Thule T2 Pro Bike Rack Compatibility With Subaru Factory Hitch with Shallow Pin Hole

Updated 04/16/2020 | Published 04/15/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(167)

$718.95

Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(360)

$451.81

Question:

I have the 1.25inch version of this and when installing on my Subaru hitch, I noticed there is not 1.5inch depth for the pin hole. Am I better using the pin hole where it is, or sliding the rack as deep as possible into the hitch and then tightening? Thule T2 XT Pin Depth

asked by: Patrick M

Expert Reply:

It is very common for the hitch pin hole of the Subaru factory hitches to be closer to the face of the receiver which does not work well with most bike racks like the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Platform Rack part # TH23JV that requires the hitch pin hole to be at least 1.5" in from the face of the receiver. I cannot recommend to slide the rack into the hitch and tighten it without pinning it because it will eventually wiggle out and cause an accident.

The only solutions are to change the trailer hitch to a trailer hitch with a pin hole farther back or use a different bike rack. If you tell me the year make and model of your vehicle I can make recommendations for a hitch. Most of the Yakima bike racks work well with the Subaru factory hitches. If you decide to switch bike racks, I recommend the Yakima HoldUp 2 Bike Rack part # Y02445 which is the best platform rack option that fits the Subaru factory hitch in our experience. It's also very comparable to the Thule rack as far as quality is concerned. It also tilts-away, folds up and has a built in locking system. I have attached a video for your reference.

expert reply by: Heather A