Will the Thule Apex XT Work On a 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon with Factory Hitch

Updated 09/25/2019 | Published 09/24/2019

Question:

Hi! I have a 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6 with a factory installed. I am wanting to use the Thule Apex XT 2 bike model 9024XT on my vehicle. Will it be safe to use this particular Thule bike rack even though my hitch does not have the recommended distance between receiver face and hitch pin hole?

asked by: Valerie

Expert Reply:

In order to use the Thule Apex XT 2 Bike Rack part # TH9024XT on a 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon I must recommend you replace the factory trailer hitch. The factory trailer hitch is notorious for having an extremely shallow hitch pin hole which then creates an issue for most bikes racks. The majority of bike racks will not work with this factory trailer hitch so your best option is a full replacement.

I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75673 or the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76227. The former is easy to install and will then provide the required hitch pin hole depth for the Thule Apex XT. The latter is a bit harder to install but has a concealed look so the cross tube is not shown and will also provide the required hitch pin hole depth for the Thule Apex XT.

expert reply by: Conner L