Can I Carry Four Bikes On My 2018 Subaru Forester With A OEM Hitch Receiver

Updated 09/08/2021 | Published 09/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(937)

$163.80

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(231)

$382.95

Question:

Hi! We are looking to purchase a bike rack for our 2018 Subaru Forester. We had a hitch put on at Subaru which is a 1 1/4 inch hitch. At the time, I was unaware of the difference in Subaru hitches as far as what racks can be used with them or quite honestly that there were even different sizes. We would like a 4 bike rack. What recommendations do you have? I have also seen that you can get a hitch adapter to make the 1 1/4 inch hitch into a 2 inch hitch. Would this be a good idea? I was looking at the Yakima Ridgeback, but when looking at the installation instructions realized our hitch hole is way to close to the end for this rack to fit. Thanks for any guidance on this matter!

asked by: Beth

Helpful Expert Reply:

The factory hitch receiver from Subaru is a Class I rated hitch receiver. It has a maximum tongue weight of 176 lbs and a maximum tow weight of 1,500 lbs. This presents two problems. The first problem is that Class I hitch receivers have a very limited number of hitch bike racks they are compatible with and none of them carry four bikes. For example, the Swagman Trailhead 4 Bike Rack is Class I rated, but when on a Class I hitch receiver, the rack has a two bike limit at 35 lbs per bike. Unfortunately, that is going to be the case with any four bike hitch rack that is Class I rated, the hitch receiver cannot handle the weight of four bikes.

The second issue is the adapter you proposed. Even if you can find an adapter that will fit a Class I hitch receiver, adding the adapter will reduce the maximum tongue weight of your hitch receiver by 50%. The new maximum tongue weight would be 88 lbs. That means your hitch bike rack, the adapter, and the bikes you carry, all have to total 88 lbs or less. Your best option would be to replace your hitch receiver with a 2" hitch receiver and select a hitch bike rack that can carry four bikes.

I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", part # e98839. for your 2018 Subaru Forester. This hitch receiver has a maximum tongue weight of 525 lbs and a maximum tow weight of 3,500 lbs.

The Yakima Ridgeback 4 Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting, part # Y02458, will fit this hitch receiver. It comes with Yakima's SpeedKnob, which is there anti-rattle hitch that reduces extra movement between the hitch receiver and the bike rack and it locks the bike rack to your vehicle. This bike rack has anti-sway cradles that keeps the bike from swinging during transport. When the rack is empty, you can still access the rear of your vehicle with the tilt-down mast.

I have included product description links below, a video installation link, and a video review link below.