Carrying 4 Bikes on a 2017 Subaru Outback Touring Wagon with a Factory Hitch

Published 09/26/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(1019)

$206.34

SeaSucker Cable Anchor for Cable Lock - Window Mounted

$29.99

SeaSucker Mini Bomber Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Fork Mount - Vacuum Cup Mount

(6)

$499.00

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray

(469)

$1678.00

Aviation Tin Snip Set - Left Cut, Right Cut, and Center Cut - 3 Pieces

$34.40

Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier - Roof Mount

(111)

$227.92

Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores (QTY 4)

(458)

$55.95

Question:

Class I hitches are always limited to only two bikes, as the weight of any bikes past the second can cause the forces applied to the hitch to be magnified, risking damage to the bike rack, vehicle or hitch. If you provide me with a little more information about your vehicle, I can make a better recommendation to fit more than two bikes onto your vehicle.

asked by: Rich G

Expert Reply:

Class I hitches are always limited to only two bikes, as the weight of any bikes past the second can cause the forces applied to the hitch to be magnified, risking damage to the bike rack, vehicle or hitch.

If you provide me with a little more information about your vehicle, I can make a better recommendation to fit more than two bikes onto your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jacob W

Rich G.

9/26/2017

Jacob W.

9/26/2017

Given that information, you have two options: outright replace the hitch with a new hitch, or use some alternative systems to carry the additional two bikes. 2017 Subaru Outback Touring Wagons have Class III hitches available that are 2 inch receivers. You will, of course, be limited by the towing capacity of the vehicle, but there's nothing wrong with installing a higher class hitch if you're aware of the limits of your vehicle. Additionally, since you're not intending to tow any trailers or use it for any reason but the bike rack, you'll be okay to install the higher class. I recommend using the Draw-Tite Class III, part # 75673 as your hitch. This does require drilling to install and I've included a video of that process so you can decide if you'd like to do this yourself or get professional help to install. You'll need a 1-1/8 inch hole saw and tin snips, part # PT79ZR in order to install this at home. For a rack, you'll want to pick a four bike platform rack that is lighter than you'd normally go so you can stay within your vehicle's ratings. The specific number I turned up in my research is 200 pounds of tongue weight, but you'll want to verify this inside your owner's manual and with your dealer to be safe. If you've reinstalled to the 2 inch hitch and you're looking for a higher-feature rack, the Kuat NV 2.0, part # NV22G-NA22G which includes integrated locks, anti rattle and even a repair rack for quick fixes to your bikes is an extremely popular option. If instead you'd rather not reinstall the hitch, you'll need a hitch rack and then a way of carrying two other bikes. For the rack, I strongly recommend the Thule Doubletrack, part # TH92BJ. This is a two bike rack that is very easy to load and is compatible with a 1-1/4 inch receiver. This is a frame mount carrier providing a stable ride. For the other two bikes, you'll be limited to using your roof. If you have the factory roof racks installed, or have purchased an aftermarket rack, I recommend the Yakima Front-Loader, part # Y02103 . This is a great, easy to mount rack that is quick to remove when you want to return your vehicle to its original aerodynamic state. It includes an integrated cable lock for the bike, and a rack lock is available as part # Y07204 for a four pack. This gives you a kit with four locks that use the same key, letting you not have to fumble for multiple keys to remove the rack. If you have fork mount bikes and no roof rack installed, I recommend the SeaSucker Mini-Bomber, part # 298-BM2006 . This is a unique rack that fits to the naked roof without crossbars, and holds two bikes via fork mount and a rear vacuum cup. This is a product that's in the "See to believe" category, so I've included video of the rack itself and a video of the smaller Talon version being used to lift a Volkswagen Bus so you can see the strength that these racks have. These racks do not include any locks, so again, I recommend using a cable lock, part # e98891 to lock them to your vehicle if you plan on leaving the vehicle with the bikes attached. This is easiest if you have any clearance on your factory side rails, or you can use a window anchor, part # 298-BA0010 in order to provide an anchor point for the bikes. I've included videos of all of these racks so you can get an idea of how they work and what they look like in action. I know that this is a lot of information, so don't be afraid to ask more questions about the specific racks or if you have other preferences for your vehicle.