Can 2017 Subaru Outback With Class 1 Hitch Carry 3 Bikes  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

While there are ways to carry 3 bikes on your 2017 Subaru Outback, a class 1 trailer hitch is limited to carrying just two bikes due to the amount of weight and torque put on the hitch for a rack that extends out that far.

The easiest - and least costly - way to do this is by forgoing your hitch to carry your bikes and going with a trunk-mounted 3-bike rack, the Thule Gateway Pro 3-Bike Rack # TH78VR or Yakima FullBack 3-Bike Rack # Y02633.

This will give you a safe, secure, and simple way to carry three bikes. Just keep in mind with any hanging rack if you are carrying alternative frame bikes like a women's, child's or step-through frame you will need to give them a horizontal mounting point by adding the Bike Frame Adapter Bar # HRBA-PRO.

The other option you have is to use your hitch with a hitch-mounted rack to carry two bikes, and add a roof rack and roof-mounted bike carrier. That will require you to get two bike racks and a roof rack for your 2017 Subaru Outback.

If you want to go this route, you can still keep the relative cost down and get quality parts. If your '17 Outback is NOT a Touring model and has raised side rails that run front to back the best option for an economical but quality roof rack is the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack # MPG215.

With this rack you can add on a roof-mounted carrier, the Inno Fork Lock III Roof Bike Rack # INA391.

For a Class 1 bike rack the best option to go with these parts is the Hollywood Racks Destination 2-Bike Rack # HLY94FR .

I have added links below to a number of video reviews for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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