Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2015 Subaru Forester for Carrying Bike Rack

Published 02/27/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(211)

$379.99

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

(119)

$165.36

Saris SuperClamp EX Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(129)

$579.99

Question:

Hello, I am soon to get a 1-1/4 hitch installed on my Subarur 2015 Forester for the purpose of getting a bike rack. But I just read this reply in the comment section of one of the racks Ive been looking at and am now very confused. If your 2014 Subaru Forester happens to have the factory 1-1/4 inch hitch then none of the bike racks listed above should be used. The issue is the OEM hitch has a pin hole very close to the end of the receiver. This means that most bike rack shanks will not fit far enough into the receiver for the rack to be held very securely. In this case you would need to look at Yakima platform racks. Im not sure what factory 1-1/4 hitch means. That means it was on the car when it was purchased new? But if Im getting Subaru to install the Subaru hitch after purchase this comment does not apply? Thanks!

asked by: Wendy

Expert Reply:

The hitch that Subaru would install on your 2015 Forester is the same hitch that they would have installed on it from the factory. If you go with that hitch your bike rack options will be limited. Your best option is to go with an aftermarket hitch like the Draw Tite part # 36523 which will allow you to basically you any bike rack designed for a 1-1/4 inch hitch.

I really like the Saris Freedom Superclamp part # SA4025F. This is a lightweight platform rack (which is normally an unheard of combo). That means it'll be easy to install and remove from your vehicle since it's light, but also it'll be very easy to load bikes on since it's a platform rack.

This rack also only touches bikes at the tire so it protects any damage to delicate frame materials or finishes. The Freedom part # SA4412b that you referenced is pretty similar but it grabs the bikes by the frame instead.

expert reply by: Jameson C