Class II or Class III for 2010 Subaru Legacy Ground Clearance

Updated 04/30/2021 | Published 04/29/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(12)

$216.02

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(15)

$228.17

Ultra-Fab Steel Roller for RVs with 2" Trailer Hitches

(129)

$52.45

Question:

Im trying to decide on what hitch to get for my 2010 Subaru Legacy. Ill be using it simply for a 2-bike rack no towing or anything. Im considering a Kuat or Thule platform bike rack. Typically, Id go with the Class III as the 2inch receiver seems to allow for many more options. However, Ive been told that I might not have great ground clearance with a Class III, and that the hitch might actually scrape the ground if backing out of a driveway. Curious if this is actually the case/something I need to worry about and thus should consider the Class 2 instead?

asked by: Melissa R

Expert Reply:

Honestly, going with a 1-1/4 inch hitch is only going to gain you 3/4 of an inch of increased ground clearance which is pretty minimal, I'd recommend going with the more versatile Class III hitch. If you're concerned about the bottom of the hitch receiver hitting the pavement, you could use a skid wheel like # UF48-979020 which mounts to a 2 inch receiver, and will work whether or not you have an accessory mounted in the hitch.

I'd recommend going with the Curt Class III hitch, part # C13158. I've linked to the installation instructions, as well as to a product video for the skid wheel mentioned above. If you'd prefer a Class II, you can use part
# C12298. As you can see, there isn't much of a price differential between the Class II and III.

expert reply by: Mike L