Will 2015 Subaru Forester Exhaust Damage the Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack

Updated 07/30/2018 | Published 07/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray

(475)

$989.00

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(579)

$199.25

Question:

As a Subaru Forester owner 2015 and using a Curt 2inch hitch, I have read of a few issues with Kuat rack being too close to cars muffler other cars - partial melting of rack front tire saddle or worst, melting of actual bike tire rim. This rack meets my needs eBikes and other, but is it OK with my Forester, or should I be looking at a different rack?

asked by: Sandy M

Expert Reply:

With Curt 2 inch trailer hitch # C13144 installed on your 2015 Subaru Forester there should be around 4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the end of the rear bumper. When installed in the hitch the Kuat NV # NV22G will be about 6-1/2 inches from the back of the rear bumper to the closest part of the rack. But there is also a 3-1/2 inch rise in the shank of the bike rack which will effectively move it out of the path of the exhaust.

The issue is not the vehicle muffler but the exhaust coming out of the tailpipes. If the tailpipes on your Forester exit straight out and are not pointed downward then the exhaust could be directed at hitch mounted accessories. There are ways to fix that as well by basically using turndown exhaust tips which will direct the exhaust downward instead of straight back.

We have some turndown tips which you can see in the included link.

expert reply by: Michael H