Hitch Mounted 4 Bike Rack for 1-1/4 Inch Hitch on Subaru Outback

Updated 06/07/2018 | Published 06/06/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(228)

$458.95

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(255)

$216.47

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(827)

$42.00

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(27)

$213.09

etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike

(226)

$46.27

Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device

(569)

$64.08

Question:

Hi, I have a 1 1/4 hitch on my Subaru. I would like to upgrade to a 2 inch sleeve in order to carry 4 bikes on a hitch mount. Ive read that my current hitch class shouldnt carry more than 2 bicycles. Advise please. My car is a 2011 Subaru Outback. Thanks

asked by: George U

Expert Reply:

All of the hitches we have for your 2011 Subaru Outback are Class II or Class III hitches. The Class II hitch is most likely what you have with the 1-1/4 inch opening and is compatible with 4 bike carriers. The Class I hitch that is also 1-1/4 inches is limited to 2 bikes, but there is not a Class I hitch for your vehicle, so you will be fine.

Depending on your hitch # C12290 or # 36493 (both of which are Class II), we have one that has a center of hitch pin hole to outermost part of the bumper dimension of 3 inches and the other is 5 inches. For your bike rack, I'll make sure both will work.

My recommendation is the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack # Y02458. This carrier comes with all the hitch locks needed to securely transport your bikes.

For a more economical rack, I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR which is a great basic rack for 4 bikes. I recommend adding the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device # THSTL2 and a cable lock like # e98891 to secure the rack and your bikes.

With either option, I also recommend the Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes # 64005 for any step through frames for ground clearance and level transport.