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

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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

1

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.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

1

Answer 1

You could do that if you wish, you'll just want to make sure that the heat shield is NOT sandwiched between the hitch and the chassis of the vehicle at any point. We frequently hear from folks with concerns about the vehicle being harmed…

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Answer 2

The best hitch for your 2016 Forester will depend on what you're planning on using the hitch for. If you're only needing the hitch to serve as an attachment point for the Yakima #Y02457 Ridgeback bike rack, a Class II hitch like the…

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Answer 3

The Class III Curt Trailer Hitch #C13144 does require the use of a stabilizer strap like part #18050 to comply with the warranty. Instead of going with the Curt option I recommend using the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch #e98839 or the Draw-Tite #75876…

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Answer 4

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 8

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 9

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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

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