Best Trailer Hitch Receiver For Carrying a Bike Rack With a 2021 Subaru Ascent

Published 10/20/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(326)

$244.83

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(124)

$39.16

2-Bike Add-On for Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2" Hitches - Aluminum - Matte Black

(20)

$689.00

Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black

(397)

$898.00

Curt Auxiliary LED Indicator Lights

(244)

$32.94

Curt Easy Mount Bracket for 4- or 5-Way Flat Trailer Connector - 2" Hitch

(96)

$17.73

Question:

You have a lot of receivers available for my 2021 Subaru Ascent. Which one do you recommend for carrying our bikes with a hitch mounted bike rack?

asked by: Landon

Expert Reply:

I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e55ZR for your 2021 Subaru Ascent. This receiver will sit behind the removable fascia on your Ascent providing you a cleaner look when you are not towing and it will raise your bike rack up away from the ground protecting it from road debris. When we had this installed on your Ascent in our shop we had 24" from the ground to the inside of the receiver and 2" from the hitch pin center hole to the edge of the rear bumper.

I do also recommend installing a Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118790 when you are installing your receiver. This will allow you to use Auxiliary Lights # C53201 on your bike rack as the tail lights may be impaired by your bikes to the drivers behind you. You can also use this 4-way harness if you should ever need to tow a small trailer. The Curt Easy Mount Bracket # C58001 will provide you with a secure way of holding your 4-way on the receiver without having to drill into the receiver.

If you are needing a bike rack I recommend the Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack # BA22B as it is capable of supporting 2 bikes up to 60lbs each will fit a wide variety of bikes. This rack will also tilt out of the way allowing you to access your rear cargo area with or without bikes loaded. When you do not have any bikes the rack folds up nicely so that it does not sick out as far past your rear bumper making parking in lots or your garage easier without having to always remove the rack.

If you need to carry more than 2 bikes you can add the 2-Bike Add-On # BA02B for an additional 2 bikes that weigh up to 40lbs each.