What do You Recommend for Transporting My 88-Pound E-Bike on a 2018 Subaru Outback?  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

If you are looking for a way to transport your 88-pound Ariel Rider Grizzly, we do not have a standard bike rack that can accommodate that weight. However, the best and easiest route is to use a dirt bike/moped carrier like the Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier for 2" Hitches - With Ramp # UF48-979033. This carrier comes with an inside track width of 5 inches wide, so it is plenty of room for your 4-inch wide tires. It also comes with an included ramp to make loading a piece of cake. For a locking hitch pin for theft-deterrence, I recommend the etrailer Hitch Lock # e98882.

However, if you are set on a trailer with your 2018 Subaru Outback, I recommend using the Detail K2 Mighty Multi Utility Trailer - 6' Long - 1,295 lbs # K2MMT4X6. This trailer easily accommodates your e-bike. The back gate also doubles as a ramp for easy loading. If you wish to mount the bike upright on the trailer, I recommend using the Tow-Rax Removable Wheel Chock w/ Wood Screws - 6-1/2" Wide Tires # TWSPWC along with the mounting hardware # TWSPWFKM. In order to use this trailer, you need a 1-7/8" ball like the Curt Fusion Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1-7/8" # C45131. If you need a 4-way wiring harness for your Outback to activate the trailer's taillights, that is the T-One Wiring Harness # 118467. It is important to note that this trailer has a 16-inch coupler height, so you may need a rise/drop hitch depending on the current ground clearance of your hitch in order to make the connection level. I went ahead and attached a product listing of all our available drop hitches.

If you need a 2-inch hitch for your vehicle, I recommend the Curt Hitch - 2" # C13206. Not only does this hitch provide you with 600 pounds of maximum tongue weight and 4,000 pounds of gross towing weight capacity, it also comes with a gloss outer coat over the base powder coat that provides better protection against rust/corrosion than our other brands.

For straps to secure your e-bike to the motorcycle carrier or the utility trailer, I recommend the Erickson Ratchet Tie-Down Straps w/ Web Clamps and S-Hooks - 1-1/4" x 12' # EM31353.

As with all hitch applications, I recommend consulting with your Subaru owner's manual to make sure that your vehicle can accommodate the weight you wish to transport.

expert reply by: Bob C

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