Recommendation for Transporting 4 Bikes with Class II Hitch on Subaru Outback

Published 12/06/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(168)

$899.95

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(560)

$90.49

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

(132)

$49.00

Question:

if I have a 1.25inch receiver on my subaru outback. Can i use the 2inch thule pro hitch bike rack if I use an adapter? Is this a bad idea? Heres why Im considering. IF i ever want to buy the add on to carry 4 bikes, I must have the 2inch hitch rack. i might upgrade the hitch and receiver on my car in the future to a 2inch receiver so I could pull a small trailer but Im not doing this right away so I wan to know if in the meantime, i could adapt a 2inch bike rack into my 1.25inch receiver. I will be driving this on road trips of up to 550 miles so I need to know if that would be secure or not. You all seem knowledgable and experienced in this arena so Im hoping you can advise me on this. Thank you in advance!

asked by: Jenny G

Helpful Expert Reply:

You can certainly secure the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Platform Rack # TH83JV to your Class II, 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver by using an adapter like the Brophy # HTAD. This adapter will insert into the 1-1/4 inch receiver and provide a 2 inch opening on the other end for use with 2 inch hitch-mounted accessories.

The issue with using this or any similar adapter, which may negate the reason you are wanting one, is that it is going to reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50%. For example, if the trailer hitch on your Subaru Outback has a tongue weight capacity of 300 pounds, this will be reduced to 150 pounds when using the adapter. With this reduced capacity, you likely will not be able to safely load 4 bikes onto the carrier and extension if needed. Keep in mind that the rack itself (without the 2 bike extension) weighs 62 pounds.

If you think you will need to transport 4 bikes in the future, a better option might be to go with a 4 bike rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR. This rack is compatible with both 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch hitch receivers and can secure up to 4 bikes at 35 pounds each. This is a really nice, hanging-style rack that features dual arms for excellent bike support and HoldFast cradles with advanced grooves that will gently cushion the frames. I have attached a short video demonstration on this product that you can check out.

If you decide to go this route, you may need an adapter bar like the Kuat # UB01 if you plan on carrying any children's, woman's, or alternative frame bikes. This will provide a horizontal attachment point for level transport and improved ground clearance. I have attached a video demonstration on this product so you can see exactly how it works and why it might be needed.

expert reply by: Chris R