Hidden Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2018 Subaru Outback Touring for Carrying Bike Rack

Published 05/09/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Apex Swing XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away

(222)

$699.95

Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(132)

$49.00

Question:

I am going to be installing a hitch on my 2018 Subaru Outback for the primary purpose of using a bike rack for my wife to use. I like the 75673 best as far as looks and is setback a few inches from the bumper. Also considering the E98847, but dont like the looks as well. It sits flush with the rear bumper. Will the 75673 work OK with most bike racks, considering clearance from the rear of the Outback?

asked by: Greg S

Expert Reply:

If appearance and being flush with the bumper are your biggest hitch priority for your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon the best solution is the Draw Tite part # 76227 which only has the hitch opening hanging below the rear bumper which is flush with the bumper. See attached picture.

Otherwise the Draw Tite part # 75673 you mentioned would work great too. It will be a bit more visible since the crosstube does hang down below the rear bumper as well. The distance it is recessed from the rear bumper would not affect the fit of bike racks as they all have a bit of clearance there.

My favorite bike rack to recommend is the Thule Apex Swing part # TH9027XT because it can carry up to 4 bikes and can swing out and away from the rear of the vehicle to give you complete access to the rear cargo area with bikes loaded. The arms of the rack can also fold down when not in use so that the bike rack doesn't take up much space as well. Check out the review video I attached for more info on this rack as well.

If you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C