Bike Carrying Options for 2008 Subaru Outback Wagon  

Question:

Expert Reply:

According to Thule and Yakima, the 2008 Subaru Outback Wagon is not suitable for use with a trunk mounted bike rack because the rear hatch is not strong enough to carry the weight of the carrier and the bikes.

This leaves a roof or hitch mounted system as your remaining options. I would recommend going with the hitch mounted option, which would involve installing a receiver hitch like the Draw-Tite Class II receiver, part # 36334. This hitch will fit your Outback as long as it is not a Sport model. The 3 bike Swagman Trailhead, part # S63365 would be a good budget-priced option.

For womens bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # 64005 is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike has greater ground clearance and is not carried at an angle.

If you decide to carry the bikes on the roof, you will need crossbars for the bike rack to attach to. If your Outback has the rails on the side of the roof that run from front to rear, crossbars can be installed using the Thule Evo Raised Rail Kit consisting of parts # TH710401 and # TH712200. Once crossbars are in place, you could use 3 of the Swagman Rooftop Bike Carriers, part # S64720.

Of the two options, the hitch and hitch mounted rack would be the easiest to use.

I have linked you to the products I recommended. To see install details and some product demonstration videos, click the provided links.

expert reply by: Mike L

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