Recommendation for Transporting 4 Bikes with Class II Hitch on Subaru Outback
Published 12/06/2017
Products Featured in This Question
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Tire Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Replacement 1-1/4" Hitch Shank for Yakima HoldUp Bike Racks
- Video: Review of the Replacement 1-1/4" Hitch Shank for Yakima HoldUp Bike Racks
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Video: The Low-Down on the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch and Wiring for 2027 Kia Telluride
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2025 Toyota RAV4
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
on Hitch Bike Racks
