Will the Thule Platform Bike Rack Fit on a 2002 Subaru Forester

Published 08/10/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Thule OutWay Platform Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Trays

(13)

$599.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(347)

$49.90

Question:

Will the Thule outway platform style 2 bike carrier fit on a 2002 Subaru Forester?

asked by: Dan F

Expert Reply:

I checked the Thule fit guide an they do recommend the Thule OutWay, # TH65JV, for your 2002 Subaru Forester. I recently had a chance to install the OutWay on a vehicle and I really liked the adjustability of the rack. There is no need for an adapter bar for bikes with no horizontal cross tube and the wheel trays can be adjusted so that just about any two styles of bikes can be carried.

The only drawback to this rack is that it is pretty heavy for a trunk mount option and some of our customers carrying heavier bikes have experienced some damage to the mounting points on their vehicles. I have not heard of any issues with the 2002 Subaru Outback but wanted you to know the weight of the rack could be an issue.

If a lighter rack would be better for you, the Thule OutWay 2 Bike Carrier, # TH45JV, would be a great choice, and I have not heard of any issues with this rack. A bike adapter bar, # TH982XT, would be needed for bikes without a horizontal cross tube to attach to the cradles on this rack.

expert reply by: Robert G