all non-trailer loads, such as a bike rack. The Curt Bike Rack Strap with Cambuckle, item # 18050, would be a good choice for this.

expert reply by: Robert G