Can 4 Bikes be Carried with the Class I OEM Subaru Trailer Hitch on a 2012 Forester

Published 11/15/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Inno Tire Hold Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting

(237)

$998.69

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

(133)

$49.00

Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away

(52)

$587.16

Question:

I have A Suburu installed hitch rated for 200# tongue wt and 2400# tow wt. I would like a rack for 3-4 bikes prerably swingaway. Any suggestions? Or at least a tilt away where I can keep the bikes on like the Saris Glide EX

asked by: Andrea

Expert Reply:

Since your OEM Subaru hitch on your 2012 Forester is a Class I trailer hitch you cannot carry more than 2 bikes with it. Although you can carry 4 bikes by installing a roof rack to carry 2 of them, if you want to carry all 4 using a trailer hitch you will need to swap out your OEM trailer hitch with a Class II or Class III option.

If you decide to go this route then I highly recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75650 which is a Class III hitch with a 2" hitch receiver. A 2" hitch receiver will allow you to utilize a wider range of accessories than a 1-1/4" hitch receiver would. I have attached an installation video that you can use as a reference.

Installing this hitch will allow you to use the Thule Hitching Post Pro, # TH934XTR which will work to hold 4 bikes. However, like you mentioned it is a tight fit for 4 bikes. The video even mentioned a few scratches on the bikes. You also must remove bikes in order to tilt it away.

You could go with a swinging rack like the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465. Instead of tilting, this 4-bike rack swings to the side, with the bikes on it, to completely get out of your way so that you will have full access to the back of your vehicle.

Then for the premium option, and my absolute favorite, take a look at the Inno Tire Hold Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting # INH142. This rack was designed to tilt out with or without bikes loaded so you can open the rear hatch. This is a rack with so many great features. I have linked a video of these racks for you.

If any of your bikes have an alternative frame that doesn't have a horizontal cross tube like a traditional men's bike then an adapter bar like part # UB01 is recommended if you go with a hanging style rack. This will help keep your bike level and increase ground clearance. This is not needed for the Inno # INH142.

If you would rather install a roof rack and go that way then let me know and I can make a recommendation for you.