How Can I Haul My Trailer And Bikes At The Same Time?

Updated 10/05/2020 | Published 10/01/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 5" Drop/Rise - 10K

(9)

$219.95

Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers - 2"-100 lbs

(151)

$226.05

Question:

Hello! We have a 2020 Subaru Turbo Outback with a factory installed hitch, 3500 lb towing capacity, 350 lb tongue weight. We are in the process of purchasing a custom built 1650 lb tear trailer, and ideally, wed like to tow the trailer, and ALSO be able to mount a bike rack. The bike rack should be able to handle 50 lbs per bike Is there a dual hitch system that you can recommend for us? What are the limitations and considerations I need to know before purchasing the hitch set up and the bike rack? And what specifications would I need to give to our tear manufacturer so that the set up would function properly and safely? Thank you for any advice you can give me !

asked by: Laura

Expert Reply:

Getting a dual hitch converter will pose some issues with towing. Whenever using an extension of any kind, you will reduce the capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. This isn't something you will want if you plan on hauling your trailer with your 2020 Subaru Outback. There are some other options you can use, but this will depend on your trailer.

You can use the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers # CC-275. I've included a video to show you how it works. If your custom trailer is an A frame trailer, you can use this to put whatever hitch mounted bike rack you wanted. Just be sure that you do not go over the 100 lb capacity.

Another option would be the Hitch-It 2 Bike Rack for Straight Tongue Trailers # LC731138. This will connect straight to your trailer tongue and has a capacity of 80 lbs. I like this option better because the weight capacity is not cut down when you put a bike rack on like the Stromberg Carlson option. The Hitch-It is a bike rack in itself.

The Gen Y Shank # 325-GH-303 is not meant to be used as a multi hitch option. The Gen Y holes are what determine your rise or drop in your shank.

Between these two options I think you can find the best solution for you. I've included a couple videos for you to check out to help you decide!

expert reply by: Adam E